The group also noted that some Xbox Live-enabled games appear to automatically connect to Microsoft servers, identifying the machine running the game, without the need for an Xbox Live account.
The update plugs a flaw in the Xbox Dashboard (its startup menu), which Linux enthusiasts had used to install Linux without the need for modifying the console's hardware. Ordinarily, the console will not run software that has not been approved by Microsoft.
The Xbox, and Linux users' efforts to run their software of choice on it, is seen by many as a test case for future PCs that are more tightly controlled by the vendor -- a vision embodied in Microsoft's Next-Generation Secure Computing Base (NGSCB) project, formerly known as Palladium. The NGSCB effort has raised concerns amongst privacy and civil liberties advocates.
The Xbox Linux Project, in an effort partly funded by Lindows founder Michael Robertson, created a version of Linux that could run on the Xbox, and devised a method using the Dashboard flaw and a bug in an Xbox game to install the operating system. The process allows the machine to continue functioning as a standard console, as well as offering the option to boot Linux. The Xbox is built of standard PC parts and runs on a stripped-down version of Windows.
The Xbox update automatically installs itself on consoles that have the ability to connect to the Internet, if a user selects the "Xbox Live" option from the Dashboard. The user needs only to enter Internet connection details, and need not have signed up for the Xbox Live service, which allows users to play networked games. Users are not asked to approve the update, as is standard for Xbox Live software updates.
Unwanted updates
The update disables the bug that allowed Linux to be installed, according to Michael Steil, one of the principal members of the Xbox Linux Project. "As soon as the Dashboard is updated, our application to disable the Xbox's anti-Linux protection (version 1.0) will not work any more," he said, adding, "we're working on a version 2.0."
He said the update also erased a directory on the Xbox's hard drive that had contained a document he created and stored using Linux. "I never allowed Microsoft alter anything on my Xbox through the Internet, and I never signed anything that contains a permission for Microsoft to do so," he wrote in an open letter to Microsoft, published on the Xbox Linux Web site. "I never allowed Microsoft to delete anything on my Xbox through an Internet connection."
Steil noted that Microsoft's actions might even be subject to penalties under Germany's anti-hacker laws.
Automatic updates are controversial, particularly where it comes to Windows, by far the dominant PC operating system. Microsoft is considering making Windows security updates automatic, but users have baulked at a broader scope for un-approved software upgrades. In some cases, software vendors have already used updates to remove functionality deemed controversial, such as an Apple iTunes update that removed certain networking capabilities.
Under the installation method used by the Xbox Linux Project, known as Mechinstaller, a set of three files are transferred to the Xbox's hard drive via an Xbox USB memory card. From a game called MechAssault, one of the files is "opened" as though it were a saved game. This installs Linux, which can then be accessed via the Dashboard.
Phoning home
Steil also noted that some Xbox games appear to connect to Microsoft servers each time they are run, without the user's knowledge, and without the need for an Xbox Live account.
Steil said that when he set up the console with his Internet settings, it automatically transmitted data including the machine's serial number to a Microsoft server. Some Xbox Live-enabled games, including the popular Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, go through a similar procedure each time they are launched, again without the need for an Xbox Live connection, he said.
Splinter Cell did not transmit the console's serial number, at least not in plain-text form, but a response from the server contained the number. This "proves that Microsoft knows about the serial, and knows what Xbox just started Splinter Cell", Steil said in a statement on the Xbox Linux site.
"Microsoft spies on Xbox gamers. All Xbox Live users, even if they don't use any 'Live' content, as well as all other users that have set up their networking correctly, are automatically registered at Microsoft with their serial number each time they start Splinter Cell (and possibly other games), without being asked," he stated.
Microsoft representatives were unable to comment for this article.
Talkback
I am very pleased that finally media is reporting about this criminal actions by Microsoft. And as usual noone of their department is willing to give a statement. I remember that this was also the case when the dashboard bug was found.
Is it any wonder? If Microsoft made bicycles, you'd only be able to use them to cycle on one road with out additional licensing.
Bahaha. Come on people. Did you really think
Microsoft would let this slide? It's well within
their right to do whatever they want to there
freaking hardware as long as it doesn't kill
anyone.
Get a grip German boy. Microsoft isn't breaking
any laws. You are though.
Assuming that he is serious, Mr anonymous bahaha misses the point. Once microsoft have sold the Xbox IT IS NO LONGER MICROSOFT HARDWARE.
To labour the bicycle analogy, if what Mr anonymous bahaha says held true, microsoft could break into my house and take my saddlebag off MY microsoft bicycle any time they liked and destroy it and all its contents.
It is however predictable that microsoft behave in this way. Unfortunately, even though bindows is fairly useful sometimes, and I use it quite a bit, if you want to have real control over your computer don't run their software.
[Quote]
Bahaha. Come on people. Did you really think
Microsoft would let this slide? It's well within
their right to do whatever they want to there
freaking hardware as long as it doesn't kill
anyone.
[/Quote]
It's not their hardware if I have bought it, any more than my car belongs to Volkswagen! If a VW dealer made modifications to my car during a service that meant I couldn't park in my drive, I'd be seriously unhappy, and call the legal team!
[Quote]
Get a grip German boy. Microsoft isn't breaking
any laws. You are though.
[/Quote]
They are - the DPA for one. A Linux-Xbox user is not breaking any law (except perhaps the DMCA, but that is US only!)
sounds like the i-opener debate to me.
the problem is that MS is taking a loss shipping a full fledged PC for less than $200. they hope to make this back when you buy games and sign up for service. this business model is called loss leadership, and it's how wireless phone companies can give you a free phone when you sign up for service.
in the case of the i-opener (made by netpliance), the company changed their terms of service, then angered many of it's customers, and in the end netpliance quit making the consoles, and they sold for big bucks on ebay. to my knowlege they are no longer in business.
so let MS do that if they want. they'll just end up hurting themselves in the end.
Microsoft just wants more control over the operating system and the hardware. If they want to invade your home and steel then let them because in the end we will all see Microsoft come to an end. They might be sewed 2 trillion dollars here soon so hope for the best. Let’s get Microsoft out of the picture and get there obsolete OS out from the market.
Shoulda bought a PS2...
At least Sony is willing to recognize that there is this thing called Linux out there, and you can, in fact buy a kit from Sony to turn your PS2 into a Linux workstation, complete with harddisk, keyboard, and video cable...
We in fact decided to go for a PS2 despite it's currently inferior graphics simply because it was not M$, and I don't trust M$ as far as I could punt a certain Redmond geek..
Is not the patch a Virus ? , Are not those games trojans ??:
Is not a Virus a piece of code that causes system missfunctions or loss of user data ??.
And less to say system missfunctions
I would like to know the chances of demanding Microsoft, or the people that program or design those 'Features' or those who aproved the insertion with or without the propper user alert, or whoever pay them for do that.
The Linux project (in regards to the Xbox) was owned. Can't wait to hear the 'smarter than you' crowd cry.
Big freakin deal. So MS can tell what game you are playing. Good lord people.
That's what you get! Shouldn't be using no nasty Microshaft Xbox anyway! If you wanna run GNU/Linux, do so on yer 'puter or better still, Playstation 2 has a Linux developer kit. Better still....ROLL YER OWN! VIA EPIA....Solar PC? Xbox...BAH!
In reponse to LinuxSucks comment.. Uhhh, what? It seems like you are just mad that some Linux zealot punk kid knows more then you.. In all honesty, who cares.. The point of the article is yet again about losing a choice when using a MS product. Being strongarmed once more by the weak star trek nerd types that seem to work at Microsoft. They seem to hire the a-typical 80's steryiotype computer geeks, which are more focused on girls they will never get, then code they can't write. Not to bash MS or anything, they do have a lot of good people that work there, but definitely not the run of the mill talent I've seen from many other companies. You can hate linux all you want.. You probably have your reasons, perhaps you can't figure out how GNOME or KDE work. *snicker*. I find more often then not, the one person that says it's sucks, does so for the reason being that they are too stupid to be able to use it themselves, or are jealous at someone else that can use it better. Which category do you fall under? I'll bet if you had a girlfriend, you'd be jealous of every guy she worked with, and hated them too wouldn't you? Grow up. Buy a vowel, and fsck off.
If you ever get this update you can always format the HD.
Anonymous Gamer:
You are obviously a loser M$ clone who has no
clue about anything, especially when it comes to
legal issues. M$ has no right what-so-ever to do
anything to your "purchased" hardware. Nothing
illegal was done by the Linux users. They used
FLAW to manipulate the XBox to do what they
wanted it to do. If it were illegal then where are
all the lawsuits from M$ against the Xbox Linux
Project!? Would you allow M$ to change any of
the settings on your PC that would disable some
functionality of your games that you yourself
deemed necessary in order to play but they did
not? No one is pirating or stealing anything here.
They are just using their hardware that they paid
for in the manner that they wish to use it. Seems
to me you are too lame to do any of this so you
just sit on the sidelines as a complete moron and
do nothing else but talk out your ass. Grow up
and learn before you speak in public and people
might actually believe you are intelligent!
P.S.
For those of that seem to think they have to bash
Linux in order to prove they have a bigger penis,
grow up. M$ does NOT own the world and they
are not allowed to write their own laws. Because
you are too lame or lazy (both!?) to run Linux does
not make it an inferior OS. It is far superior to any
of the M$ OS's. I'll admit that there are some things
that need to be fixed (M$ OS's are perfect!?) but
at least there are thousands of people that work
on it all the time for the better of all (including your
lazy ass if you decide to actually try Linux). Quit
believing everything that you read from M$... they
are not *your* friend! And don't bash something
that you are totally clueless about because no
one cares that you are so ignorant. The World
will go on without you, np!
To reply to several previous posts:
Regarding the Volkswagon metaphor, sure it's yours once you own it, but you STILL have to abide by the laws of the road - you cannot choose to drive it at 200km per hour or run red lights and expect to get away with it.
Taking the example of the house being broken into, sure, that's wrong, but if you buy a house and start building decks and garages and making modifications to it without a permit to add those things to your property, you deserve to get nailed...same thing applies here.
The bottom line is that you can't just go around installing whatever takes your fancy on the Xbox and expect to get away with it. Go read your Terms of Use that you agreed to when you bought it...its all there in black and white. Its not meant to be modified! Its a bloody game console!
Here's a wild concept for you: try being honest and using it for what it was made for: playing original, unburnt Xbox games and DVD's. If you're too cheap to buy games and to save your Linux tinkering for your PC's, then you don't deserve to own an Xbox.
The audacity of people who complain about MS trying to defend their products amazes me...its like a thief trying to later sue someone who beats them as they rob someone's house....which has been done successfully, astoundingly enough....come on people!?
What a world we live in...
[Quote]
Get a grip German boy. Microsoft isn't breaking
any laws. You are though.
[/Quote]
They are - the DPA for one. A Linux-Xbox user is not breaking any law (except perhaps the DMCA, but that is US only!)
The question is, whose freakin hardware is it? I don't have an xbox, but if I did, I'd be pissed off to find out that MS were deleting files I'd put on the computer that I'd bought without asking me.
To the contrairy, Mr. Anon GAY-mer.
M$ has the right to update SOFTWARE, not to update MY hardware, that i paid MY hard earned $ for. That is tantimount to saying, if I sold you a harddrive & you put it into your machine, I could then (using anymeans @ my diposal) enter that unit & modify it as I see fit. If I don't like what you have I could delete it or replace your enitre NIN collection with Debbie boone mp3's.
This is what micronazi's are doing to us xbox owners who want to do nothing but expand the usage of THEIR OWN hardware (NOT M$'s Hardware). The EULA is for software NOT hardware, READ IT! (I did.) The software I use IS NOT THERES , it was produced by men & women who have a passion for anything digital, not just by a group of pirates or script kiddies who want to play games they have DLd from Kaakrap.
I want to be able to stream audio/video to my TV using MY hardware, I want to be able to check my email or surf the web in the comfort of my Foofchair.
Waht If M$ didn't like the site you goto on your COMPUTER, & decided that they wouldnt let you anymore by patching windows (without your concent) to block those sites (or software for that matter).
This HOLLYWOOD contrived idea of what a hacker is is bullshit. we do not all harm people or their computers. The guys that found the RCM exploit, reported it to M$. M$ did nothing puplicly UNTIL they released the code on the net. Which they did to force M$ grubby little hand on the issue (which if you know anything about, is a GAPPING hole).
LET ME & MY HARDWARE BE. WE AIN'T HURTING NOBODY!
I understand MS is all about the almighty dollar and bottom line. I do not like the idea of automatic updates. I can see everyone getting automatically screwed as soon as they log onto the net. If this happened and a mass exodus of people stopped using microsoft products, then the dollar signs in their eyes might get their heads to change their minds. In spite of all this most people seem content to keep giving all the control and power to MS. It seems logical that if they controlled all software and hardware that it would be great for their bottom line. I'm afraid that customers are of no concern to MS if we don't leave or hurt their profits. I believe customers and people in general should be able to have a choice to opt out of automatic updates.
Microsoft sell the Xbox at a very discounted price. A few souls out there think this is just a normal industry practice, sell cheap and make money on games. As far as I know Microsoft has not made any money yet on either the games or the consoles.
Microsoft's goal then is probably not selling consoles cheap and making money on games but to undercut the competition, they have wads of cash to through away after all. After they control the games market they can inflate the price of their games in much the same way they have their OS and applications.
1. Microsoft can't stand competition.
2. The Xbox is not that great a computer but it is cheap.
3. Microsoft really needs mind share. Their OS really works well on only a couple of platforms. Linux really work well on nearly everything, (including Xbox). They know that in the Linux world gaming is still new, they can't afford to lose this area to Linux. They can't they can't they can't, this is one of their last hope$.
4. They are going to be as nasty to Linux as they can, public relations of course being considered.
5. I think they are real dopes if they think they can use an open industry standard for their game consoles and then plan on people hacking them.
I think everyone is missing the point here, to me this is just like spyware. What makes you think MS doesn't do the same with XP, websits you view, transactions made on your computer. Its a direct violation of privacy "It's only a game console" thats how it starts, small... then pretty soon your phone is going to be tapped because MS owns the phone lines? So if I buy a Panasonic phone, they are allowed to tamper with my phone calls, or log every person I call?
wow I cant believe people think its ok for Microsoft to tamper with your own bought and paid for gaming console without your consent, after all is it a rental, or has Bill Gates changed the definition of ownership of product as well as ones and zeros.Microsoft has to reveal its code as previously ordered by courts or this abuse will just continue.
Stiel (or whatever his name is, as if it matters) is an idiot and a hypocrit (both of which are punishable by death in my opinion).
Unwanted Updates? He doesn't care about this, he's just using it because Microsoft messed up his little science project. "I didn't authorize this update..." Hey guess what fuckstick, you didn't authorize the seven automatic updates that came before this one either, but I didn't hear you complaining then, asshole. Depending upon which and how many XBL titles he owns there could have been as many as 20+ automatic updates before this one came along. Again he never complained then, so he should keep his fucking mouth shut now.
Privacy and Civil Liberties Advocates are against this? I guess that makes me automatically in favor of it then. Privacy Advocates are either people who have something to hide or are people so stupid that they believe that Microsoft will steel their Great Aunt Edna's recipe for meatloaf, or worse yet, their $5,000 life savings. Civil Liberty Lawyers just sit around in their little office until the attrocity alarm sounds, then they rush out to defend the worst humanity has to offer, gallingly, all in the name of humanity.
Might be punishable under Germany's laws? Does this idiot actually believe that Microsoft doesn't have a team of lawyers who specialize in German law to make sure that they aren't breaking any laws there? I love people who think that because Microsoft is an American Company that there are things about them that don't apply to those in foreign countries. Because no one on Earth has ever come up with the idea of modifying the EULA to conform with the laws and regulations of each country their products are sold in. I'll bet $50 that the British version of the EULA doesn't read the same as the German version of the EULA.
The Xbox phones home? Big deal! We don't know what they're doing with that information, so quit bitching about it. For all we know Microsoft may be doing market research to see how many Xboxes are hooked up to a Broadband connection and cross referencing that with how many of those are XBL subscribers and then trying to determine what the service is missing/lacking that makes it unappealing to those who don't subscribe.
Anonymous, Minnessotttta, "Retail Manager",...
get a life.
You know what? I think EVERYBODY needs to chill out a bit...
I find these stories, reports and theories interesting and fun to read, then I turn my PC off and go play RainbowSix3 on Xbox Live.
I get the gameplay I paid for, I get the service I paid for, and I get the best entertainment a console has ever been able to offer. I don't care what else is going on...
'Oh NO! Microsoft know my serial number- what am I going to do!'
'Oh NO! Microsoft have deleted the files that enable me to store and run pirated copies of games from my xbox- whata cruel world!'
My only gripe is that the headsets are pretty weak and break easily- but hey- I REGISTERED my xbox with Microsoft (scared?) so I'm gonna phone them now and take advantage of the fantastic support they offer...
(I've already had them bug-testing my network, replace my DVD drive and change my HDD for a larger one)...
No doubt there'll be a new headset in the post in a day or two...
ha ha ha!
This is a GAMEs console... GAMEs are supposed to be FUN- so go away and ENJOY!
And if you think you were clever buying a PS2, oh dear. ~Nuff Said. ;)
It's not microsoft's hardware, it's mine. I purchased it.(not really but if I did it would be) And for the past 11 years. I have been pirating what microsoft makes not paying for it. Ill be damned if I buy an xbox when I can just run Xbox games from my computer. The way I see it putting linux on a microsoft product is like AHH god what are you people thinking don't buy microsoft. Oh by the way has anyone ported Internet Explorer so I can run it in X???
It seems there are two kinds of people posting comments here. People who understand the situation and simpathise and people who don't understand and think its funny.
If you ask me Microsoft are breaking the law, so I wonder if the people who are laughing would laugh if they saw someone being robbed, mudered or raped. Probally not. If you don't care, don't bother making an arse of yourself.
Good luck to Michael on v2.0!
Those Microsoft basturds! I couldnt believe it when I had found that they took linux off my well paid hardware through a what it said on the screen was a very important update! All I can say is that I can not wait for Xbox Linux 2.0! Linux will rule again and this time I will know about the stupid updates and what they do!
Linux on the XBOX. The closest microsoft will EVER come to supporting anything open source. (and before someone flames me i mean they support the hardware)
The fact that microsoft has released this patch disgusts me but really doesnt surprise me...
MICROSOFT!!!!! You bug ridden company if you can't play fairly don't play at all. Black marks are on the way for you
All X-box owners wordwide should get together and file a law suit agains Microsoft. I will be watching for them hacking into my system.
To the guys who said the following:
"Bahaha. Come on people. Did you really think
Microsoft would let this slide? It's well within
their right to do whatever they want to there
freaking hardware as long as it doesn't kill
anyone. "
Think about this for a second. At what point is it still MICROSOFT'S hardware? Is it THEIR hardware forever even after its been sold to vendors and then to the customer?
...Enough said.
well all i can say is that i'm pretty annoyed. i feel like satan himself (bill gates) walked in to my room with a large mallet then smashed my xbox to hell. because of the update i cant even get to the dash :(
I plan to sell vacuum cleaners that will only work on pile carpets, any other carpet can be cleaned with the additional add ons, at a cost. I also sell drills that will only work with drill bits that I supply. I sell the drill for £1 but the bits are £30 each. Finally, if anybody is stupid enough, I have a coffee maker that doesn't make coffee for only £20 and 2 windows that don't crash, they are perspex....
Is was not able to connect to exbox live after i installed linux, why is this?
thats god dam bullcrap
can they even do that???
why would they do that crap ive been using linux for almost a dam year on my xbox and its been helping me alot not only for modding (which i admit is bad) but also helps me figure out stuff much easier and helps me run programs that id like to have.
just a question, when are they coming out with linux 2, because i cant wait to put it into xbox's (microsoft's) dam face!!!
email me back
If it is "within Microsoft's right" to delete private information off of private hardware, is it within Gateway's rights to delete your harddrive because you have iTunes on your hard drive?
When you purchase your xbox, xbox 360, or pc one of the selling points though often overlooked is that it automatically downloads/updates. These updates are suppost to consist of keeping your product bug free and current. Your also entitled to accepting or declining of installation of any downloads/updates free or not (there not actually free when its advertised to do so without concuring charges when purchased, you purchase all future updates at that time). Free updates to keep your system current is a must for microsoft due to if it couldnt keep every one somewhat on the same page per os. They couldnt possibly make software/hardware that would be supported by most if they did not release updates. With updates its still extremely hard due to all the varibles (video card to processors, programs to registry ect...) If microsoft didnt update its sales on programs and such would plumish there would be tons of different products at say walmart of the same program you would have to sypher through. Do i have do i have this program or do i have that one, do i..........Now with that said (because m$ will reply "you consent to our updates and agreements lalallalall....) if you purchase your xbox and decide to crush, try to hook it up to all your household applainces, fry it, then rebuild it with whatever components your heart desires you are entitled to do just that. Could you imagine taking your mustang to the ford house to get anoil change and any other "updates" its due for and them yanking out your 350 GM engine while you where waiting for your pony at the local mcdonalds LOL. Bill Gates is an intellegent man that knows more about comp programs and programing than he knows about wiping his own ass, you can trust that microsoft makes dependable products compatable within its own circle. Venture outside this circle and obviously their willing to dishonor and distrust you as well as break the law and your privasy. Wasn't it Bill Gate that changed/used registries and program files on programs and os (not made or produced by him) to introduce the now more modern well advance operating systems and programs. Yes, Yes that was him, matter a fact thats what made him famous (and gave him such an oppurtunity as microsoft). Keep the pressure tell the back off the internet betrayal, it will be nice to see how they respond to it. Truth is he dont want so many underground geniousis to compete with, expecially if one was to become the next Bill Gates. So in Bill Gates words " stop practicing on "my" machines!" LOL
Ok, first off I'm a Linux user. I feel that Linux is a vastly superior OS for all intents & purposes. It has a wider developer base writing more code, and it's fundamental nature makes it more secure than Windows. I do recognize certain advantages of Windows though, as do many or it wouldn't be so comfortable for so many people to use.
It's similar to why most people drive bland American or Japanese cars instead of decidedly more FUN ones, like Alfas, VW's, etc. Or why people settle for Top 40 Radio instead of seeking out more talented independent music. Or why people eat at Applebee's instead of choosing a corner bistro. People dig low maintainence, and familiarity.
BUT, let me remind you of your deal with el diablo:
YOU BOUGHT A MICROSOFT XBOX.
YOU BOUGHT A MICROSOFT XBOX.
YOU voluntarily PAID for a MICROSOFT PRODUCT.
You are subject to everything implicit with that purchase. DID MICROSOFT ADVERTISE IT AS AN OPEN PLATFORM? NO!
Microsoft built the XBOX for you to play XBOX games. That's all. There is other available hardware much more ideally suited to run Linux. If you AGREED to purchase a product that bears the name of a company that is all about being proprietary, you should have expected them to take measures to maintain control over THEIR product. (Which, by the way you receive updates for using THEIR services.)
End of debate. Quit whining, and buy a PC. Next time, read the EULA before you buy if you plan to use a product in a manner inconsistent with it's intended use.
As for the XBOX Linux project, valiant effort - you had your fun, but remember who's product you're dealing with. Instead, why not focus your talents on more plausible ventures rather than trying to thwart Microsoft? You will serve the community more effectively by being positive, and creative rather than trying to hack and exploit your way into Microsoft's trousers
Cheerio,
-n8
Ok, first off I'm a Linux user. I feel that Linux is a vastly superior OS for all intents & purposes. It has a wider developer base writing more code, and it's fundamental nature makes it more secure than Windows. I do recognize certain advantages of Windows though, as do many or it wouldn't be so comfortable for so many people to use.
It's similar to why most people drive bland American or Japanese cars instead of decidedly more FUN ones, like Alfas, VW's, etc. Or why people settle for Top 40 Radio instead of seeking out more talented independent music. Or why people eat at Applebee's instead of choosing a corner bistro. People dig low maintainence, and familiarity.
BUT, let me remind you of your deal with el diablo:
YOU BOUGHT A MICROSOFT XBOX.
YOU BOUGHT A MICROSOFT XBOX.
YOU voluntarily PAID for a MICROSOFT PRODUCT.
You are subject to everything implicit with that purchase. DID MICROSOFT ADVERTISE IT AS AN OPEN PLATFORM? NO!
Microsoft built the XBOX for you to play XBOX games. That's all. There is other available hardware much more ideally suited to run Linux. If you AGREED to purchase a product that bears the name of a company that is all about being proprietary, you should have expected them to take measures to maintain control over THEIR product. (Which, by the way you receive updates for using THEIR services.)
End of debate. Quit whining, and buy a PC. Next time, read the EULA before you buy if you plan to use a product in a manner inconsistent with it's intended use.
As for the XBOX Linux project, valiant effort - you had your fun, but remember who's product you're dealing with. Instead, why not focus your talents on more plausible ventures rather than trying to thwart Microsoft? You will serve the community more effectively by being positive, and creative rather than trying to hack and exploit your way into Microsoft's trousers
Cheerio,
-n8
Ok, first off I'm a Linux user. I feel that Linux is a vastly superior OS for all intents & purposes. It has a wider developer base writing more code, and it's fundamental nature makes it more secure than Windows. I do recognize certain advantages of Windows though, as do many or it wouldn't be so comfortable for so many people to use.
It's similar to why most people drive bland American or Japanese cars instead of decidedly more FUN ones, like Alfas, VW's, etc. Or why people settle for Top 40 Radio instead of seeking out more talented independent music. Or why people eat at Applebee's instead of choosing a corner bistro. People dig low maintainence, and familiarity.
BUT, let me remind you of your deal with el diablo:
YOU BOUGHT A MICROSOFT XBOX.
YOU BOUGHT A MICROSOFT XBOX.
YOU voluntarily PAID for a MICROSOFT PRODUCT.
You are subject to everything implicit with that purchase. DID MICROSOFT ADVERTISE IT AS AN OPEN PLATFORM? NO!
Microsoft built the XBOX for you to play XBOX games. That's all. There is other available hardware much more ideally suited to run Linux. If you AGREED to purchase a product that bears the name of a company that is all about being proprietary, you should have expected them to take measures to maintain control over THEIR product. (Which, by the way you receive updates for using THEIR services.)
End of debate. Quit whining, and buy a PC. Next time, read the EULA before you buy if you plan to use a product in a manner inconsistent with it's intended use.
As for the XBOX Linux project, valiant effort - you had your fun, but remember who's product you're dealing with. Instead, why not focus your talents on more plausible ventures rather than trying to thwart Microsoft? You will serve the community more effectively by being positive, and creative rather than trying to hack and exploit your way into Microsoft's trousers
Cheerio,
-n8
If you want to run xbox on an xbox, then see if you can run vmware. maybe you can make a custom vmware network appliance. Install Linux on an xbox. Use a bios chip reading tool. Backup your xbox bios. Then Use vmware to run the xbox system. Not a dual boot selector to make the xbox natively.
But, going through all those hoops, maybe just run an xbox emulator, for fun on your own pc, which has more ram, more graphics capabilities? No, xboxes are fun cause you plug them up to your tv.
(Don't bite the hand that feeds you)
I like the idea of having an xbox, it is fairly competitive, the game is even for the most part. Think about it you all have the same xbox console. If I have linux running on an xbox I can do things...
Not very fair things can occur like a hack I saw for Ultima Online. (details about hack upon request) All players on xbox live have the same playing field, except internet connection. Chances are however that there are so many xboxes that games are paired up by connection speed.
Asside from all that has been read or stated, look at my title; who provides the xbox, (does linux) microsoft designed built it. Even in the beginning when most thought it wouldn't make it including me, somehow it took off.
You want linux on your xbox, design your own xbox live. Besides, linux is more useful as a server and power tool. This is a game rig. Don't bring a harley into a moped race, you'll just make the harley look bad.