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By changing the IP address that the network card looks for when it connects to the Internet to 217.33.205.103, you can skip Sony's pages and view the www.brookfresh.co.uk website, courtesy of one Martyn Brook.

The site offers PlayStation news, forums, tips on playing mp3 files on a PS2, but also sports an address field into which you can type any Web address using a gamepad or USB keyboard. Most websites should display normally although you may find Javascript functions don't work.

Mr Brook told us: 'The visits to the site are

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phenomenal. I hadn't thought too far ahead with
Brookfresh because as soon as Sony release their official browser then I'll be out of the running. But the next step is to add the membership with users favourites, email and I'm hoping the PS2 dedicated League table for
Clans will take off.'

As for what Sony thinks of his bypass operation, he said: 'So far Sony hasn't sent any response that I know of, I'm keen to hear from them, I wouldn't mind getting a bit of content from them.'

While the site has generated a lot of interest, it's still a work in progress. Posts from users in the forums that have successfully accessed the site froma PS2 point out some of the niggles. 'Just tried it - works ish, have to scroll around to see anything,' says one. 'Can't post on forums using java submit buttons,' says another. And another says they will stick to surfing from a PC for now.

Mr Brook is currently a Web designer and is keen to develop the site, but he's not counting on Brookfresh to make him the next dotcom millionaire. 'I would love to be able to do Brookfresh full time - there is enough work for it, but I think it will remain a spare time thing,' he said.