SteamOS

SteamOS: Open Source Steam Linux operating system

Are you a Linux user with a passion for Steam games? SteamOS is an open source Linux distribution focused on the well-known Steam gaming platform created for gamers. SteamOS offers a clean Linux environment and Steam as the central software, where you can have an amazing gaming experience.

SteamOS comes with a regular desktop mode based on the GNOME desktop environment that lets you run any Linux applications. It also comes with support for UEFI and BIOS-based computers, high-end hardware components and proprietary graphics cards.

You should be aware though, SteamOS can only be installed locally on your HDD or SSD, you can’t use it as a Live CD from USB or DVD media. There are two installation methods provided – a Debian installer for 32 and 64-bit architectures and a system restore image via CloneZilla. The complete installation guide is available online at

https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/buildyourown

After you install it you can opt for one of the two available sessions – one is the SteamOS Desktop that includes the GNOME-based desktop environment and the other is the actual Steam session from where you can log into your Steam account and play games.

The GNOME session bundles a number of open source applications like the Evince document viewer, Iceweasel web browser, Brasero – a tool for CD/DVD burning, GNOME Terminal, Eye of GNOME image viewer, GNOME Screenshot and GNOME Dictionary among others.