(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); i have a 2.5" inclosure that'll fit the ps3 hdd.
if i plug it in can i change the patches and stuff like that?
or is there a more complicated process?

More complicated than that mate, the HDD method is possible but fortuneatly not everyone knows how to do it, and those that do know will not post the method

For some people if they have a custom firmware system they simply just ftp the data over to there computer and you can view all the information from that! even be able to copy all the data and put on computer. However for viewing ur ps3 hard drive on ur pc by using a adapter and or enclosure i think is a bit hard since the data is encrypted by Sony to protect it!

it is possible if you got your console id
but how to get your cid is either by getting E3 to get a dump or use a sniffer that is not publicly released