The PS3 keeps some of your files within your user profile and shared others. See below for a summary of what is personal and what is shared:
Shared
Private
Each option on the XMB (Photos, Music, Videos) can only display files located on a specific folder of a storage media (HDD, USB Flash Disk, Memory Card etc). If you are using a external data store, you must create the following folders on the root of the drive:
The format utility (found under Settings > System Settings > Format Utility) can create the necessary files on the external storage media, but will erase any existing data.
See the table below for supported display settings:
| Input Connector | NTSC Video Mode | PAL Video Mode |
| HDMI | 1080p/1080i/720p/480p | 1080p/1080i/720p/576p |
| Component or D-Terminal | 1080p/1080i/720p/480p/480i | 1080p/1080i/720p/576p/576i |
| Composite or S-Video | 480i | 576i |
| AV Multi or SCART | 480p/480i | 576p/576i |
The PS3 supports many of the PS2 accessories. The SOCOM headset and PS2 EyeToy can be configured via the Settings > Accessory Settings menu. You can even hook-up a USB/Wireless Keyboard and Mouse.
The PS3 can recognise the following video files:
The PS3 supports the following audio files:
The PS3 can recognise the following image formats:
If you have a DualShock2 controller lying around, you can use it with the PS3 using a PS2 to PC USB converter. Most PS3 games work fine with the DualShock although the missing “PS” button could cause a few problems.
When charging a controller, the Red LED on the Controller will flash. Once charging is complete the LED will become solid. The controller can be changed even when it is not in use. To help keep the battery life longer, you should only charge your controller when the red LED is flashing, and fully charge where possible.
The PlayStation 3 is able to run another operating system in addition to the XMB. To install the bootloader for another OS, you must obtain the “otheros” installer and install it via the Settings menu: [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Install OtherOS]. OtherOS installations are not supported on the PlayStation 3 Slim model (PS3-2000).
Warning: Only attempt this if you know what you are doing. Only a limited number of operating systems will work on the PS3: Fedora Core Linux (5, 6 and 7) and Yellow Dog Linux 5 are just two examples.
