At GameLocker we've been using DosBox for years to help us keep playing the old pre-Windows 98/XP games.   It has evolved over time, and now has versions that work on the popular Linux distributions, Windows XP and Vista and also the Mac OS.  Coupled with the core functionality the Open Source nature means the DosBox community has built graphical interfaces to help configure and run your favorite games.

With the Linux version you could, in theory, install Linux on your Playstation 3 and run Dos games on that platform. Why would someone do that I hear you ask.  Well, because they can, and also it would mean the can play some amazing games on their new hardware and increase its use. 

What you need :

• Playstation 3
• Yellow Dog (or similar Linux distribution)

The Playstation 3 has been critisied on a number of levels but it is still remains a powerful cutting edge machine.  Sony have made another step toward the Open Source model by continuting the efforts made in the support of hosting Linux on the PS2 on their new platform, the Playstation 3.

"Install Other OS" is section in the manual that raised a few eyebrows on the PS3's launch but it might be a sneaky way of gaining market in the Entertainment Centre market. You can already connect the portable PSP system to your PS3 to listen to music and play games remotely (even over the internet with some port forwarding settings). Add this to the fact that there will be additonal functionality for the PSP including Digital TV and Syke support already provides a strong platform for personal entertainment. 

The additional oppotunity for running Linux on the PS3 adds another dimention. The PS3 is often critisied for being over priced, but one of the main reasons for this is the inclusion of the BluRay Player. On its launch you couldn't get a BluRay player for much less than a PS3, and you could play games on it too. By installing a Linux Operating system layer, connecting a keyboard and mouse you have a powerful entertainment centre already in your living room able to store and manage music, play DVDs and BluRay discs, and gather internet content.

 Yellow Dog Linux

Hexus - Linux on a PS3

Take the Mac mini one step furher and turn it into your entertainment centre

What you need

• A Mac Mini
• A Harddisk extension
• A Speak system
• A Large monitor or TV

The Mac Mini has been around for sometime now but it is still growing as a popular alternative to the PC.  Especially with its slant on integrating the entertainment side of things directly into the Operating system.  At GameLocker we have a Mac Mini and use it with a TV card for digital TV in the UK.  The ability to record things ala Sky+ is also a bonus.  Chris Hamaday took the Mac mini a step further and built his whole entertainment centre around the Mac Mini.  His effort is documented here.

This was done when the Mac Mini first came out and it just as easy to do on a PC using  Microsoft Media Centr. In addition, Elgato have expanded their EyeTV software to include a Media Server option. This means you can consolidate all your music, video and photos on one server and access it through Web pages, or uPnP Compatible devices. Take a look at Elgato's solution here. The Apple iPod integration makes this useful at home, and with some tweaking you can stream content over the internet through your router and internet connection. 

• A PC
• A Wii remote
• A Wii Sensor Bar
• Software