Comment on SteamOS on my gaming PC?
ccryx@discuss.tchncs.de 3 weeks ago
I have not used it myself but you should be able to run typical linux desktop software with steamos. That being said, I don’t think there’s gog galaxy for linux. You can use HeroicLauncher for GOG (and epic and prime gaming) instead.
I think this post provides a pretty good high level introduction: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/guides/view/how-to-install-extra-software-apps-and-games-on-steamos-and-steam-deck/
Alternatively, you could try a gaming focused Linux distribution like bazzite (based on fedora/ublue) which comes with a lot of gaming related stuff preinstalled or easy to install. The base system is mostly read only though and if you need the latest version of some software that’s not on flathub, it can be a little limiting.
cachyos (based on arch) is a good alternative if you would like to be able to get your hands dirty tweaking your system or want more freedom wrt installing software.
In any case, you should check https://www.protondb.com/ if your games are supported.
Some games with certain anti cheat software can not be run (e.g. anything using vanguard, riot’s anti cheat).
Do note that if you’re in the EU (or can convince Windows/Microsoft that you are, I assume) you should get Windows 10 patches for another year without doing anything.
thingsiplay@beehaw.org 3 weeks ago
I just want to confirm, yes you can, and shortly explain limitations. SteamOS on the Steam Deck (because SteamOS is not released as a general install for desktop) has a desktop mode you can switch to. The gaming mode is fullscreen gaming like a console controlled with controller. In desktop mode, its literally the KDE desktop.
The only caveat is, that the system is locked down by default. You can unlock it, but after system update, the changes to the system (system package manager installs in example) will be reverted. But Flatpaks are installed by default and the preferred method of installing additional software. You can also run any binary from user space without changing the system. And SteamOS has official builtin support for Nix packages. Meaning you can actually install packages from Nix repository on the Deck, sticking permanently in a dedicated directory.