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Linux penguin graces Xbox
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)
Posted by: Tweaker
A German programmer says he has made the first step to running the Linux operating system on Microsoft's Xbox games console--without running into any legal entanglements.
Michael Steil, a German programmer, has built an application called "Linuxpreview," which is touted as the first application to run on Xbox without using tools from the official Xbox Software Development Kit (SDK), and is the first step toward essentially turning the Xbox into a Linux-based PC.
The application makes the Xbox LED flash and draws a penguin on the Xbox start-up screen. It also generates the message "Xbox Linux Coming Soon!" as well as a link to the Xbox Linux Web site.
The first barrier to overcome, however, is Xbox's BIOS (basic input-output system), which differs from that of a PC. In order to start up, Linux needs a bootloader; existing varieties all depend on software such as a PC BIOS, or the basic operating system, DOS. The trick, according to Steil, is to figure out enough about the Xbox's BIOS to write a Linux bootloader.
According to the article, the developers are trying for a software-only solution, which wouldn't be much trouble at all for a user to come along and use for their own purposes. Aside from the server purposes, I could easily see these things becoming dual-boot gaming machines, or even development platforms for porting Xbox emulators to Linux (where they'd obviously look better on a regular monitor than on an Xbox's TV).
As far as whether or not it hurts Microsoft, I can't really speak to that, as I don't know anything about what they're actually trying to sell (the units vs. the games vs. the online charges). At the very least, they might have to take a harder look at their strategy if their Xboxes start getting turned into Linux machines. (Maybe they'll come out with an Xlinus game where you keep Xboxes from being turned into Linux boxes.
Source: C/NET News
Posted by: Nfested
Hey Tweaker, the quoted blue section in your news post has been typed twice (the part starting with "the application...").
I believe that someone will be able to overcome the barrier of Xbox's BIOS being different than that of a PC. I don't see every Xbox turning into a Linux system though.
Posted by: Shalome
Fixed that, Nfested. 
And no, Xbox won't become a Linux system -- duh, MS hates Linux folks. But those Linux folks, with their "damned Microsoft!" attitude, will of COURSE find a way to run Linux apps. 
Posted by: Null Actor
I don't see the point. Linux people need to find better things to do with their time.
Posted by: Ion Silverbolt
It's all ego driven Nova. They're making a statement that they don't need a hold your hand OS like Windows and are smart enough to get by without it.
In other words, they would rather get around on a skateboard instead of using a car just because it can be done.
Posted by: JANNA
but they do have a point when it comes to XP cuz using XP is like going around blind on ur hands and knees naked in a prison shower....
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