[Sabanfanman]

Any advice to someone who bought it now it won't work

---

This is way out of my league here...need help from a kind soul

[Ned Scott]

Basically, you'll want to install a linux-based OS on the ATV1, which will replace the original ATV OS, or boot from a USB stick so that you can still boot the normal ATV OS. In both cases I would suggest using Crystalbuntu (wiki), even if you don't have the CrystalHD card. http://crystalbuntu.com should tell you all about how to install it on a USB stick.