Microsoft patch stops Linux on Xbox 360

[macrohard]

http://news.cnet.co.uk/gamesgear/0,39029682,49288221,00.htm

Microsoft has quietly released a fix for a security vulnerability that could let Xbox 360 (http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/gamesconsoles/0,139102149,39194393,00.htm) owners run their own applications or operating systems on the console.
The update corrects a problem with a tamper-protection mechanism on the Xbox 360. Hackers (http://news.cnet.co.uk/gamesgear/0,39029682,49258523,00.htm) had discovered a way to break through the shield and run their own software, including operating systems such as Linux, on the games console.




Here's a little more detail form Security Focus:

http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/461489

And here it is in action at a conference.

http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/01/01/xbox-360-finally-hacked-to-run-linux/

I wonder who the hooded guy is......

[elinux]

Figures! :)

[ME-MYSELF-I]

ff2 blocked 8 pop ups from that link! fanboy link

[TekMate]

You would think they get the credit no matter what, I mean if I buy an Xbox just to run LInux that gives them a number to report to have game makers port their games so what do they care?

[lunixfanboy]

Well, just so happens that the 'sploit that allows running another OS on the Xbox ALSO allows running "archived" games.

[TekMate]

Well, just so happens that the 'sploit that allows running another OS on the Xbox ALSO allows running "archived" games.

I can see them patching it then.

[PseudoNym]

This would be a reason why I opted for the PS3 in the first place. There is a disk partition utility within the PS3's OS not to mention they even distribute a 3rd party boot loader to allow the end user to more easily install and run Linux based operating systems. Also Sony has made contributions to the 2.6.20 kernel which should farther improve the PS3/Linux experience.

[schotty]

Don't forget that MS, Ninetendo, and Sony are selling the systems at a loss, knowing the lisence fees from each game and hardware accessory sold will make up for it. Buying an XBOX 360 for running Linux costs them money. Thats why when Sony released the Debian Linux kit for the PS2, it cost so much -- costs needed to be recovered.