The Official PSP-Hacks Glossary

[nedthehead]

This will be a user-contributed list of terms relating to the PSP and any confusing terminology that comes with it. If you don't know what something is, you can come here and check it out. If you think something should be added to this list, make a post containing the word and definition and it will be added to this first post.

Ad-Hoc - A form of localized WiFi access between two or more PSPs. In order to use Ad-Hoc, you must be within approximatly 100 feet of the other PSPs you intend to link with.

Brick - A brick (or bricked PSP) is a PSP that is rendered completly useless either through hardware or software. In short, the PSP will not function to an extreme degree. Most software bricks (such as a bad flash) can be fixed with a Pandora setup, a hardware brick however can not usually be fixed. If this is still troubling, take the origin of the phrase: "A bircked PSP is about as useless as a brick"

CIntro - CIntro is a plugin that replaces the coldboot (see Sleep Mode vs Coldboot) of the PSP. It works by telling pmfPlayer.prx to play any PMF file on startup if enabled through firmware.

CSO - A CSO is simple a Compressed ISO. Many users prefer using the CSO format rather than the ISO format because it results in a much smaller file size, allowing the user to store more games on the PSP's memory stick.

Custom Firmware (CFW) - A modified version of the PSP's firmware. The most common is the SE/OE/M33 line of firmwares created by Dark_Alex. Among other things, custom firmware allows you to have custom themes, run games off of your memory stick, use homebrew, and much more! The easiest method to install CFW onto any PSP can be found here.

CXMB - CXMB is a plugin that allows you to use Flash0 themes without flashing any files. It works by feeding a different message to the PSP about where the theme files are located, so themes can be changed simply by adding or deleting files on your memory stick. However, Flash0 themes and CXMB themes are different. For more information, visit the Custom Theme Knowledge Base section of these forums.

Dead/Stuck Pixel - A defect in the LCD screen, which can cause one or more pixels to be "dead". Many PSP's experience this, which is not of major concern. Both a dead and stuck pixel are one color, and will not change with the rest of the screen. This is the reason why some people experience red/blue/green dots on solid white backgrounds. The difference between the two is that dead pixels can not be fixed whereas stuck pixels can be with the use of software.

Despertar Del Cementario (DCx) - DC is a homebrew application used along with a Pandora battery and memory stick. DC allows ANY PSP to be directly upgraded to the latest custom firmware at the touch of a button. Whereas other downgrade methods used to require an install of the 1.5 firmware, DC allows a clean install of the newest custom firmware. DC is often abbrevated with a number representing the version of it. At the time of this post, the latest version is 5, hence the latest version of this application, DC5.

Devhook - Devhook is an obsolete application for the PSP which allows it to emulate other firmwares. Basically, you can run any firmware you want on your PSP, without affecting whatever firmware is currently stored on your PSP. Devhook works by reading a firmware file off of your memory stick, so no modifications are done to your actual firmware.
Devhook has become obselete due to Custom Firmware. When Devhook was released, many people stayed on 1.50 to run Unsigned Code, but then couldn't access any of the new features released in newer firmwares. With custom firmware which allows unsigned code to be run directly from the latest firmware, Devhook has become obsolete to most of the PSP community.

Downgrade - To downgrade a PSP is to put a lower version of Firmware onto it. Sony doesnt allow this, because Sony's 1.5 firmware allows users to run unsigned code on their PSP. Most users will downgrade to 1.5 from any firmware in which they are on. The most reliable form of downgrading currently is the Pandora method. However, this page has a very in depth guide to downgrade every known firmware.

Emulator - An emulator is a program that "turns the PSP into another system". In short, it copys or "emulates" the hardware of another system. For example: an NES emulator will make the PSP behave like a Nintendo Entertainment System in order to play NES games. There are emulators for many different things, such as old game consoles, old computers, old Operating Systems, and even calculators!
Note: Because the PSP's hardware is only as strong as it is, the PSP doesn't have the power to emulate new systems. By new systems, we mean that the PSP will not be able to run any games newer than the Sega Dreamcast. This page has in-depth information on the vast majority of emulators currently available.

Fake vs Real Memory Sticks - Sony, Sandisk, and Lexar (among others) produce Memory Stick Prom Duo's (MSPD) that are compatible with the PSP. These memory cards are official.
However, some companies produce "fake" memory cards. These functions may function completly normally, or they may suffer problems including (but not limited to) not containing the indicated storage space, slow transfer rates, no compatibility with homebrew, and buggy data transfer. If you believe you have a fake memory stick, you can find more information here

Firmware - A firmware is the interface that you use to interact with your PSP. Think of it like this: A computer runs Windows, and the PSP runs the PSP firmware. The PSP's firmware is often shortened to OFW (or Official Firmware)

Flash Memory - Non-removable storage space on the PSP's motherboard that holds the firmware and critical files. The flash can only be accessed and modified through software. The flash memoery (or simply referred to as "the flash") is what many people modify in order to change the look and feel of the PSP. Some themes are replied by overwriting files in the flash for example.
This should not be confused with the verb "to flash". Both refer to the same thing, but should not be used interchangeably. For example: "I flashed a good theme to my PSP" would mean: "I wrote a good theme to my PSP's flash memory"

Gameboot - A gameboot is the animation you see when launching a UMD, ISO, or homebrew application. The stock gameboot is the white PSP logo, but the gameboot can be changed to your liking. For much more detailed info on this, refer to the "Custom Gameboots" section of these forums.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) - A shell that allows programs to use icons, pictures & animations instead of command prompt lines. Windows is an iconic example of a GUI, your PSP menu is a GUI, your Recovery Mode is not.

GO!Messenger - Go!Messenger is a PSP application that allows for voice, video, and text chats to go on between PSP users. Every PSP supports this. The minimum requirement is online access. In order to video chat, you need a camera attachment, and for voice chat, you need a camera with a microphone, or some other PSP microphone, such as the SOCOM Headset

Homebrew - Unsigned code developed to run on the PSP. Huh? All it means is the extra games and applications the PSP Developers have designed that isn't officially made by Sony. You will need Custom Firmware to run homebrew.

Infrastructure - When refering to the PSP, Infrastructure is the method used to connect via WiFi to the internet. It can be used for playing games worldwide (that support Infrastructure) or browsing the Internet using the PSP's built in browser.

Initial Program Launcher (IPL) - The IPL is the part of the PSP's system software that is first run during the boot-up process, and is responsible for loading the rest of the system software. The IPL is stored in a separate part of flash memory to the rest of the system software, and special techniques are required to access it.

IRShell - IRShell is a very popular media shell for the PSP. It is the most advanced shell currently available, featuring file access, nethostfs/usbhostfs Infared Remote (for the "Phat" PSP), ISO loader, alarm clock, and much much more.

ISO - An ISO is the image (or actual data) which is directly taken off of any Disc based media. This is the format in which PSP games are saved. Generally, a downloaded PSP game will be named XXXXXXX.iso. When users discuss ISO's, they are discussing games which can be played from your memory stick. Remember, discussion of ISO's is legal, but linking or providing people with ISO's isn't.

Kernel - In laymans terms, the kernel is the set of files that run applications. When the kernel is being discussed, it is usually about either the 1.5 or 3.XX kernel:
1.5: This kernel can only be found on the 1.5 firmware, or custom firmware. This kernel allows for homebrew to be launched nativly running with the PSP's full hardware. Many people refer to this kernel as "obsolete" because new apps are being developed constantly for the 3.XX kernel.
3.XX: This kernel can be found in all new PSP firmwares. This kernel launches ISO's, official Sony applications, and certain homebrew developed to work with the 3.XX kernel.

libusb0.sys - The driver needed for RemoteJoy, USBHostFS and other similar programs to connect and interact with your PSP.

MagicGate - MagicGate is copy protection enabled on all Sony Memory Stick Pro Duos, and other reputable brands of memoery sticks. This technology allows a secure data transfer that keeps all of the information on the card safe.
MagicGate has another advanatge: A fake memoery card identifier. In the XMB. if you press Triangle, then press Information, it should tell you if MagicGate is supported or not. If MagicGate is not supported, chances are you have a Fake Memoery Stick.

Nand - An image consisting of your PSP's flash0-3 storage, ids keys, and the ipl responsible for booting the PSP

Motherboard (Mobo) - A motherboard of a PSP is the actual piece of hardware that runs the PSP. In the same way that it works in a computer, the motherboard holds everything that a PSP is: The RAM, the NAND, the Flash Storage, and everything else you can think of! Basically, the PSP is nothing without it.

ms0:/ - This is the memory stick drive of the PSP. A simple analogy: Your computer sees it's main Hard Drive as the C: drive. The PSP sees it's memory stick as the ms0:/ drive.

NP9660 - The NP9660 is an official UMD driver found in PSP firmwares greater than 3.52. Nobody knows the true purpose of this loader, as Sony has made no notices about it. Speculation says it could be used to launch PSX games from the the PlayStation Store (in a future firmware update). Until then, it is a very fast and reliable ISO/UMD loader that can only be accessed through Custom Firmware

Pandora - A Pandora Battery and Memory Stick is a "hacked" battery and memory stick that allows the PSP to be run in "service mode". Through this mode, any user can upgrade, downgrade, or unbrick ANY PSP. There are many guides to make your own Pandora Battery and Memory stick, as can be found in the Tutorial section.

POPS - POPS is Sony's official PSX emulator. It allows users to play PS1 games on the PSP. POPS was originally designed only to be able to play games purchased from the Playstation Online Store. Recently, it has been hacked (in Custom Firmware) to allow users to play their own PS One games. This emulator is built into every PSP firmware greater than 3.00

.PRX - The file format PSP plugins are saved in. These plugins can be built into the firmware, such as the SaveData viewer, or can be used in conjunction with Custom Firmware such as VSHMenu.

PSP "Phat" - Most old PSP's (PSP 1000) are referred to as Phat PSP's. This was the first generation of PSP, which many users have today. It is characterized by its indented dots along the top screen, thicker profile, and location of switches.

PSP "Slim/Lite" - When people refer to a PSP Slim or PSP Lite, they are referring to Sony's current PSP model (PSP 2000). This PSP is definatly slimmer than the "Phat", and contains new software features such as TV Out, and USB charging. However, it does not nativly support 1.5 kernel homebrew.

Recovery Mode - A useful tool built into Custom Firmware that can be accessed by holding the R trigger when turning on your PSP (NOT from sleep mode though). Once accessed, this menu lets you toggle USB, access your Flash Memory, enable plugins, change the PSP's Clock Speed, and more.

RemoteJoy - A PC application that allows you to veiw your PSP on your computer's monitor via a USB cable. RemoteJoy requires USBHostFS as well as libusb0.sys in order to function. If your PC and TV have matching ports, you can theoretically connect to your Television.

Remote Play - This feature allows your PSP to communicate with your PS3 system. In this way, you can access video, audio, photos, and some supported games on your PS3 through your PSP.

ROM - A ROM is a file which can be accessed, but can not be modified easily. ROM's are the actual data that is stored on any cartridge type media. This format is used interchangeably to discuss older games on other consoles, for example, NES games will be mentioned as ROMs. When people are discussing ROMs, it could refer to any older game. However, just like the ISO, it is legal to discuss ROMs, but illeagal to provide links to them or to distribute them.

The "Root" - Many guides tell you to access the root of your PSP/Memory Stick. The root is simply the first page you see when you double click your PSP under "My Computer". Generally it will contain a PSP folder, an ISO folder (if you have custom firmware) and possibly VIDEO, MUSIC, and PICTURE folders.

Save State - An option supported in some emulators to save your game at a certain point. Imagine pausing your game, and leaving the system on. When you unpause the game, you'll be right where you left off. A save state does the same thing, except puts that data on the memory stick, so you can call back that instant in time whenever you want.

Shell - A Shell is anything that provides a seperate interface for users. Most PSP programs that are built to multitask, and have many different features are referred to as Shells. The two most popular Shells currently are IRShell, and NervOS

Skype - Skype is a voice chat client compatible with PC, Mac, and most recently, the PSP. Skype can be found in any firmware greater than 3.80. Unfortunatly, Skype can only be used (or accessed) on the PSP Slim and Lite due to hardware restrictions. Developers are trying to develop Skype for the old "Phat" PSP.

Sleep Mode vs Coldboot - These are the two methods of turning off your PSP. Most people simply push the power slider into the up position and let go. When turned on again, the PSP resumes the data exactly where it left off. This is known as Sleep Mode.
For conserving battery, some people hold the PSP's power slider in the up position for three seconds or so, which causes the PSP to turn completly off. Once turned on again, you witness the PSP coldboot screen and are returned to the XMB. This is known as a Coldboot.

Ultimate Pandora Memory Stick (UPMS) - UPMS is a homebrew program that turns any battery and memory stick into a Pandora battery and memoery stick. UPMS comes as an ISO file which offers many options in the process of "Pandorizing" your battery and memory stick. UPMS is known for being the most easy and fast way to turn a battery and memory stick into a Pandora battery and memory stick. A great guide for installing UPMS can be found here.

Universal Media Disc (UMD) - The disc which holds PSP games, music, and videos. Whenever you buy a PSP game, it comes on a UMD disc which you put into the UMD drive on your PSP.

Unsigned Code - Any program designed to run on the PSP that is not officially produced by Sony. In order for any PSP game/program to work, Sony puts an encryption key to the data, ie: signing it. Homebrew developers do not have this code, so the homebrew they produce is referred to as unsigned. In order to run Unsigned Code, you need Custom Firmware

USBHostFS/NethostFS - USBHostfs is a PC utility which allows the PSP connect to your computer and access the files on it, via the PSP's USB port. It is useful for storing data on your computer, and accessing it through your PSP, thus greatly expanding the PSP's storage capabilities.
NetHostfs is also a PC utility which allows the PSP connect to your computer, except this time via AdHoc, or WiFi. You MUST have a Wireless network card or USB Wireless adapter, the same ones used to connect to a wireless router.A wireless router is not needed however.

VSH - In application, VSH is simply another name for the XMB. When a user talks about the VSH, they are usually talking about the folder located in Flash0 that holds the files neccessary for the XMB to function. VSH is also referred to when talking about the VSH Menu. Found only on Custom Firmware, this menu is a slimmed down version of the Recovery Mode that allows adjustments to be made from the VSH.

WEP, WPA-PSK (TKIP) & WPA-PSK (AES) - Listed from weakest (WEP) to strongest (AES), WEP,TKIP & AES are the three common security encryptions used by commercial routers. Encryption is used by your router so others cannot access your network with out the digital code, found on the bottom of your router, or which you create using your routers home page. It is important to know which way your router is configured so that your PSP can connect to it under the appropriate encryption key.


XMB - The design of the PSP's firmware. The XMB stands for Cross Media Bar. It is the set of icons (Settings, Pictures, Music, Video, Game, and Network) that allow acces to files on the PSP. When people discuss the XMB, they are discussing the design and function of the icons.

[p0op]

Didn't Zingaburga make a thread exactly like this back in '06?

[Los]

Originally Posted by p0op

Didn't Zingaburga make a thread exactly like this back in '06?

Yeah, Zinga never updated it after a while and many new terms and stuff weren't added. I asked em and he said that he was too lazy to update it (too much work also)

[shady545]

ZiNgA BuRgA FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you should add some acronyms like CFW.

[popopola]

yeah, next to custom firmware and official firmware you should put (CFW) and (OFW) because we use acronyms alot.

[Chewy954]

warez, thats the reason the sites big lol.

[ZiNgABuRgA]

Originally Posted by Chewy954

warez, thats the reason the sites big lol.

Is that also the reason why your site's small?

[Demonchild]

Nand - An image consisting of your PSP's flash0-3, ids keys, and the ipl responsible for booting the PSP

[nedthehead]

AddedDemonchilds post and acronymys.

Now that I'm out of chat (again) I've really noticed a lot of people asking simple questions like these. I searched but couldn't find Zinga's, so I decided to make my own. At least this one will be user-contributable, so any new word will be known

[osnap1584]

I think it needs despertar del cementario with the acronyms and ultimate pandora magic stick. Also I would add Pandora/Jig Kick and heck add in magic gate for the dumb noobies that don't know about fake sticks. Other than that it's great glossary if only we can find ZiNgABuRgA's glossary in the depths of these forums.