Glossary

Glossary

PlayStation 3 homebrew comes with its own vocabulary. Here are the terms you will meet most often as you work through this guide.

CFW (Custom Firmware)

Replacement system software that adds homebrew support permanently. It is the most capable route but is limited to all Fat models and Slim consoles up to CECH-25xx. Evilnat is a widely used build.

HEN (Homebrew Enabler)

A tool that temporarily unlocks homebrew on official firmware. It works on every model and must be re-enabled after each reboot. It is the required route for Slim CECH-30xx and Super Slim CECH-40xx.

HFW (Hybrid Firmware)

A lightly modified version of official firmware that keeps you on the latest release while allowing HEN to run. It is the foundation the Homebrew Enabler sits on.

OFW (Official Firmware)

The unmodified system software distributed by Sony, currently version 4.9x. A stock, untouched console runs OFW.

NAND / NOR

The two types of internal flash memory used across PS3 models. Fat and early consoles use NOR or NAND depending on revision; the chip type matters for hardware-level recovery.

Syscon

The system controller, a low-level chip that manages power and core hardware functions independently of the main system software.

Dongle

A small USB device sometimes used to trigger an exploit or assist recovery on certain models.