Getting Started
From Xbox-Linux
|
Navigation: Main Page / Getting Started / FAQ / Status/Contribute / Documentation / Mailing Lists / Links Try Out: Screenshots / Download / CD-Art (http://www.xbox-linux.org/cdart/) Developer: CVS (http://xbox.cvs.sourceforge.net/xbox-linux/) / Contact / SourceForge Project Page (http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/xbox-linux/) FreeBSD port: Overview |
(by Michael Steil and others)
You are interested in Xbox Linux? Use this "text adventure" - Read an item, and click on your answer to go to the next item.
If this doesn't answer all your questions, please read the FAQ as well.
Please send comments and suggestions to Michael (mailto:mist@c64.org?Subject=Getting%20Started%20Document).
1
Do you already own an Xbox?
2
Do you know what exactly an Xbox is?
3
The Xbox is essentially a PC sold by Microsoft as a gaming console, because they intend the user only run games on it. Xbox prices in most countries are less than 1/2 the price of a low-end PC, and refurbished or used models are widely available for even less. As proof that the Xbox is essentially a PC, here's a short list of the internal components:
- Intel Celeron 733 MHz CPU
- 64 MB of RAM (enough for most Linux applications - if you need more, it can be upgraded, but extensive soldering is involved)
- nVidia GeForce 3 graphics card (on most versions)
- Dolby Digital AC97 sound card
- 8 or 10 GB hard disk
- DVD drive
- 10/100 Ethernet port
- 4 USB ports (cleverly disguised as custom joystick ports)
The Xbox comes in a nice, portable form-factor, is smaller and lighter than most PCs, and is quieter. The best feature is that any television can serve as a monitor, and VGA and HDTV are possible with an appropriate adapter.
Microsoft does not want you to use the Xbox as anything other than a gaming console, so they've built in some protection. It can usually be circumvented so that an Xbox can be used for other functions, such as running Linux. With the native Xbox software though, you can of course run all the Xbox games, listen to audio CDs, and watch DVDs. Check out http://www.xbox.com/ for full details.
4
Do you have an idea why you would want to run Linux on the Xbox (either exclusively or next to games)?
5
An Xbox running Linux can be used as:
- a gaming console that can, thanks to Linux, also be used for browsing the web and writing emails, all on your living room TV set
- a small and silent Linux desktop computer, with a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner, a printer, a webcam and a DVD burner, connected to a VGA monitor or television capture card; 100% compatible with a standard Linux PC, all PC (USB) hardware and PC software that works with Linux.
- a small and silent Linux server for HTTP/FTP/SMB/NFS, serving data such as MP3/MPEG4/DivX, or a router, or both; without a monitor or keyboard or mouse connected (Headless Install)
- a multimedia hub connected to your TV and/or Hi-FI -- allowing to you watch DivX and DVD movies, listen to mp3's and internet radio stations, and probably loads of other things you would like to do.
6
What would you use the Xbox for, with Linux installed? (If you have a version 1.6 xbox do not be misled into thinking that you can use your xbox for any of the things suggested here. You can not. Please see http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/Version_1.6_Warning before you waste your time trying to do what is essentially undoable.)
- Games & Linux (7): I'm mostly interested in Xbox games, but sometimes I'd like to run Linux for surfing the web, checking my e-mail, playing media over the network etc.
- Desktop computer (22): I'd like to use the Xbox as a Linux desktop computer.
- Server (15): I'd like to use the Xbox as an always-on Linux server, I'm not interested in games.
- Not sure (7): I'm not sure, I just want to try out Linux on the Xbox.
7
Before we can continue, you have to think about whether you want to use Xbox Live.
Xbox Live (http://www.xbox.com/) is a service provided by Microsoft, priced about 50 USD/EUR per year, that lets you play certain Xbox games against players on the internet, download new content etc. You need a broadband internet connection for it.
For internet in Linux, you do not need Xbox Live.
You said you were interested in Xbox games, are you interested in Xbox Live as well?
8
Sorry, there is currently no easy way to use Xbox Live and Linux on the same Xbox. Microsoft blocks everyone from Xbox Live who alters the Xbox; installing Linux is considered as "altering" by Microsoft.
If you're more experienced, you can get an Xbox modchip that can be turned off completely and use "Cromwell" with it. Turn the modchip on, and you can run Linux. Turn the modchip off, and you can join the Xbox Live network.
The Xbox Linux project does not actively support this at the moment, sorry. Complain here (Xbox-Linux) (mailto:steil@in.tum.de?Subject=I%20want%20Live%20and%20Linux!) or here (Microsoft) (mailto:supxbxen@xbox.com).
If you are keen to keep XBOX Live 'like' capability and still run XBOX Linux you could check out Xlink Kai (http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/) this is a free internet gameplay service which routes the messages useually sent on a local LAN only in a system link game across the internet so that you can play against people all over the world. Most games that are Live compatible are also system link capable so you'll have much the same functionality, plus you won't have the bill each year. You can check out Xlink Kai before modding your xbox and then choose 'No Live' if you happy to move away from Live to Xlink Kai.
- No Live (9) Okay, then I will do without Xbox Live
- Another Xbox (4): Perhaps I'll use one Xbox for Xbox Live and get another one for Linux.
9
The best way to run Linux on an Xbox with minimal modification, and without breaking the possibility to play (non-Xbox LIVE!) games, is to do the Software preparation.
As mentioned earlier, Microsoft has built some protection into the Xbox. This means that you cannot simply download Linux for the Xbox, burn a CD, insert it into the Xbox and do the installation. A stock Xbox only accepts original, Microsoft-approved Xbox software. This is not specifically an anti-Linux safeguard, but a more general way for Microsoft to keep quality control over their platform.
The Software preparation is a trick that installs additional software onto the Xbox hard disk that will allow you to use Linux installation CDs, and run Linux installed on the hard disk from the main menu (Dashboard) of the Xbox.
The software preparation works like this:
- You copy the Software preparation Saved Games from an Xbox Memory Unit (or a similar device) onto the Xbox hard disk, using the Saved Game manager software built into the Xbox.
- You run the Xbox game MechAssault and select CAMPAIGN and Install Linux.
- The Xbox Dashboard now has a LINUX menu item in place of the XBOX LIVE item.
As easy as this sounds, the hardest step for most people is to get an Xbox Memory Unit (or a similar device) with the Software preparation Saved Games on it. You can use many (but not all) "USB sticks" and digital cameras with USB connectivity as Xbox Memory Units, using an adapter cable. If you do not wish to bother with getting a USB adaptor cable, get a copy of Action Replay. (http://www.codejunkies.com) This device comes with a memory unit that can connect to your PC, as well as software for transferring the Saved Game files from your PC to the memory unit.
In addition, you will need the game MechAssault. You won't need it permanently, it is enough to rent it for one day.
You may also use your USB storage drive compatible with Action Replay, and load the save file on the storage drive and then to your Xbox.
if you need help you can go to a forum that was started just for the xbox linux project just click here (http://s6.invisionfree.com/xbox_linux_project/)
Versioning Notes
Understand that the software, Mechassault, has been re-released with a revision. This revision disallows you from exploiting the particular XBOX vulnerability that enables the software preparation hack for Linux here described.
- You will need MechAssault (Part No. X08-82264 or PAL version X09-00060). Look for this part number on the actual disc artwork.
- If product is really brand new then on the back of the package, look for Part No. X08-82262.
- The most important number is MS02301L-L1 written on the outer ring of the foil on the underside of the disc.
- If it says Platinum Hits on the cover you have a patched and worthless version.
So what do you think?
- I can do it myself (10): I think I can get a USB adapter, a working USB storage device and the game, and do everything myself.
- I need the adapter (21): I think I can get a working USB storage device and the game, and do it myself, but I would need to get the USB adapter from somewhere.
- Memory Unit (20): I'd like to send an empty Xbox Memory Unit to someone and get it back with the savegame (for free), so I can do the preparation myself, with this Memory Unit and the MechAssault game.
- USB drive as Action Replay memory card (26): I want to make my USB storage drive compatible with Action Replay.
- I need help (19): I don't think I can do it myself, I'd like to send the complete Xbox to someone and make him do the modification for me (for free).
- Other (15): What other options do I have?
10
This article is a step-by-step tutorial that will help you do the Software preparation. Please also read the Xbox Linux FAQ (section "Preparation"), it will tell you more about the pros and cons of this method.
- No Xbox (14): Hey, I don't have an Xbox yet! Can you assist me in buying one?
- Done it (11): Thanks, my Xbox now shows the menu item LINUX when I turn it on. What do I do now?
- I changed my mind (9): I'm not so sure about this any more...
11
The Xbox hard disk now contains a minimal 2Mb Linux system. It doesn't support a keyboard in this version, but networking is enabled, and if your Xbox is properly connected, you can use your PC to telnet into the XBox (user root, password xbox) to access the Linux command line. If you need to know the address of your XBox navigate to your router (192.168.0.1 usually) in a browser and check the IP of connected devices (connection information to the router is often printed on the router itself). For extremely simple networks the XBox address might be guessable between 192.168.0.3 and 192.168.0.7.
You probably want to install a full Linux distribution, such as Xebian. The download page will help you choose the distribution you want.
Please be careful: the distribution must explicitly support Software-prepared Xboxes. Write the ISO image to a CD/RW, a DVD/R or a DVD/RW (details about optical media here, section "Preparing to install") and insert it after the Xbox main menu (Dashboard) has been loaded. The specific documentation of the distribution will tell you details about the installation.
When the installation is complete, the item LINUX in the Dashboard will automatically boot the full distribution.
If you want to connect a USB keyboard, a USB mouse or other USB peripherals, read this to build an adapter yourself or this to make someone build one for you for free, or buy one.
- Using Linux (12): Great, I can boot Linux from my Xbox hard disk now. But I have trouble using it.
- Contributing (13): Linux on the Xbox works great. How can I contribute?
12
Linux on the Xbox is exactly the same as on a PC. The Linux Documentation Project (http://www.tldp.org/) might have the documentation you're looking for.
13
Please go to the IRC, server irc.oftc.net, channel #xbox-linux. There are always some developers in there, who can tell you the current status. We're always looking for people to help us!
14
There are five different revisions of the Xbox out there, with one of four different DVD drives (Thomson, Phillips, Samsung and Hitachi, and either a 8Gb or 10Gb hard drive. All Xbox versions up to v1.4 work very well with everything discussed so far, but the newest v1.6 still has some issues. If possible, avoid getting a v1.6 Xbox. ( Please see http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/Version_1.6_Warning ) There is no such thing as a v1.5 Xbox.
The Thomson and Philips DVD drives are very picky about most CD-R and some CD-RW media, so if possible, you should get an Xbox with a Samsung or Hitachi drive. Most retailers will try to help you find a Samsung drive. Ask them to open the box (there is no seal at the bottom), unpack the console, connect it to power (no TV and no controllers required) and press the eject button. If the DVD tray has only one big hole in the middle, it's a Thomson or Philips drive. If it has more holes in the tray, it is a Samsung drive. The Hitachi drive has 2 tiny hole on the disk tray, one to the left and one to the right. Typically, all you will find will be the Thomson drives, as they are the most prevalent of the drives used in manufacturing the Xbox. Don't despair. You'll still be able to install Linux, but you'll have to be more selective about the media you use to do so.
There is no easy way to tell whether an Xbox contains an 8Gb or a 10Gb hard drive without opening it. On a new Xbox, there's plenty of room to install a decent, working version of Linux on either the 8Gb or 10Gb drive.
- Bought one (2): I have one now. Let's go on.
15
The Hardware preparation will convert your Xbox into a Linux-only computer, you will have no way to run Xbox games any more, unless you undo the modification (this can easily be done).
Are you sure?
16
The best and most flexible way to transform an Xbox into a Linux-only machine is to do the Hardware preparation. It requires opening the Xbox, and doing some very easy soldering. The advantage over the Software preparation (9) is that you can exchange either the hard drive for a bigger one, the DVD drive for any other IDE device (like a second hard disk or a CD/DVD burner), or both; and you can use the full space on the hard drive without reserving space for the original Xbox system software.
The idea is to reflash the flash chip on the Xbox motherboard with a Linux bootloader. Unfortunately there are two obstacles:
- The flash chip is write protected by default, you have to solder two bridges to disable the write protection.
- You can't simply boot a Linux system that contains the flashing application and the new image from a CD/DVD, because of the anti-Linux protection of the Xbox.
Instead, you have to boot an emergency Linux system that is hidden in a savegame by loading the savegame from inside the game "MechAssault". Then you can preprogram the onboard flash, if the write-protect bridges are closed.
In detail, this looks like this:
- You copy the savegame from an Xbox Memory Unit (or a similar device) onto the Xbox hard disk, using the savegame manager software built into the Xbox.
- You run the Xbox game "MechAssault" and select "CAMPAIGN" and "Emergency Linux".
- You use an FTP client on your PC/Mac to copy additional data on the Xbox hard disk and run the application to flash the onboard flash.
As easy as this. The hardest step for most people is to get an Xbox Memory Unit (or a similar device) with the Software preparation savegame on it. You can use many (but not all) "USB sticks" and digital cameras with USB connectivity as Xbox Memory Units, using an adaptor cable. Connect the device to a Linux, Mac or Windows computer and copy the savegames on it, then connect it to the Xbox and copy the savegames to hard disk. Also, if you are using a USB hub, the power coming from the Xbox might not be enough for the USB stick. You may need to plug the hub into an outlet.
In addition, you will need the game "MechAssault". You won't need it permanently, it is enough to rent it for one day.
if you need help a forum was started just for the xbox linux project just click here (http://s6.invisionfree.com/xbox_linux_project/)
So what do you think?
- I can do it myself (17): I think I can get a USB adapter, a working USB storage device and the game, and do everything, including the soldering, myself.
- I need the adapter (21): I think I can get a working USB storage device and the game, and do it myself, but I would need to get the USB adapter from somewhere.
- Memory Unit (20): I'd like to send an empty Xbox Memory Unit to someone and get it back with the savegame (for free), so I can do the preparation myself, with this Memory Unit and the MechAssault game.
- I need help (19): I don't think I can do it myself, I'd like to send the complete Xbox to someone and make him do the modification for me (for free).
- Other (7): What other options do I have?\
17
This article is a step-by-step tutorial that will help you do the Hardware preparation. Please also read the Xbox Linux FAQ (section "Preparation"), it will tell you more about the pros and cons of this method.
- No Xbox (14): Hey, I don't have an Xbox yet! Can you assist me in buying one?
- Done it (18): Thanks, now I get "Xbox Linux Clean BIOS" when I turn the Xbox on. What do I do now?
- I changed my mind (16): I'm not so sure about this any more...
18
If you want to replace the Xbox hard disk with a bigger one, do it now. It must be configured as "Master". You can also replace the DVD drive with another optical drive; it must be "Slave". (After the installation, you can replace the DVD drive with a second hard disk as well). Please be careful, you might have trouble with hard disks > 137 GB; we strongly recommend smaller hard disks.
You probably want to install a full Linux distribution, such as Debian for the Xbox. The download page will help you choose the distribution you want. Please be careful: The distribution must explicitly support Xboxes. Write the ISO image to a CD/RW, a DVD/R or a DVD/RW (details about optical media here, section "Preparing to install") and insert it after the Xbox main menu ("dashboard") has been loaded. The specific documentation of the distribution will tell you details about the installation.
When the installation is complete, the "Xbox Linux Clean BIOS" will automatically boot the full distribution.
If you want to connect a USB keyboard, a USB mouse or other USB peripherals, read this to build an adapter yourself or this to make someone build one for you - for free.
- Using Linux (12): Great, I can boot Linux from my Xbox hard disk now. But I have trouble using it.
- Contributing (13): Linux on the Xbox works great. How can I contribute?
19
The Xbox Linux project maintains a database of people that can prepare your Xbox for Linux, for free, either doing the Software or the Hardware method.
The rules as well as the list of people can be found here.
- No Xbox (14): Hey, I don't have an Xbox yet! Can you assist me in buying one?
- SW complete (11): Thanks, someone has done the Software preparation on my Xbox. What do I do now?
- HW complete (18): Thanks, someone has done the Hardware preparation on my Xbox. What do I do now?
20
The Xbox Linux project maintains a database of people that can do various things for you - for free - including copy the savegame to an Xbox Memory Unit you provide.
The rules as well as the list of people can be found here.
- Software method (10): Thanks, I have the savegame on a Memory Unit now. Let's go on with the Software method.
- Hardware method (17): Thanks, I have the savegame on a Memory Unit now. Let's go on with the Hardware method.
21
The Xbox Linux project maintains a database of people that can do various things for you - for free - including building a USB adapter from the parts you provide.
The rules as well as the list of people can be found here.
Making the cable yourself is fun and easy to do. All you need is an old xbox controller or controller extension (you will be cutting this in half), and an USB extension cable (you will also be cutting this in half).
- I have it (10): Thanks, I have the USB adapter now. What do I do now?
22
As you know, in order to run Linux, you have to "prepare" the Xbox first, i.e. remove Microsoft's anti-Linux protection.
If you want to use the Xbox as a desktop computer, you have two options:
| Software method | Hardware method | |
|---|---|---|
| PROS |
|
|
| CONS |
|
|
So what do you think?
- Hardware (15): I think I'll go for the Hardware method.
- Software (7): I think I'll go for the Software method.
- Help (19): I don't feel I can do any of these. Can someone do it for me?
23
Does your Xbox have a modchip in it?
24
You can already run Linux on your Xbox. All you have to do is burn the installation CD and insert it. No "Software Modification" or "Hardware Modification" has to be done.
If you want to know more about Xbox Linux, continue, Just click below.
25
Are you interested in what hardware actually is in your Xbox?
26
You may make your USB storage drive a memory card that works with Action Replay, but you need the USB adapter for Xbox. This way may be hard, but once you complete it, your USB storage drive will always act like a memory card once you inserted it into the computer (unless you uninstall it). Click here for instructions. Note: You still need the game MechAssult.
Warning: Once you make your USB storage drive as a Action Replay memory card, or once you inserted it into your Xbox, all data will be lost, so back up.
- I need the adapter (21): I think I can get a working USB storage device and the game, and do it myself, but I would need to get the USB adapter from somewhere.
- I want to try something else(9): I want to try one of the other ways.
- Done it (10): My USB storage drive is now a memory card.
27
The latest Xbox revision (version 1.6) has a number of changes which make running Linux more difficult. You can read about the difficulties in the Version 1.6 Warning. While it is still possible to run Linux on Version 1.6 Xbox you may wish to consider buying a second hand Xbox if you plan on Loading Linux.
- Version 1.6 (28): Tell me more about running Linux on a v1.6 Xbox.
- Older versions (6): Tell me more about running Linux on older Xbox versions.
28
There are two methods of using Linux on a v1.6 Xbox:
You may fit a modchip to your Xbox and flash it with Cromwell, a free, legal bios replacement capable of running Linux.
You may modify your Xbox to run unsigned code without opening it by using a software exploit. Xbox Linux does not currently provide a software exploit which work on v1.6. More infomation can be found at Xbox Scene (http://www.xbox-scene.com) Warning this site might contain information about homebrew software of unknown legality.
- Another Xbox (6): I don't want to do this, I am going to buy an older Xbox, or try it out on my friend's Xbox.
