Sony Playstation 3 Firmware 3.21 to Eliminate Linux Installs
Following up on the development of tools that cracked open the PS3′s software in January by George Hotz (GeoHot), Sony will be rolling out firmware 3.21.
The update will completely eliminate the option to install alternative operating systems on the older generation Playstation 3 consoles released between 2006-2008, as the Slim model already eliminates the option in its firmware.
Former executives Phill Harrison and Ken Kutaragi espoused the idea of the Playstation 3 as a computer and evangelized the idea of using Linux as a way to learn about games development, although in practice the idea was poorly executed as the Linux install had no direct access to the GPU and the hardware was not suited for a standard operating system.
http://3004.pokemonger.com/showthread.php?tid=21
How to keep using PSN but not updating.
Windows and Linux instructions
If you have been affected by this file a complaint to the BBB and the FTC and your corresponding Attorney General.
It is very easy and completely online forms. Just go to the respective websites
http://www.bbb.org/us/ — click on file a complaint
http://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov — click on complaint assistant
Here is the address for SCEA
Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.
919 E Hillsdale Blvd 2nd Floor
Foster City Ca 94404-4247
[...] Sony could easily issue an alternative firmware that disables PSN on the PS3, but allows owners to keep using Linux. This is being offered to Sony’s enterprise (PS3 cluster/datacenter) customers, but Sony [...]