Installing steam os from a flash drive. How to install SteamOS on your computer

But SteamOS is not doing as smoothly as we would like. Below we will share our impressions of working with the system and present the results of some tests. The SteamOS system itself is very economical. If you want to try the latest beta, you will need a 64-bit computer AMD processor or Intel. All popular NVIDIA and AMD models not older than AMD/ATI Radeon 8500 are supported. You can use systems with integrated Intel graphics.

In terms of memory, Valve recommends at least 4096 MB of RAM, with at least 500 GB of free hard disk space. But installation on less capacious HDDs and SSDs is also possible, but if you install games through Steam, you will need additional space - some modern games take up more than 50 GB. SteamOS itself takes up almost six gigabytes of hard disk space. Installation is recommended to be done on a system with UEFI support.

SteamOS system requirements:

• 64-bit Intel processor or AMD
• At least 4096 MB of RAM
• At least 500 MB of disk space
• Modern AMD, NVIDIA or Intel GPUs
• UEFI support recommended (for installation via USB stick)

Installation

Valve officially supports three ways to install the latest SteamOS beta. On the official page, the installation is described as very simple, but in fact, everything is more complicated. Since ASUS ROG GR8 does not have optical drive, we first decided to use a USB stick. There are two options here: you can choose automatic installation by default, this will download a 2.5 GB zip archive from the web. Or you can choose a custom installation, and you will need to download about one gigabyte already. Both options assume a system with UEFI.

If you download the ZIP archive yourself, you will need a USB stick with a capacity of at least 4 GB, formatted in the FAT file system with the volume label "SYSRESTORE". The files from the ZIP archive must be extracted to a USB stick. If you, like the author, are used to Mac OS X, where ZIP files are automatically decompressed after downloading, then you should be careful here. Simply dragging and dropping files from the archive to the USB stick does not work because hidden files are not copied by default. And the installation utility will not start in this case.

After preparing the USB drive, it should boot via UEFI. On our ASUS system ROG GR8 installation did not work because the utility required a DVD drive with a working installation media. So we decided to install SteamOS not from a USB drive, but from an installation DVD. We connected an external DVD drive to the system. And the third method, which is not described in detail on the site, allowed us to successfully install SteamOS.

After a successful installation, the system booted directly into the Debian interface and first tried to download and install the update over the Internet. Unfortunately, the update process is necessary for the subsequent start Steam interface. However installed version SteamOS did not recognize our WLAN module - we had to manually install a compatible driver later. Of course, no one bothers to connect the system with an Ethernet cable, and then perform the update. The update was only 200 MB in size, after another restart, SteamOS started automatically in "Big Picture" mode. You only need to enter your account information Steam entries, after which you can begin to fully work with the system.

It seems to us that in the final version of SteamOS, a simpler installation procedure would not hurt. If you want to try SteamOS in a virtual environment, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

Interface

As we have already described above, the SteamOS interface is the Big Picture mode of the Steam client. Games can be installed directly from the "Shop" tab of the store or via the "Library" tab of the library. Games supported by the SteamOS platform are marked. Of course, there are all the necessary settings. If you want to migrate to the Debian interface and use other programs such as office suite, then first you need to check the corresponding checkbox in the settings. Then, through the exit button, you can go to an alternative interface. We have provided additional screenshots on the previous page.

Comparative Tests

Comparison tests between Linux and Windows systems based on SteamOS are not so easy - also due to the limited number of games. SteamOS has Metro 2033: Last Light, but SteamOS doesn't have versions of the popular benchmarks that exist on Windows. In addition, it is not possible to measure the frame rate in an arbitrary scene, since there is no alternative to Fraps either. It remains to be content with the built-in game tests - under the same "old lady" Half Life 2: Lost Coast. It's good that different Unigine tests are available for Windows and Linux systems. Below is a small set of available tests.

Test	Steam OS	Windows 8.1
Half Life 2: Lost Coast	149.5 FPS	204.7 fps
Unigine Heaven 4.0	17.2 fps	19.6 / 18.2 FPS (DX/OpenGL)
Unigine Valley 1.0	16.5 fps	18.5 / 23.2 FPS (DX/OpenGL)

All tests show a lower level of performance under SteamOS. In particular, this applies to the game Half Life 2: Lost Coast, where the Linux version was almost 25 percent slower. We did not find any serious differences between Windows 8.1 and SteamOS in the Unigine test, at least when using one rendering path, the DirectX system runs a little faster.

SteamOS perspectives

Any undertaking is not without difficulties, so it is not surprising that Valve had to overcome many obstacles in the path of development of SteamOS. It uses a different platform than Windows, a different rendering path, which is why there are so few games under SteamOS today. Therefore, it is not surprising that a little more than 1,700 games are available for the platform today (SteamOS or Linux). That is, about half the number of games available for Mac OS X. 1,700 games - it seems like a lot, but most of these games belong to the "indie" category, there are very few AAA hits among them. In the future, the situation is unlikely to change, as most developers focus on the most popular platforms, for PC gamers, these are Windows and DirectX. In addition, DirectX 12 will provide additional performance boosts, and Microsoft will soon introduce a new operating system. Windows system 10 under different devices. It will provide tighter integration of desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets.

If you care high performance and a rich set of games, it's best to still use the Windows system. But SteamOS allows not only to run games directly on the gaming system, but also to streaming games from a powerful desktop PC. So if you already have a decent gaming computer, then you can use it to display the game on a mini PC in the living room. Moreover, a mini-PC for this task does not have to be equipped with powerful hardware. Enough of the cheapest stuffing. This is where SteamOS can really shine, especially since it's available for free compared to Windows. Note the smaller hardware requirements. So SteamOS in such situations allows you to save money.

On the other hand, the moment to launch SteamOS is not the most successful. Had SteamOS systems hit the market a few years earlier, the prognosis would have been more favorable. Still, the new generation of consoles has been on sale for several months, and many gamers have already switched to the new generation. Moreover, one should not forget about high price Steam Machine compared to a console that can be bought from 400 euros. For ASUS ROG GR8 you will have to pay twice as much.

Valve posted online new version its SteamOS operating system. The first version was rather raw and I advised installing this distribution kit only to enthusiasts who were ready to spend their personal time installing the OS and sending error reports. I left in article 2 the old ways to install the beta version of SteamOS, as users unfamiliar with the command line or BIOS may find it difficult to install the system. Below you will find a button to download the latest version of SteamOS and a translation of the official installation guide, as well as additional material for bypassing UEFI (UEFI (Unified EFI) is a standard firmware interface for computers that replaces the BIOS). The manual is written in a language that advanced users can understand without having to decipher every step of the installation process. If after reading the installation guide you have many questions, then you can now download SteamOS with an update that fixes a number of errors, but also comes with its own fully automated installer. Now this OS can be installed by gamers who do not understand anything about Linux, but want to try out the "Big Picture" mode, implemented as a separate independent OS.

Those wishing to learn more about Steam Machines and Steam Controller recommend early articles on , which can be found using tags. Current version Steam OS with automatic installer from the link below:

Steam OS | System requirements

• CPU: 64-bit Intel or AMD
• RAM: 4 GB or more
• HDD: 500 GB or more (recommended, OS given quantity does not use)
• GPU: NVIDIA (AMD and Intel support coming in the future)
• Additionally: USB port and UEFI support

Installing STEAM OS

There are 2 OS installation options:

1. the recommended default with a system clone that has a preset and uses CloneZilla.
2. manual installation using the Debian installer on which the system is based.

Attention: Both methods entail a complete loss of data on the computer! It is recommended to use virtual machine.

Standard installation

To install, you will need a USB flash drive to which you need to boot the OS.

1. Download SYSRESTORE.zip .
2. Format the USB flash drive to FAT32 format. Use "SYSRESTORE" as the partition name.
3. Extract the downloaded SYSRESTORE.zip to a flash drive.
4. Insert the flash drive into the switched off computer on which you plan to install the system. Start the computer and, if required, in the BIOS, select to start from a flash drive. Usually, you need to press F8, F11 or F12 to enter the BIOS.
5. Make sure you select UEFI. A line like this "UEFI: Patriot Memory PMAP". If there is no entry for UEFI, you will need to enable it in the BIOS.
6. Select "Restore Entire Disk" ( Full Recovery Disk) from the GRUB menu.
7. When finished, the computer will turn off. Run it to log into SteamOS.

Manual installation

1. Download SteamOSInstaller.zip .
2. Unzip the archive to an empty flash drive formatted in file system FAT32.
3. Insert the flash drive into the turned off computer on which you plan to install the OS. Start the computer and, if necessary, in the BIOS, select to start with USB media. Typically, the F8, F11, or F12 keys are used to enter the BIOS.
4. Make sure you select UEFI, it might look like "UEFI: Patriot Memory PMAP". If there is no entry for UEFI, you will need to enable it in the BIOS.
5. Select "Automated install" from the menu.
6. The installation will take place automatically.
7. When done, log in (using a Gnome session) with the preset "steam" account and "steam" password. Launch SteamOS, accept the terms of use, and let the system update. Sign out.
8. Log in to your "desktop" account with the password "desktop".
9. From a terminal, run "run ~/post_logon.sh". You will be asked for a password, enter "desktop". The script will customize, delete itself and reboot the computer into recovery mode.
10. In this mode, press "y" to restore. When finished, start your computer as usual.

If the computer does not support UEFI

The instructions below may end badly for your PC

1. Download syslinux.zip from here.
2. Download the files from the links below and write them to a flash drive in the "grub" folder:
   http://www.l4d3.org/grub-pc_1.99-27+deb7u1+steamos3+bsos1_amd64.deb
   http://www.l4d3.org/grub-pc-bin_1.99-27+deb7u1+steamos3+bsos1_amd64.deb
3. Unzip SteamOSInstaller.zip to a flash drive.
4. From the syslinux.zip downloaded above, extract the "bios/win32" and "bios/mbr" folders to the "syslinux" folder on the flash drive.
5. open command line with administrator rights and enter the command, where d is the letter corresponding to your flash drive: d:\syslinux\win32\syslinux.exe --install --mbr --active d:
6. Create a "syslinux.cfg" file on the flash drive and put the following text in it: DEFAULT linux TIMEOUT 50 LABEL linux kernel install.amd/vmlinuz append initrd=install.amd/gtk/initrd.gz preseed/file=/cdrom/default.preseed DEBCONF_DEBUG=developer desktop=steamos auto=true priority=critical video=vesa:ywrap,mtrr vga=788 -- quiet
7. Insert the flash drive into the PC to install the OS, and run it. The installer should appear.
8. Installation will fail on grub as grub-pc is missing, hold 'Ctrl+Alt' and press 'F2' to go to command line, press 'Enter' to activate.
9. Enter the following command, do not select anything, just click "OK" and then "Yes": chroot /target /bin/bash apt-get install grub-common grub2-common dpkg -i /media/cdrom/grub/grub-pc- bin_1.99-27+deb7u1+steamos3+bsos1_amd64.deb dpkg -i /media/cdrom/grub/grub-pc_1.99-27+deb7u1+steamos3+bsos1_amd64.deb
10. When done, hold down Ctrl+Alt and F5 to return to the interface.
11. Click "Continue" to continue, select "Yes" to install in MBR, installation will complete.
12. Then we follow the manual installation described above.

At the end of last year, a significant event took place, which in the near future may seriously change the attitude of many users to PC games. The world saw a new OS, the developer of which was the company known to any gamer Valve Corporation, which has its own platform for distributing games and other entertainment content. As an official reason, this is enough unexpected decision called the fact that the Valve team is seriously disappointed with what was taken in Microsoft course touch oriented. In an interview two years ago, Gabe Newell, Managing Director of Valve, emphasized the need to create an alternative to the hopeless, from his point of view, Windows 8. At the same time, he drew attention to the lack of future for closed gaming platforms. According to Newell, the future belongs to systems in which each user can be useful for others, as a result of which the line between the consumer and the author is gradually blurred.

The release of SteamOS was the first step towards creating a fundamentally new structure communication between content creators and their clients, and the system itself was called by the developer not just an operating one, but a cooperative one. So we have before us not only the OS, but the first stage of the implementation of a global project, which, if successfully promoted, can make Valve the leader of the gaming (and not only) industry, and transform the industry itself beyond recognition. However, the practical prospects are still quite vague. The new OS - although it has undergone some changes since the day it was first born - is still in beta and is currently recommended for installation only by enthusiasts.

Information from the manufacturer's website

However, Valve assures that the full version is not long to wait. Like the beta, it will be free for users and freely licensed for developers, which, according to Valve, should be the basis of the new concept of the game world. Publishers and developers, if necessary, will be able to make their own changes to the system, and the fact of the absence of a single owner in itself allows us to speak about the reliable protection of the new gaming platform from an unscrupulous developer who wants to earn extra money by making changes to the system that are beneficial only to him alone.

⇡ Hardware base

One can argue for a long time about what the future holds for game consoles, but, unlike the PC, they have one significant drawback - a closed architecture that limits the user in his legal right to choose. As opposed to consoles, SteamOS, like any other OS, is installed on a PC with the widest range of components. Strict requirements are imposed only on the processor, which must have a 64-bit architecture. But the developers have already removed the restrictions associated with the manufacturer of the video adapter, indicating in the recommended requirements the mandatory presence of a graphics card not only from NVIDIA, as it was before, but also from AMD or Intel.

The hardware base on which SteamOS is installed was simply and concisely called at Valve: Steam Machine. Mostly, of course, these will be PCs, but in the future there will certainly be those who want to put this OS on something more exotic (for example, on portable system like SteamBoy). Most importantly, the Steam Machine can always be built not only to your own taste, but also according to the size of the wallet, which cannot be said about closed consoles.

Steam Controller Prototype

The Steam Machine isn't just for enthusiasts. Valve itself offers users its version of an open game console with SteamOS already preinstalled. What distinguishes it from others is the presence in the package of delivery of the original Steam Controller, which is notable for two round trackpads for thumbs instead of buttons or joysticks. Unfortunately, the Steam Controller has not yet made it to our test lab, but, according to the developers, a high resolution mouse-like trackpad resolution allows you to work with these input devices more efficiently than with analogues. In addition, the new controller works with all games distributed through the Steam client, even those that previously only worked with a keyboard and mouse. A pair of linear resonant actuators provide the trackpads with a tactile feedback mechanism. It is stated that the tactile channel has such a wide frequency range that trackpads can even be used as speakers, playing sound with them.

An example of setting up a Steam Controller in Portal 2

The Steam Controller has many other innovative ideas implemented, such as a multi-functional touch display for control, information and much more. Describing them without having the device itself is pointless, so let's leave this topic for the next conversation about new products from Valve. For now, let's just say that the Steam Controller, like the Steam Machine and SteamOS, is distinguished by an open platform. Moreover, Valve hopes that users and developers will help improve the device, which is still at the prototype stage, in the future.

Steam Machine GIGABYTE BRIX Pro

In our experiments with SteamOS, we used the recently tested GIGABYTE BRIX Pro mini-PC (model GB-BXi7-4770R) as the Steam Machine. GIGABYTE itself positions its product as a Steam Machine. Of course, GIGABYTE BRIX Pro is not distinguished by the presence of high-end graphics, but, as tests have shown, its integrated Intel Iris Pro 5200 video adapter is the best in its class and can completely replace entry-level / mid-level discrete video adapters. Well, a high-performance desktop processor Intel Core The i7-4770R makes this Steam Machine virtually unique among devices of similar size. Below is the full specification of our test Steam Machine.

Steam Machine GIGABYTE BRIX Pro GB-BXi7-4770R
CPU	Intel Core i7-4770R 3.2 GHz (up to 3.9 in Turbo Boost mode);
Chipset	Intel HM87
Graphics controller	Integrated Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200 (GT3e) 128MB eDRAM
RAM	6GB DDR3 1333MHz
HDD	SSD Intel 520 240GB SSDSC2CW240
WiFi	802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	4.0
Network adapter	1000 Mbps (Realtek RTL8111G)
Sound	Realtek ALC269

⇡ SteamOS: installation

Installing the first distributions officially appearing on the Web with a beta version of SteamOS was a very difficult task, designed for experienced users. There were no files with ISO images, there were only simple archives with a file set, which had to be mounted in strict accordance with the unofficial instructions that appeared only after the first users tried the new OS. But even with strict observance of all the rules and installation procedure, the likelihood that everything would work the first time tended to zero. In addition, strict restrictions on the minimum volume hard drive or the mandatory presence of UEFI specifications on the motherboard, many potential users were forced to postpone experiments until better times.

Installing SteamOS manually

Everything changed quite recently, when a link to an image appeared on the official website of the developers that can be deployed to any flash drive. Now it’s enough to set the BIOS as a priority boot from USB media and enjoy the installation of SteamOS, which, in its simplicity, can outdo even Microsoft Windows. There are two installation options available - automatic and manual. The last one is nothing to be afraid of. On the contrary, it is better to choose it, since in this case the user is given the opportunity to partition the disk at his discretion. Interestingly, in this case, the user can take screenshots of what is happening on the screen, although we did not manage to open them in the future.

No work with console commands, which was almost inevitable during installation previous versions SteamOS distributions were not seen. In other words, even the most inveterate “fortifier”, who knows about the existence of such a terrible beast like Linux, only knows about the unfamiliar slang of system administrators in the office where he works, will cope with the installation of the current beta version of SteamOS.

Completing the SteamOS installation

A network connection is not required for installation, but it is necessary during the setup phase account. And in general, a Steam client without a network is like a person without hands: it is a network system. After installing and rebooting, SteamOS automatically found updates available on the Web. In our case, we did not have to install any additional drivers. Connected and network adapters, and sound, and an integrated graphics core. In other words, the system turned out to be ready to work, as they say, “out of the box”.

⇡ SteamOS: main interface

In our case, SteamOS booted from an SSD. The full download speed from pressing the power button on the Steam Machine to the appearance of the GUI on the screen is a little less than twenty seconds, which is satisfactory - considering that this also includes the time to connect a network account. But still not too fast. The main SteamOS GUI is nothing more than an updated interface of the SteamOS client in Big Picture mode installed on a PC under Microsoft management Windows, Mac OS or linux ubuntu. Although it starts automatically when SteamOS is loaded, in fact, it is a regular add-on over the basis of the new OS - Linux Debian. The interface is easy to close and switch to the GNOME desktop environment. But for now, back to the Steam client.

Steam OS main interface

Sound settings

The main interface of SteamOS is extremely simple, but at the same time it has an impeccable graphic design with 3D animated elements and just great sound design- calm, conducive to relaxation, with some fantastic sounds of other planets. You can turn off the sound if necessary, but in the early days of working with SteamOS, you don’t want to do this at all.

Library

The menu consists of three main items: "Shop", "Library" and "Community". The first two lead the user to the pages of purchases and already purchased products, and the third point is used to go to the personal profile settings page. The menu itself is superimposed on an animated desktop, under which are laid out virtual covers of various gaming innovations, which are constantly in slow motion that does not strain the eyes. In general, the animation and dynamics of the movement of objects in SteamOS, as well as in the updated SteamOS client with the Big Picture mode, have received increased attention. All movements of objects are carried out smoothly and clearly, and the specific musical arrangement only enhances some kind of cosmic effect of what is happening on the screen. In the evening twilight of the living room, for which, according to the developers, the new OS is intended, all this looks really impressive.

Internet browser

The options for the SteamOS add-on are not limited to sections of the main menu. So, on each menu page at the bottom of the screen there is a button that activates the built-in Internet browser. At the same time, a large round button with the Steam logo in the right corner of the screen is always ready to return you to the main page.

Access restriction settings

Unlike the Steam client, SteamOS has several useful family sharing features. First, there is a family view feature in the settings section. For each user with his account, a number of restrictions can be set up to the manual selection of games allowed for him to view. You can generally close the entrance to the Steam store or, for example, limit the use of chat.

Family Sharing Settings

The second feature is called Family Sharing. With it, any member of your family or, say, one of your friends will be able to play games from your library when you are not using it yourself. In total, up to five users can be admitted to this "family circle".

Streaming settings

Another feature that distinguishes SteamOS from the regular Steam client is not directly related to family restrictions, but still solves issues one way or another related to the fact that each family member often has their own computer with games installed on it. Hosted in the living room, a Steam Machine with SteamOS can remotely run on other devices under Windows control or Mac OS games from the Steam library. The main thing is that this computer should run Steam client with the same user account. The system will automatically scan the network and establish a connection, after which the user will be prompted to use the games that are installed on the server device. This feature is called streaming and can also serve to run on the Steam Machine those games that have not yet been released for SteamOS and Linux.

SteamOS settings menu

The rest of the SteamOS settings relate to the network, sound and image, and in general do not differ in anything remarkable. But the possibilities of SteamOS do not end there. The most interesting awaits those users who will show additional interest in SteamOS.

SteamOS: Hidden Features

GNOME desktop

Most users will probably be limited GUI SteamOS and will only use the Steam Machine as a home entertainment center. Games, social networks, and in the near future also access to media services - what else is needed for a serene pastime? But if suddenly, in between military special operations and study recent entries if you want to work a little in your friends journals, feel free to click the [Exit] button at the top of the screen and select [Desktop] instead of [Shut down] or [Change user] from the drop-down menu. And now, after two or three seconds, the screen will appear working environment gnome.

Activities menu and open windows

It is slightly different from the Windows interface familiar to many, but it is intuitive and does not require any special training for quick mastering. Instead of the [Start] button familiar to many, GNOME has a button that, when pressed, will take you to the menu installed apps and open windows.

Preinstalled Applications

Working with the console

SteamOS has a minimum of pre-installed software. The system is not overloaded with unnecessary applications, so everything, up to the video player, needs to be installed independently. The Debian Wheeezy repository has enough programs and various applications both for work and for entertainment, but to install the software you will have to use the console - a text line, which can scare off users unfamiliar with Linux. Those who are not too lazy to spend an hour or two studying the basics and reading simple instructions, waiting for the discovery of new features of SteamOS and everything that is available Linux users Debian. Even if you have not been familiar with Linux before, it will not be difficult to master the basics of working with it. Worth a try!

File manager

Systemic Linux settings Debian

Otherwise, working with Linux Debian should not be misunderstood even among those users who were not previously familiar with Linux. There is a traditional file manager, and a completely ordinary Internet browser, and a host of other familiar to the user. Windows Utilities. The settings of the hardware component and the system itself also do not look somehow unusual. In extreme cases, the Russian-language interface and numerous help and forums will always come to the rescue, which are more than enough on the Internet.

SteamOS: in progress

System information about SteamOS and the PC used as the Steam Machine

Judging by the numerous reviews on the forums left by the very first users of SteamOS, there were a lot of problems with its operation at first. A lot of errors and shortcomings forced experienced users to bring everything to working condition with their own hands. But today's version of the system can already be safely recommended for installation and operation even to those users who are generally unfamiliar with Linux. The latter circumstance is connected not only with the stable operation of the system, but also with the fact that it requires almost no configuration and is ready for use immediately after installation.

Linux Debian Resource Consumption with Internet Browser Running

During the entire testing period, not a single failure was noticed. And this applies to both the proprietary SteamOS environment and the GNOME desktop. Navigation through the system is carried out without the slightest delay. The work of the browser and the speed of launching various programs are no different. At the same time, in a calm state, that is, with a running Internet browser and several open windows, Linux Debian itself requires a minimum amount of resources.

Linux games from the Steam store

With games, the situation is somewhat more complicated. Almost all of their Valve games already adapted to work with SteamOS. Everything that remains will also appear on the new platform soon. As for the rest of the developers, they not only watch the unfolding events with interest, but also take an active part in the development of the Linux games market. So far, we are mainly talking about the adaptation of various successful Windows projects. At the time of this writing, the Steam store had 538 titles of gaming applications for SteamOS. Agree that this is not so little for a project that has not even been officially released yet and exists only in beta! But it is possible that if SteamOS gains due popularity, then Valve may abandon the development of games for Windows altogether, so significant changes may await the gaming world in the future.

Transferring data using the streaming function

Our Steam Machine based on GIGABYTE BRIX Pro in games under SteamOS showed about the same performance as under Windows. In any case, there was not much difference by eye, and there are no specialized test packages for SteamOS and Linux yet. As for the streaming function, it turned out to be quite efficient in a home gigabit network. At the same time, the client with SteamOS almost does not spend its own resources on work. The main loading of the hardware base takes place on the server computer, and it can run under any OS on which it is possible to install the Steam client.

⇡ Conclusions

If Valve and Steam are little more than just familiar words to you, then you should definitely try SteamOS for a taste. If at the same time you are also not alien to Linux, then SteamOS can easily turn from an entertainment OS into a full-fledged working OS with horizons limited only by the Linux Debian repositories and your imagination.

Despite the fact that the authors have not yet presented the world with the final version of their product, SteamOS can be described as a balanced, stable operating system, the main specialization of which is, of course, games. If they are of little interest to you, then it is easier to use any other Linux distribution. In this case, there is no point in contacting SteamOS.

But most importantly, SteamOS claims to be the destroyer of the foundations of the modern gaming world, the isolation of which does not greatly contribute to development. It is this that can become the impetus for a change in the balance of power on the game, but not on the virtual, but on the real offline battlefield between large development companies. And there is reason to believe that Valve, with its active user base of 75 million people, is quite capable of realizing such ambitious plans. Not tomorrow, of course, because SteamOS is a long-term project designed to gradually, rather than revolutionary, transform the gaming market.

Remember that several years have passed since the advent of Android. Not everyone was at first confident in the success of this dubious product at that time, but time put everything in its place. Today it is difficult to imagine the market mobile devices without this Linux-based OS. And how many Android applications have been written over the years! So why shouldn't SteamOS also find its niche in the gaming platform market, especially since the prerequisites for this are in abundance?

We thank Ulmart for the equipment for capturing images from the screen

After the release of Windows 8, Gabe Newell broke into an angry tirade and even said that the new OS is a disaster for the gaming industry, and that he will have to bet on Linux systems. After that, a rumor appeared about Gabe's alleged words that half life 3 will be exclusive to Linux. Then everyone just laughed at it. But at the end of last year valve published big program developing your sales service Steam games, which announced several new features such as Family Sharing,in-home streaming,Steam Music and others. But the main novelty from the valves was the whole operating system. Yes, yes, built on Linux.

On the this moment Steam OS is in beta testing and is, in fact, a mode big picture, in which new services were immediately built in Steam. The system itself is absolutely free and is built on the basis of Debian. The developers immediately dotted all i and stated that "in Steam OS significantly improved the performance of graphics processing, sound processing, and also reduced the delay when using input tools at the operating system level."

Steam OS installed in recently sent to testers Steam Machines. Also, the appearance of the system was favorably received by game developers. Creator minecraft,Markus Persson, described the operating system as "amazing news", and the developer Thomas Was AloneMike Bitell called it an "encouragement" for indie games. Other developers such as DICE, creators of the Battlefield series and Creative Assembly, developers of the series total war, have stated that they plan to support their games on Steam OS.

So what does it have to offer SteamOS, so to speak, out of the box?

• Steam Family Library Sharing- Currently available to all Steam users, a service that allows you to share your library with your family or close friends, whom you trust and are not afraid to give your password. The principle of the service is simple: If, say, you have a brother in your family who also has his own account, and you play each other's games, then you can authorize him on your computer, and you do not have to constantly switch your accounts with your brother. After authorization, your games will be available in your brother's library, and his in yours. There are restrictions on sharing games that use subscriptions to other services, for example, Max Payne 3 requires linking to the Rockstar social club, and they don’t accept sharing games. More information about the service can be found on the page of the official group.
• In-Home Streaming- The essence of the service is to play a game on a computer that is physically running on another computer. For example, your brother was given a laptop, but the game he is interested in is on your computer, in your room. And you won't let him in because you're kissing your girlfriend. So, so that he lags behind you and does not scratch under the door, this function has been made. You run a game on your computer and your brother plays it in the living room. Account holders Steam can sign up for a test of this service. Join the group and wait for an invitation.
• Steam Music- Service that adds to Steam music player. You can upload any music to it and listen to it while playing. Gabe also threatened to add a radio to the player and the ability to buy music from the store Steam. If you want to try, then also join the group and wait for an invitation.

  And this is just the beginning. valve promises to expand functionality Steam in future.

  As you can see, there are a lot of advances given to the new OS. And if you remember that Gabe Newell has not done anything failed yet, then you can expect that Steam Os There is a chance

• We install ourselves
  Well, now, if you are still awake reading this and you are still wondering, let's try to install Steam OS. We will install it on a virtual machine.

  Training
  1. The first thing we need to download is the distribution itself. Since the operating system valve tied to UEFI, I recommend taking the untethered version.
  2. You will need it yourself virtualbox, which can be downloaded from the official website

  Installation process
  1. First you need to create a new virtual machine. We launch virtual box and click "Create".

• 
  
• In the pop-up menu, we give any name to the new virtual machine. In the remaining windows, select: Linux type, Debian version (64-bit) .
• 
  
• Later, you can simply press "Next". I allocated 1024MB of memory. Allocate 8 GB space for the hard drive. If you just clicked "Next", then it doesn't matter how much memory you allocate, the system will dynamically load as much as it takes.
  4. The car is created, now let's make it. Select the newly created machine and press the "Configure" button.
• 
  
• In the "Display" tab, check the checkbox "Enable 3D Acceleration". We bring the "Video memory" parameter to at least 128 MB.
• 
  
• In the "Media" tab, specify the path to the previously downloaded iso image to the secondary IDE master from Steam OS.
• 
  
• . Save and press the "Run" button.
  8. Click each time next until the very beginning of the installation. My installation took 8 minutes.
  9. After installation, you will only need to log in. Login and password steam/steam(Just write login - steam, password - steam too.)
  10. Done! We are on the desktop!

  The installation process itself is now complete. That's all. Now you can evaluate the new OS by Valve and touch it with your hands.

The Steam Universe will expand in 2014

After the release of Windows 8, Gabe Newell broke into an angry tirade and even said that the new OS is a disaster for the gaming industry, and that he will have to rely on Linux systems. After that, a rumor appeared about Gabe's alleged words that half life 3 will be exclusive to Linux. Then everyone just laughed at it. But at the end of last year valve has published a major development program for its Steam game sales service, as part of which several new features have been announced, such as Family Sharing, in-home streaming, Steam Music and others. But the main novelty from the valves was the whole operating system. Yes, yes, built on Linux.

Shop page in Steam OS

At the moment Steam OS is in beta testing and is, in fact, a mode big picture, in which new services were immediately built in Steam. The system itself is absolutely free and is built on the basis of Debian. The developers immediately dotted all i and stated that "in Steam OS significantly improved the performance of graphics processing, sound processing, and also reduced the delay when using input tools at the operating system level."

Welcome Screen in Steam Os

Steam OS installed in recently sent to testers Steam Machines. Also, the appearance of the system was favorably received by game developers. Creator minecraft, Markus Persson, described the operating system as "amazing news", and the developer Thomas Was Alone Mike Bitell called it an "encouragement" for indie games. Other developers, such as , the creators of the series and , the developers of the series, have stated that they plan to support their games on Steam OS.

Steam OS desktop

Let's take a look at the new services. Steam OS

So what does it have to offer SteamOS, so to speak, out of the box?

Steam Family Library Sharing- At the moment, a service available to all users that allows you to share your library with your family or close friends, whom you trust and are not afraid to give your password. The principle of the service is simple: If, say, you have a brother in your family who also has his own account, and you play each other's games, then you can authorize him on your computer, and you do not have to constantly switch your accounts with your brother. After authorization, your games will be available in your brother's library, and his in yours. There are restrictions on sharing games that use subscriptions in other services, for example, it requires linking to the Rockstar social club, and they don’t accept sharing games. More information about the service can be found on the official page.

In-Home Streaming- The essence of the service is to play a game on a computer that is physically running on another computer. For example, your brother was given a laptop, but the game he is interested in is on your computer, in your room. And you won't let him in because you're kissing your girlfriend. So, so that he lags behind you and does not scratch under the door, this function has been made. You run a game on your computer and your brother plays it in the living room. Account holders Steam can sign up for a test of this service. Enter and wait for an invitation.

Steam Music- Service that adds to Steam music player. You can upload any music to it and listen to it while playing. Gabe also threatened to add a radio to the player and the ability to buy music from the store Steam. If you want to try, then also join and wait for an invitation.

And this is just the beginning. valve promises to expand functionality Steam in future.

As you can see, there are a lot of advances given to the new OS. And if you remember that Gabe Newell has not done anything failed yet, then you can expect that Steam Os There is a chance.

We install ourselves
Well, now, if you are still awake reading this and you are still wondering, let's try to install Steam OS. We will install it on a virtual machine.

Training
1. The first thing we need to download is the distribution itself. Since the operating system valve tied to UEFI, I recommend taking the untethered version. Downloading
2. You will need it yourself virtualbox, which can be downloaded from

Installation process
1. First you need to create a new virtual machine. We launch virtual box and click "Create".

2. In the pop-up menu, give any name to the new virtual machine. In other windows select: type - Linux, version - Debian (64-bit).

3. Later, you can just press "Further". I allocated 1024MB of memory. Allocate 8 GB space for the hard drive. If you just clicked "Further", then it doesn't matter how much memory you allocate - the system will dynamically load as much memory as needed.
4. The car is created, now let's make it. Select the newly created machine and press the key "Tune".

5. Tab "Display" tick the checkbox "Enable 3D Acceleration". Parameter "Video Memory" bring at least 128 MB.

6. Tab "Carriers" specify the path to the previously downloaded iso image to the secondary IDE master from Steam OS.

7. Save and press the key "Run".
8. Click each time next until the very beginning of the installation. My installation took 8 minutes.
9. After installation, you will only need to log in. Login and password - steam/steam(Just write login - steam, password - steam too.)
10. Done! We are on the desktop!

The installation process itself is now complete. That's all. Now you can evaluate the new OS by Valve and touch it with your hands. If you are interested, want to try, and something doesn’t work out for you, leave a comment below, we will look for solutions together. Thank you for your attention.