The downside of the Deck for most users is SteamOS (Linux) friendliness.

[Cutter]

I will have to admit, the last time I used Linux/Unix/Android root was a few years ago, and it will take some time to get comfortable again using it.

My advice before new users trying to experiment with Steam OS, is to look it up or ask how or if this is ok.

Valve is going to have their hands full with an influx on non-linux users. Hopefully, someone or Valve produces a tutorials or manual on how to use SteamOS like windows. Basic shell commands. What linux programs are safe to install outside of steam. etc etc...

I will admit, I am a noob even though I used Linux, Unix, and even android OS root level stuff in the past. I would never give advice because I am just not experienced enough.

[Jeris]

I think that's part of the reason they push you towards either installing through the steam store, or use the Discover tool to install flatpaks. As a way to guide linux noobs into installing generally safe and working apps.

[V𝐢𝐧𝐢gas Ba𝗸𝗸 🫎]

Rule 0: Don't copy paste commands from the internet if you don't know what they are each doing exactly, beforehand.

You don't really need terminal at all on SteamDeck for outer normal usage.

[Hatchetforce]

Anyone with questions I suggest to head to the official reddit. They have helped plenty of people there unfamiliar. I'm a PC whiz but only have a working knowledge of some things Linux and am getting to the point I am going to ask some advice. Here is an example of a new user's response that wasn't even familiar with PC:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/t8jc0j/coming_from_someone_who_is_100_new_to_anything_pc/

[Hatchetforce]

引用自 LTUV𝐢𝐧𝐢gas Ba𝗸𝗸：

Rule 0: Don't copy paste commands from the internet if you don't know what they are each doing exactly, beforehand.

Ha ha: https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/t8e4h8/psa_do_not_run_anything_in_terminal_without/

[Cutter]

Thank you for the links and tips.

[Cutter]

引用自 Hatchetforce：

引用自 LTUV𝐢𝐧𝐢gas Ba𝗸𝗸：

Rule 0: Don't copy paste commands from the internet if you don't know what they are each doing exactly, beforehand.

Ha ha: https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/t8e4h8/psa_do_not_run_anything_in_terminal_without/

I saw that earlier, and that is what triggered my initial post.

[Hatchetforce]

引用自 Cutter：

Thank you for the links and tips.

Certainly.

For me the upside is Steam OS. No bloated windows with a monster overhead. Freedom. I used to run a dual boot system, Windows and Ubuntu, and am enjoying trying to remember how to do things. The flexibility is just crazy, as are the possibilities. So I am on the other end of the spectrum. I see it as a boon. I know people get lazy and just want to click play, but if they get over that initial hump, what it will allow them to do is amazing. The one thing no one wants to say is, Steam Deck - not for everybody. And it isn't. But for the intended audience? Wow. Just wow.

[Splash Colour]

im quite happy knowing the steam deck is linux based

[MJ711]

Playstation5 OS is based on BSD, so do people need to have knowledge with BSD to play games?
Not really.
Valve just need improve the UI and make it even more new user friendly.

But i agree. If somebody want to experiment with the OS, some basic Linux knowledge is welcome.
There are many good YouTube tutorials.

[Reverend Dak]

I would stick with Deck UI and just play Steam games that work. I looked at my games listed as Verified, and just those games alone are about 500 hours of playtime. I have over 500 games on Steam... I very well may never bother leaving the Steam eco.

[[realNat]_Skate_360]

deleted

[Haruspex]

引用自 natd：

right now, the steam deck has no hype around it because you have to use linux.

You said a lot, but this sentence stood out to me. Perhaps this was a misunderstanding. Do you truly believe there is no hype for the Steam Deck? Because from where I'm sitting the hype seems to be overwhelming. Preorders are pushed out well into next year, and videos on Youtube talking about the device have views numbering well into the millions.

[Haruspex]

引用自 natd：

Valve isnt quite a household name yet. they're a name in some households, but not all.

Agreed. I think you would be hard-pressed outside of PC gaming circles to find people who even know what Steam is.

I also think the Steam Deck is maybe an attempt to change that. It wouldn't make much sense to only sell it to people already invested in the Steam ecosystem. Valve wants to expand their userbase.

I think selling it on Steam to Steam users is just phase 1. I fully expect we'll see it expand to store shelves. We'll see a big marketing push. Ads in television, Internet streaming services, printed publications. I think Valve wants to see it for sale in Walmart and Gamestop, and big publications to say it's the hot item to get for Christmas.

Everyone who is not currently a Steam customer will likely become a Steam customer after buying this, so my expectation is that Valve will sell it to people who aren't currently Steam customers aggressively.

[Grady Vuckovic]

You really don't need to know anything about how to use Linux to use the Steam Deck. It's pretty simple, there's a file manager, and you can install apps through Discover. Leave it at that. You don't need to go being a hardcore Linux nerd using terminal commands and stuff, keep it simple.

[ReBoot]

Valve are doing something, I'd like to see more in the Linux circles: optional complexity. Wanna tinker? The system's all yours. Don't wanna tinker? Your non-nerd-friendly baby pool is the default system state.

Linux doesn't have to be a liability for non-needy audiences if done right, and Valve do it right.