What Is SteamOS? Uses, Features, Reviews, Prices

SteamOS is a distribution of Linux based on Debian optimized for the Steam client and designed from the ground up to deliver a modern living room experience. It is the base platform for the “Steam Machine”.

It is optimized to work with a controller and does not require you to connect a keyboard and mouse. Plus, the user interface is large and console-like, allowing you to easily operate it while lying on your couch.

The downside is that SteamOS It has not been updated since 2019 and therefore, it seems that it is an abandoned project. However, its developer has clarified that he has not abandoned it completely and there are big plans to develop.

Let's start then with the analysis of the characteristics and functions of SteamOS.

What is SteamOS

SteamOS is Valve's console operating system for turning PCs into consoles, but with the same appealing PC features as the ability to modify and use PC software.

The developer puts its features into an easy-to-use package with a controller on the TV, and eliminates some of the hassles that come with operating systems like Windows, Mac, Ubuntu and FreeBSD.

SteamOS grab the drivers and update the OS from SteamOS Big Picture Mode. With Windows you need to download the latest drivers from websites and from Ubuntu you need to go to choose drivers then update them in system updater and then open Steam.

All of these work and aren't particularly difficult, but they do add a bit more hassle to the gaming experience. You should keep in mind that installing SteamOS on your system involves completely deleting all content on your computer.

It means that if you want to have SteamOS on your PC, you must have a dedicated computer for it. This is what is commonly known as “A Homemade Steam Machine”.

What SteamOS can be used for

SteamOS, being an operating system you can download to your PC, also supplants Windows as your system's official operating system. And while you do have the option of running a desktop setup through SteamOS, its real strength is the direct interface for games.

This means that SteamOS completely turns your computer into a gaming console. And currently, that's the use you can give it.

SteamOS was the operating system of the “Steam Machine”, a console launched by Valve, which was not as successful as expected and was discontinued in 2018. The operating system is still available, although it has not been updated since 2019.

SteamOS Features

Let’s take a quick look at some of the key features and functionalities that SteamOS brings to the table. This should help you get an idea of ​​what SteamOS is all about.

1. It is not a standard Linux distribution

Despite being based on Debian 8, SteamOS is not a Linux distribution. Instead, you can view SteamOS as a file manager. Boot for Steam Client. If you primarily intend to use a system just to run Steam and Steam games, SteamOS is the ideal platform for you.

Additionally, unlike most distributions that come with a standard GUI designed to be used with a mouse and keyboard, SteamOS is optimized for controller-based navigation.

2. Combination of proprietary and open source software

SteamOS is not completely open source. The base system is built on Debian and is open source. However, the SteamOS desktop environment, and the Steam client, are proprietary and belong to Valve.

On top of that, SteamOS also ships with a lot of proprietary third-party drivers. This doesn't really pose any problems for users, you just need to be clear about the role of open source and proprietary code.

3. Works with a minimal system

In addition to giving you access to the Steam client right away, SteamOS It has minimal space and exceptionally low overhead.

This is because the developer wants to allocate as much of your system resources as possible to running the games and not waste them on running unnecessary operating system processes.

But if you want to engage in desktop-related workloads, SteamOS doesn't seem to be the one for you.

4. You have access to two desktop environments

With SteamOS, you will get access to two desktop environments assigned to two different user accounts.

First, you have the user account «Steam», which uses Steam’s custom desktop environment. The user interface is essentially the “big picture mode” in your Steam client, making the entire interface easily navigable using a controller, without the need for a keyboard or mouse.

I must remind you that the “Steam” user account has no privileges and is only intended to allow you to install, manage and play games.

Second We have the user account «SteamOS desktop». This gives you access to a traditional desktop interface powered by Gnome. This account has privileges of root and you can access it using the “sudo” command.

This space is provided to allow users to run non-Steam applications and still get a traditional desktop experience.

5. Hardware support

SteamOS is meant to come pre-installed on Steam Machines distributed by Steam OEM partners, unlike all other Linux distributions. However, they do have the installation media publicly available and end users can freely download and install it on their system.

But that being said, SteamOS It is still in its Beta stage and is only supported on a certain set of hardware. Here is a look at your specific hardware to give you an idea of ​​what you need to get it working:

• Processor compatible with Intel or 64-bit AMD
• 4 GB or more memory
• 250 GB or larger disk
• Graphic card NVIDIA, Intel or AMD
• USB port or DVD drive for installation

If your system meets these hardware requirements, you can easily install SteamOS.

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Advantages

• It's free. If you have a living room PC or are planning to build one, you can download and install SteamOS for free.
• It encourages competition in the console market. Valve is giving away a platform for games, movies and music, challenging hardware makers to create systems that are powerful, quiet and affordable.
• Runs some games betterOne of the few advantages that consoles have over PCs is that they have an operating system designed specifically for gaming. And that's what SteamOS aims to replicate with its software.
• More and better games available.

Disadvantages

• It is outdated. We all know that SteamOS was primarily developed to be the platform for the Steam MachinesBut this project was not as successful as expected, and Valve ended up giving up on this console in 2018, and stopped updating SteamOS since 2019.

Plans and prices

The download and installation of SteamOS It is completely free, and does not offer payment plans of any kind.

How and where to download SteamOS

The installation process of SteamOS It is a bit unconventional compared to other mainstream distributions. As such, here is a detailed step-by-step installation guide to ensure that you don't face any issues while installing the operating system.

SteamOS It is available on its official website: SteamOS.

• Please proceed to visit the website of SteamOS, which is part of the store Steam.
• On the page, you will see a tutorial for installing the program, and a link to download the installer. Click the link “Download SteamOS Setup".
• A ZIP file will be downloaded to your “Downloads".
• After downloading it to your system, you will need to unzip the contents of the file .zip on a formatted USB drive FAT32. Also, you must use an MBR partition.
• Once this is done, insert the USB drive into your PC, reboot your system and at startup, press the appropriate key to bring up the BIOS boot menu.
• The program interface will appear, presenting the SteamOS installer start menu, which will give you three options:
• Automated installation: Fully automatic installation. Formats (erases) the available disk and installs SteamOS. If there are multiple disks/partitions present, it will allow you to choose where you want to install.
• Expert installation: allows us to choose the preferred language, location, keyboard layout and disk partition.
• Rescue mode: Recovery mode. Dumps to the TTY to troubleshoot potential problems.

We recommend going with the Automated installation option as it is the easiest option. Of course, if you want to create custom partitions and customize the other details, you can continue with the Expert Installation.

• After you select the automated installation, it will start installing the base system. Once the basic installation is complete, it will ask you to specify where to install the GRUB bootloader.
• Install the GRUB boot loader to the master boot record of your first drive.
• Type the name of the corresponding device in the field provided and press “Enter" to continue.
• After a couple more minutes of "to install" Y "set up» different things, you will automatically be booted into the Steam desktop environment. At this point, the operating system will begin to install Steam automatically.
• To do this, you will need the system connected to the Internet to download the program “Steam” and updates. Now, in case you have not connected your system to the Internet, you will receive a pop-up window that will tell you “connect to the Internet«.
• You have access to a personalized version of Gnome ShellYou can use it to turn on WiFi, connect to the Internet, or connect an Ethernet cable.
• Once this installation is complete, the system will reboot again and create a backup of the system partition.
• Finally, once this is done, it will start in the lock screen from where you can start using SteamOS.

The system will present you with two user accounts: Steam and SteamOS Desktop.

SteamOS Desktop will open the desktop environment Gnome that we visited earlier. That's the desktop aspect of SteamOS, from where you can install and run basic desktop applications.

If you open the user account of Steam, the Steam client will launch from where you can install, manage, and play all of your Steam games. By default, both user accounts do not have passwords associated with them. They should open by simply pressing Enter. However, if it requires you to enter a password, you will need to set one manually.

Opinions from users who have used SteamOS

Let's take a look at some reviews from users who have tried SteamOS.

• ANGRYGUY:

“SteamOS is great if you plan to use your computer with a TV, for example in the living room. It is designed to work primarily with a controller like a console. Retroarch works well with it too.

If you also want to use your computer for other things, then Ubuntu or another distribution would work better for you.”

• chip_0:

“Yes, SteamOS is a much more useful experience for me as an entertainment device than a PS4/XBOne.”

• Aizakku Nunchaku:

“SteamOS is a very specific and specialized distribution intended for machines that will be used as dedicated gaming consoles and nothing more. However, it is generally better to get a full Linux distribution in most cases.”

• 8bitcerberus:

“If you’re just going to use it for gaming, SteamOS is great for that. It was designed to be as console-like an experience as possible, without being completely closed off to the user like other consoles. It even has the option to switch to desktop mode behind an advanced setting, to prevent gamers unfamiliar with Linux from accidentally landing on it and not knowing what to do or how to get back.

But if you’re going to need it for any other desktop use, yes, Ubuntu (or any other distro of your choice) would be the best choice. Yes, you can add all the desktop stuff to turn SteamOS into a proper desktop distro… but at that point, why wouldn’t you just use a desktop distro to begin with?

• Aultl:

“I run SteamOS and it's great. However, I have a Gigabyte WALNUT connected to my TV and its sole purpose is to play Steam games. As others have suggested, if you want to do anything else with the PC, you shouldn’t be using SteamOS.”

SteamOS Alternatives. Top 5 of This Year

As we mentioned, SteamOS is an operating system that has been specialized for playing on the Steam platform. It was originally created to be used on the “Steam Machine”, but later it did not have the desired results.

However, this operating system can still be used by downloading it to a PC, and turning it into a “Home Steam Machine.”

If this doesn't convince you, here we bring you a list of operating systems, with which you can do many things, download many applications and even play games.

1.macOS

MacOS is an operating system without open source code. Its designers publish a version of its software for Apple devices every year. MacOS is therefore a UNIX with an advanced graphical interface, largely inspired by previous versions and the NeXT interface, while bringing many new features.

Over the years, Apple has made waves with its MacBooks and desktop computers, whether MAC or embedded. In addition, MacOS is not compatible with other operating systems.

Apple and Mac devices already have the operating system pre-installed. In addition, it is on this architecture that the mobile version, the iOS, has allowed the sale of iPhones to take off.

2. Ubuntu

The Linux operating system is the new trend for anti-Microsoft. There are several variations, but Ubuntu, the popular cross-platform operating system, has the initial ambition of creating an easy-to-use operating system that anyone can use for free.

The default Ubuntu installation comes with a variety of free software such as Office, Firefox or Thunderbird. Several other free programs can be installed using the Ubuntu Software Center, such as Blender, GIMP or VLC.

Ubuntu It is run by the company Canonical, which has a financier who believes in open source. Thus, since 2013, the operating system has been working to compete with Android, the mobile operating system.

Ubuntu Touch has recently been used on certain smartphones and tablets. The advantage of having Ubuntu is that you can customize your operating system as you wish. But above all, you can program certain aspects of the free software.

3. FreeBSD

FreeBSD is a free UNIX operating system. Free takes on a more connotative meaning in the name: it means that the software can be used free of charge even for commercial use.

FreeBSD Today it offers advanced networking, performance, security and compatibility features that are still lacking in other operating systems, including some of the best commercial systems.

With over 20.000 ported software and application libraries, FreeBSD supports applications for workstations, servers, application servers, and embedded environments.

The goal of the project is to provide a system that can be used for anything, with the least amount of restrictions.

4.Chrome OS

Chrome OS is an operating system developed by Google with the aim of relying solely on web applications. In particular those developed by Google.

By offering this type of operating system, Google is targeting the market of users looking for office use. By installing extensions, it is of course possible to go further.

As its name suggests, Chrome OS It is an operating system based on the famous browser Google Chrome, which offers a set of functions that revolve around the latter.

There are already several Chromebooks on the market, namely, portable with the Chrome OS operating system. In addition, free software can be installed outside of Chrome.

5. Debian

Debian is a GNU/Linux distribution released by Ian Murdock. It is primarily a non-commercial project, supported by a large community of volunteers. It is also the name of the universal operating system (OS) developed by it.

It offers a series of programs and utilities based on a modular package system depending on the desktop environment you want. You will adapt it according to your tastes, your way of working or relaxing.

FAQs

Let's take a look at some frequently asked questions related to SteamOS.

1. Who are the typical users of SteamOS?

SteamOS has the following typical customers: Freelancer, Startups, SMEs, Agencies, and above all GamersSteamOS is ideal for dedicating a PC exclusively to Steam platform games.

2. Is SteamOS free?

Yes, the operating system is free, you can download and install the operating system completely free.

3. Is SteamOS abandoned?

SteamOS has not been updated since 2019, however, its developer maintains it for public use from its store. In addition, no information has been provided regarding the suspension of support.

4. Does SteamOS work without a “Steam Machine”?

Steam Machines went off the market in 2018. But SteamOS can still be run by downloading the system to a PC and dedicating it just for gaming. This is known as making a “Homemade Steam Machine".

Conclusion

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SteamOS It is an operating system and software designed primarily for video gamesUsers will be able to stream games from their Mac or Windows computer to those running on SteamOS.

They will also share the same filtering and family sharing rules as the Steam software. The operating system is open source, allowing anyone to modify or adapt the source code.

Since SteamOS's primary purpose is to run video games, it doesn't have many features beyond web browsing and gaming; there's no file management or image viewing software installed by default.