What Is SteamOS?

SteamOS, Valve's specialized gaming operating organization, is gearing up for a full release, and should be widely available before the end of the yr. The developing OS is a curious animal: Information technology'southward optimized for PC gaming but doesn't run some of the near popular PC games. On the other hand, SteamOS is lightweight and straightforward, and Valve hopes the system volition bring PC gaming into the living room merely like its console counterparts. If you have questions almost SteamOS, Tom'southward Guide has answers.

Q.: What is SteamOS?

A.: SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system adult by Valve. The software highlights PC gaming simply will also have access to streaming video, music and other online services.

Q.: What is Steam?

A.: Steam is a digital download service for PC, Mac and Linux that sells video games and some development software. PC gamers generally like Steam for its huge selection, convenient interface, integrated social media features and frequent sales.

MORE: Most Anticipated Games This Year

Q.: Why would I want to run SteamOS?

A.: SteamOS will exist very lightweight, and is designed specifically with big-screen TVs in heed. Information technology aims to dissever the difference between customizable PC gaming and comfy console gaming. Hooking a SteamOS machine upwards to your TV may be easier than hooking upward a Windows PC or Mac. Because many Steam games let yous to use a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard, a SteamOS system can offer you hundreds of the industry'south most popular games at lower prices.

Q.: Why wouldn't I desire to run SteamOS?

A.: As SteamOS is a Linux system, virtually of Steam'south 10,000-plus game library is non available at present. Furthermore, it won't offer equally many features every bit a Windows or Mac estimator out of the box. However, similar many Linux systems, SteamOS allows users to develop their own features, if they're sufficiently skilled programmers.

Q.: What games run on SteamOS?

A.: Any Steam game with Linux back up should run on SteamOS, although Valve will pin downward this list every bit the official launch engagement approaches. There are roughly 2,000 Linux games available through Steam, including major titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and indie darlings like Hotline Miami.

Q.: What games don't run on SteamOS?

A.: Generally speaking, games that are compatible simply with Windows and Mac volition not run on SteamOS. The list of games that do not run on Linux is extensive: Serial such as BioShock, M Theft Auto and Call of Duty currently accept no Linux back up on Steam. If you want to check whether a game runs on Linux, simply wait it up on Steam and check for the penguin logo.

Q.: Is at that place any way to run Windows and Mac games via SteamOS?

A.: Yes, but it requires two systems. In improver to acting as a stand-alone OS, SteamOS tin can stream Steam content from Windows PCs and Macs. This means that if you lot have a gaming rig elsewhere in your house and Wi-Fi, you lot tin run Steam on your rig and stream the content through the SteamOS machine fastened to your TV.

Q.: Where tin can I get a Steam car?

A.: Valve does not produce any Steam machines; instead, information technology has collaborated with a number of partners to offer a total range of gaming PCs, from the upkeep-minded to the fantastically powerful. CheckValve's Steam Machines page to learn more and see if whatever of the machines fit your needs. (You can also build your own computer, of course.)

Q.: Will SteamOS run on my computer?

A.: Probably. Check theofficial SteamOS page for system requirements, simply any relatively new system should exist fine.

Q.: When will SteamOS and Steam Machines be bachelor?

A.: SteamOS is bachelor right at present, although information technology's withal in beta. A full release will come in Nov, which is also when the Steam Machines will striking the marketplace.

MORE: Best Gaming Desktops

Q.: How much volition SteamOS and Steam Machines toll?

A.: SteamOS is available free of charge. Steam Machines range from $460 to $five,000. You lot tin as well find a machine to fit your exact budget by constructing it yourself.

Q.: How practice I install SteamOS on my electric current calculator?

A.: Check out the Tom's Guide article onHow to Dual-Boot SteamOS.

Q.: Is at that place a Steam Controller?

A.: Yes. Valve designed the Steam Controller from the ground up, to become the most out of Steam titles without resorting to a mouse and keyboard. Notwithstanding, the controller is non necessary; gamers tin still utilize a mouse and keyboard, or another type of controller, if they prefer. For total impressions on the Steam Controller, cheque out our hands-on from GDC 2015.

All-time Gaming Mice
Top Picks for Gaming Keyboards
The Best PC Games to Play Right Now

Marshall Honorof is a senior writer for Tom's Guide. Contact him at mhonorof@tomsguide.com . Follow him @marshallhonorof . Follow us @tomsguide , on Facebook and on Google+ .

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom'due south Guide, overseeing the site'due south coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a scientific discipline writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of scientific discipline and technology. Later on hours, you can observe him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi.