What is BlackRhino GNU/Linux?

BlackRhino is a free Debian-based GNU/Linux software distribution for the (WAYBACK)Sony PlayStation 2. It contains over 1,200 software packages to aid in using and creating programs for the (WAYBACK)Sony PlayStation 2 Linux kit. The programs range in functionality from simple games, to text editors, compilers, web servers, windowing systems, database systems, graphics packages, mail servers and a variety of other tools and utilities.

Why was BlackRhino developed?

Initially, BlackRhino was created by (WAYBACK)xRhino in an effort to bring a commercial Debian-based GNU/Linux distribution to the (WAYBACK)Sony PlayStation 2 for hobbyists and developers alike. As events unfolded, BlackRhino became useful in other ways and it was finally apparent that a public release should be made. For more information, see the project history.

Why does BlackRhino need a PS2Linux Kit? Where can I get one?

BlackRhino is only available as a free download over the web, which means that the user needs a way to place it on his/her PlayStation 2 and boot to it. The PS2Linux kit provides all the needed hardware (hard drive, network adapter, etc) in addition to an on-disc Linux bootloader. To buy the kit, visit the PlayStation (WAYBACK)hardware store.

What are BlackRhino's vital statistics?

• Package Count Breakdown by Section:
  • admin: 49
  • base: 55
  • comm: 9
  • deprecated: 94
  • devel: 258
  • doc: 49
  • editors: 31
  • games: 8
  • graphics: 40
  • interpreters: 106
  • libs: 169
  • mail: 21
  • main: 6
  • math: 6
  • misc: 8
  • net: 95
  • oldlibs: 7
  • otherosfs: 11
  • shells: 9
  • sound: 57
  • tex: 17
  • text: 50
  • utils: 46
  • web: 14
  • x11: 73
• Package Count Total: 1,292
• Total Size: 1.2 Gigabytes

Help! BlackRhino doesn't have a package I need!

Then you should consider becoming a package maintainer and submitting that package!

How may I contribute?

There are plenty of ways! To name a few...

• Become a package maintainer and submit new packages (or maintain existing ones).
• Generate discussion on the (WAYBACK)BlackRhino listserv.
• Generate discussion on the BlackRhino forums.
• Provide a repository mirror.

If you have other ideas, please feel free to contact xRhino.

What is a package maintainer?

The person who is responsible for maintaining a package. This can entail initial package creation from software source, keeping the package up-to-date with the latest software version, testing the package contents and verifying correct interaction with the BlackRhino system, and releasing an updated package into the official BlackRhino repository. For more information on the Debian packaging system (which BlackRhino uses), have a look at their FAQ.

How do I submit new packages?

There is no automated way of submitting packages at this time, so a small submission proposal must be sent to xRhino. Once the proposal is approved, binary and source packages will be accepted and added to the official repository.

May I provide a repository mirror?

Absolutely! We're always happy to give BlackRhino higher availability. Contact xRhino and all the arrangements will be made.