forums.ps2dev.org

[edepot]

Since there is an option on the PS3 XMB for "boot other os" to allow
access to about 10gb of harddrive space, and given that upon booting
it executes kboot which there is source pubicly available, then it is
just like on the PSP, you make a custom kboot that runs programs
off of the memory stick, or if kboot is installed on the harddrive,
you run stuff off of the harddrive. The only main difference is
that the list of programs won't be in the XMB side... you can make
a xmb clone in the "other os" side which can list the homebrew programs
that essentially run linux programs or programs that has been compiled
under ibm's compiler for the ps3. That way for new people on the ps3
they need not go through the big hassle of manual install of linux just
to test out some programs on the "other os" side of the ps3.
The "other os" xmb can even have an option of "boot-game-os" listed
as return to "PS3 XMB" so that continue on the PS3 side.

[jimparis]

A custom kboot isn't really necessary. The standard one that Sony provided will already look for a kboot.conf in the following locations:

• optical disc (iso9660, udf) in /etc/kboot.conf
  
• removable media (vfat, ext2) with fs label BOOTMC in /etc/kboot.conf
  
• hard drive in /etc/kboot.conf

So, with the proper label a memory stick can act just like the existing live CDs out there, so it's just a matter of coming up with a program on the live image that displays whatever sort of menu you'd like.

[edepot]

Then in that case is it possible that gentoo be installed fresh from the memory stick without going though the hassle of buring a disc?
In other words, is there something someone can just download and put on the memory stick and then stick it into the ps3 to install gentoo?
I know there is a livecd, but is there a live memory stick? or a live memory stick that comes with a simple installer so that users don't have to manually configure the machine? Since every PS3 is the same there shouldn't have to be manual configuring to get the latest alpha 4.3.3 compiler and a lightweight graphical windowing that supports basic functionality (like the memory stick slot and disc drive and joystick and sound).