To answer this question, you need to know what firmware version your PSP is running (see next question). Once you know that, the rule of thumb is that almost any PSP with firmware version 3.50 or lower is capable of running most homebrew. PSPs with later firmware versions are generally capable only of running some Macromedia Flash homebrew, which is somewhat restricted in its potential.

With current downgraders PSPs up to firmware version 3.50 can be downgraded to v1.5, or use a loader such as HEN or eLoader to run Homebrew code. You can often buy PSPs with specific firmware versions from sellers on eBay and similar auction sites. One of the surest ways to obtain a PSP with the right version is to ask the seller to let you turn it on and check the version number in the XMB, via the "System Information" menu item.

One simple answer : be patient and do not upgrade it! History has shown time and again that the most likely date for the release of a downgrader or homebrew loader for your firmware will be the day after you decide to upgrade to the next firmware. At which point, you'll kick yourself. The exploit developers can't do anything for you without your patience.

v1.0 PSPs are already fully homebrew-compatible, because the v1.0 firmware didn't ship with any anti-homebrew protection.

HEN (Homebrew Enabler) is an alternative homebrew launching method, for v2.71, 2.80 and 3.03 firmware only. To install HEN: If the psp freezes reboot your psp and try again. Currently the tiff is very unstable and it is only is executed sometimes.

Note that v2.80 can also support xLoader, although the installation process is exactly the same as eLoader, since the eLoader package includes xLoader.

Since the rule of thumb is that Sony generally toughen the PSP's countermeasures against homebrew with each firmware version, it would seem to make sense to downgrade your PSP to the lowest version possible, so that it has the fewest barriers. But this might not be the best choice: If your PSP is firmware v3.51 or higher you have no choice - it cannot currently be downgraded. (See 'The Basics' for how to tell).

This is easier to answer, although it seems counter-intuitive. These days there is little benefit in being at any firmware version between v2.00 and v2.70 inclusive, since the homebrew support is just as good (maybe better) on v2.71, and v2.71 has more official features. Moreover, you can easily downgrade again from v2.71 if you want to. If you're on 2.71, though, at the moment you would massively reduce your available homebrew capability by upgrading to 2.80 or higher.

These days, running the latest v3.xx OE firmware is probably the best choice for homebrew, if your PSP is able to run it. The OE custom firmware contains almost all of the benefits of the official v3.xx firmware, as well as supporting almost as much homebrew as the v1.5 firmware.

Simply, homebrew is software that is produced by unofficial software developers, as compared with official software produced by developers licensed by the console manufacturer. Usually, homebrew developers are driven by the desire to make the console do things that the official developers haven't thought of, or got around to yet. Sometimes it's done because the homebrew developer thinks they can do better than the official software.

Download the PSP zip file. Extract the file to a directory of your choice. Open Paint Shop pro. Browse to the folder where you extracted the tube file and open the file. Click on Export. Save the image in your tub folder. When you want to use the tube, simply click on the tube icon in Paint Shop Pro. It will bring up a selection of all of your saved tubes.

Scott Murphy maintains an on-line list of homebrew clubs. You can contact him by sending mail to: scott@gordian.com

http://cal003109.student.utwente.nl/stefan or http://cal003102.student.utwente.nl An LCD FAQ is in the misc section, file lcd_faq.htm