The PS3 will not only boot Linux, but it contains an open bootloader that gives you pretty free rein in what you install on your box.
Installing an "Other OS" on PLAYSTATION3 requires two files. One is the "Other OS Installer" distributed by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (which is called installer hereafter), and the other is the "Other OS boot loader" (called boot loader hereafter) provided by the third party.
The installer installs the boot loader of an "Other OS" on a bootâ€loaderâ€dedicated storage area of PLAYSTATION3. Once the boot loader of an "Other OS" has been successfully installed, it automatically starts up instead of the PLAYSTATION3's system software at every power on by selecting it as"Default System"in the menu of the PLAYSTATION3's system software.
The installer installs only the boot loader of an "Other OS". It is assumed that any further installations, such as the installation of "Other OS" files on the built-in hard disk of PLAYSTATION3, are performed when the installed boot loader starts up. For more details, please contact the provider of the boot loader you are using.
(Thanks, Paul!)
