Are you ready for this jelly?
This package is no joke: it’s a trimmed down version of what real Sony developers use. You get an easy-to-install 40 GB Internal Hard Drive, an Ethernet (non-dial-up) Network Adapter to get on the net, a USB standard Keyboard and Mouse, and a Monitor Adapter so you can hook up a computer monitor to your PS2 for programming.

The most important items, however, are the two discs that contain the programming language Linux. That’s what you’ll be using to make games. Linux, as any hacker knows, is an incredibly flexible language. It is “open source,” meaning that users of Linux can examine and modify the language itself to how they see fit. At this point it’s unclear how much you’ll be able to modify the Playstation 2 itself, but the fact that Sony selected Linux instead of a less flexible language shows that you’ll have a lot of control.

That said, Sony doesn’t give you a whole lot of guidelines to get started, so it’ll be tough to get going if you don’t have any programming experience (that prerequisite Computing 101 class back in Freshman year would come in handy now…). Don’t expect this to teach you how to make games.

Getting Started
If you decide to take the plunge, you just have a couple important steps to go through. The first is to find a computer monitor that’s compatible with your PS2: A user-created list of compatible monitors is on the official PS2 Linux website < www.playstation2-linux.com>, but, because the list is not from Sony, there’s no guarantee that every monitor on the list will work. If your monitor is on the list, chances are it’ll work on the PS2. If not, you may have to drop a few dollars for a new monitor. Before you make a monitor purchase, check with friends and see if they have a monitor on the list. If they’ve got one on the list then buy the PS2 Linux system, test their monitor, and if it works you can buy that same model for yourself.

You also need to get an extra 8MB Memory Card that you’ll use only for programming. When you do get the PS2 Linux package you’ll have two Linux discs. Disc 1 is the startup disc and help files, so you put that in to install Linux onto your new PS2 Hard Drive. Disc 2 you won’t use right away: it has the functions and routines you’ll use to make games called something like Read Joystick 1 or Play Song 2 (unfortunately, it doesn’t have a Make It Look Cool function).

Then Linux will start up for you. The interface itself is relatively user friendly, using windows (similar to, um, Windows) to help you organize your project. However, no matter how pretty it is, it’s still programming. It might help to visit some Linux websites to get started (see our sidebar).

Yeah, it’s a pretty intimidating package. However, when’s the next time you’ll get a chance to program a next-gen system? We don’t know either.

-end-

All you needed to know about PS2 Linux (but were afraid to ask)

What is Sony selling?
It’s a $199 package that will allow you to make PS2 games using the programming language Linux.

What’s it come with?
40 MB Internal Hard Drive, Ethernet (non-dial-up) Network Adaptor for the net, USB Keyboard and Mouse, Monitor Adaptor to hook up your computer monitor, and two discs with Linux on them.

What doesn’t it come with?
A PS2-compatible monitor, a PS2 (but you’re reading this magazine, right?), and an extra 8 MB memory card.

Can it replace my home computer?
Don‘t count on it, but it can access the Internet. It’s more like Web TV than a full-fledged PC.

Will it teach me how to make games?
Definitely not. It’s pretty stripped down.

Is it the same thing Electronic Arts and Square uses to make games?
In raw form, yes. But they have a deluxe version, which costs thousands of dollars.

Can I sell the games that I make with them?
Um, no. And the games can only be played on systems with the PS2 Linux package installed.

Where can I learn more about Linux?
The Linux Game Programming Webring: < h.webring.com/webring?ring=linuxgp;list>, The Linux/X11 Game Writers Page: < game.ncl.ac.uk>

Where can I read more about PS2 Linux?
At the official website: < playstation2-linux.com>

Where can I buy it?
For a limited time at < www.us.playstation.com>.