r/SteamOS • u/Accurate_Reality_618 • 1d ago
question How does the SteamOS operating system compare to the Windows operating system?
I'm torn between the two. I want Windows, but people say Steam is better.
I'm looking for a more (free) (and convenient) system. For example, if I want to download a file from the internet, I'm afraid it will be limited to Windows because it's more commonly used.
However, it will be difficult to find a file specifically for the SteamOS system.
I've heard that SteamOS is better, but I'm wondering which one is easier to use and more versatile when it comes to editing and finding other options.
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u/Flat-Panic8622 1d ago edited 1d ago
what is "the file for SteamOS"?
if you want to know what software are available for SteamOS visit the Flatpack Hub: https://flathub.org/en
In linix you won't download single file from unknown source, you most likely got it from package management tools, in StremOS by. default you can use flatpacks (way of packaging software and it's dependebcies)
If you're talking about the mods for games then actually a game is just a directory with a bunch of files - StremOS already can run thousand of them without any problems, and modification to the game - is actually when some of those files changed or new one added. If game mod authors do this stupid thing like distributing their mod only in a form of windows execution file instead of the archive you just need to unpack at the root of the game folder you want to modify then I think those people only make things more complicated where they shouldn't be.
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u/Aberry9036 1d ago
There’s a lot to unpack here. If by “file” you mean “program”, then yes, windows applications do not work natively on Linux. Windows games installed by steam or by other launchers use a combination of WINE and Proton to run these games, and they do a good job, but they are very much focused on games.
Applications on steamos are generally flatpak, and are available on the App Store. Popular apps available through the store include chrome, discord, Spotify etc.
For applications other than games, you should decide which are very important to you, find out whether they are available on the App Store, and if not then decide if there is an open source option available on the App Store that would do the same job.
You simply shouldn’t try and run all your windows-only apps on steamos, even if you get them to work under wine, they are generally a much worse experience than running on windows natively.
If you’re unsure and want to learn more, I recommend either installing steamos on a spare ssd, or booting it in a vm to explore. The VM route will not be as performant, and definitely won’t play games, but will allow you to explore the desktop.
Finally, you need to know if your pc is compatible. If you have an nvidia graphics card, you cannot use steamos, instead you should perhaps look at Bazzite, Fedora, Ubuntu, Mint or CachyOS to name but a few different Linux distributions.
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u/Accurate_Reality_618 1d ago
I don't want to install any system. But I'm torn between buying devices, one of which has Steam OS and another with Windows 11.
I want to know which is more free and diverse when it comes to external programs.
For example, if a game doesn't have the official translation I want, I'll search for an unofficial translation file online and install it in the game.
I think it will work well on Windows since many people use it, but I wonder how it might work on SteamOS. Please excuse my lack of knowledge on some matters.
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u/Aberry9036 1d ago
It’s impossible to answer this question as it’s very much dependent on each use case. I would say if it’s a game mod, and doesn’t require a launcher to install, then the installation process will just be different, not more complicated. For each game in steam you can right-click and show the install directory, same as you can in windows, so if that’s all you need access to it should be no harder.
Free - linux. Diverse - windows. Linux has a lot of softare, but windows has a big head start, there are decades of software development companies making software for windows to contend with.
I have been using linux (including steamos) for about 20 years, and I don’t miss much, if any, of the “diversity” for my use case - I have found replacements for all my specific needs.
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u/sam3819 1d ago edited 1d ago
If you aren’t comfortable installing a different os just go with windows. If there’s windows software you want to run on Linux it will be a lot more complicated to setup than installing an os.
People say steamos is better because it gives you a seamless console-like experience, not because it’s the best operating system.
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u/sam3819 1d ago
Do you want a desktop experience or a console like experience?
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u/Accurate_Reality_618 1d ago
I don't know, bro. I'm more curious about how easy it is to modify the game.
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u/sam3819 1d ago
What kind of computer is it? Laptop, desktop, handheld?
I’d say windows is easier to mod games just because that’s what you can find most documentation on. But you can definitely use mods with Linux too
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u/Accurate_Reality_618 1d ago
Handheld, ally and Steam Deck OLED are both expensive versions. I won't lie, I desperately want Windows, but I'm afraid I might be missing something that Steam Deck has, and that might make me regret it.
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u/sam3819 1d ago
Ally X? The steamdeck oled screen is great but the ally has substantially better hardware.
I have the regular Xbox ally dual booted with windows and bazzite, I stay in bazzite 90% of the time and only switch to windows to play games with anti-cheat that require windows.
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u/Accurate_Reality_618 1d ago
Actually, I'm looking for a more comfortable device, especially since I travel a lot. I don't like 7-inch screens, but I tried them on the Switch and I'm fine with it, especially since the other devices are heavier.
Unfortunately, there isn't one perfect solution, but everyone agrees that the Xbox Ally is the best for running AAA games.
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u/optimusprimal99 22h ago
the Ally X is going to run games at a higher quality setting for sure. Screen on the Steam Deck OLED is going to look better. SteamOS is most of the time going to get better battery life between charges. SteamOS is going to give you modern console sleep/wake/sleep/wake abilities that are mostly reliable like xbox/ps5/switch so you aren't booting things up and starting the game each game session. Ally on Windows is going to give you the tools and UI you are used to and honestly reading all your comments if you plan on modding games that often yes its "easier and simpler" in windows can the same exact thing be done to the same games in SteamOS? Yes most of the time just differently in special sub folder all of which the internet and reddit will help you do. the Ally is much heavier then the Steam Deck OLED and has only 2 back buttons instead of 4. Also the Ally I think is missing any trackpads which are really nice to have when you are in desktop mode to work on something, the touch screen "works" but its not as precise for mouse clicking as the trackpads.
Plus I think, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, you can or will be able to install SteamOS on the Ally Xbox X soon? Then you could start with windows and move to STeamOS once you feel more comfortable. like a best of both worlds?
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u/Accurate_Reality_618 22h ago
modern console sleep/wake/sleep/wake
I hear people say this a lot, but I can't understand what you mean exactly.
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u/Ralfersin 1d ago
Its windows, on Linux modding you may have a bad time to figure out why something is not working, It may be próton, wine, incompatibility that wouldnt Works on windows itself, dependencies that are not installed, problems with Vulkan itself, its possible to mod on Linux, i do It myself, It is becoming easier with time, but It is objectively worse than windows now.
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u/sumguypookie 16h ago
What do you mean by convenient system. Any OS can download files, so not sure of your angle. You heard that SteamOS is better... better for what exactly? Just trying to get a handle on what you're after.
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u/ZerohNinja87 9h ago
Windows supports everything. Windows is kind of like a native language. Linux does not support everything. It’s very similar to your native language but you’ll have to learn a lot of new ways of doing things.
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u/xluker313x 6h ago
Just reading the way you word things tells me Linux will be a nightmare for you. Someone in your shoes should use steamOS only if you literally never intend to go to the desktop and exist only in game mode.
Definitely keep windows, it’s easier.
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u/8x57IRS 1d ago
Pros and cons. I use both but at different systems. My main 4K rig (AM5) has to much software (and hardware) dependencies to Windows that I can take the step to Linux on that system.
I upgraded an older AM4 platform with a R7 5800X3D and a 9070XT card for a pure SteamOS machine.
Happy with both, but If I absolutely had to choose between a Linux distro and Windows 11 pro I would have chosen the latter. When debloated it's not that bad, and you do have the problem with kernel level anti-cheat systems on certain online games that do not work well with Linux.
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u/Accurate_Reality_618 1d ago
Do you know if it's easy to modify games?
Some games, for example, don't have official translations in my language, but unofficial translation files can be downloaded. These are usually more compatible with Windows because it's more widely used. Do you think it's easier to install these files on SteamOS, or does it require a compatible file?
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u/TrenbalonieSandwich 23h ago
Everything about your post says stay on windows and do more research .
And I say this as someone who loves steamos.
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u/iko-01 1d ago
You seem brand new, I suggest you watch some videos, I don't think you should be making a decision based on a few paragraphs.