Turn Your Old Xbox into a Computer or Media Center With a Softmod

Did you know that the original Xbox can serve as a fully functional computer using Linux?

• Intel Celeron 733 MHz CPU
• 64 MB of RAM (enough for most Linux applications - if you need more, it can be upgraded, but extensive soldering is involved)
• nVidia GeForce 3 graphics card (on most versions)
• Dolby Digital AC97 sound card
• 8 or 10 GB hard disk
• DVD drive
• 10/100 Ethernet port
• 4 USB ports (cleverly disguised as custom joystick ports)

That's a lot of computer to have just laying around, don't you think? Plus any television set can serve as a monitor, which is a lovely perk.

Xbox-Linux has the full instructions for how to install Linux on your console.

Be advised though, Xboxes running firmware v1.6 have issues with installing Linux, so be sure you either own or buy an older console.

The Xbox really shines as a media center. The things people have done with them are incredible. XBMC features:

• Watch DVDs
• Playback music, video files and photo slideshows
• Watch Youtube
• Transfer files to and from the Xbox hard drive
• LastFM

• ...more!

If you're interested in breathing life into your old Xbox, or making your own DIY media center on the cheap, head over to Lifehacker for the full report.

Transform Your Classic Xbox into a Killer Media Center