What are "Steam Tools" and what do they do?

[Insidious]

Hello, Steam Community! So, I'm here with a question.

I got bored, and decided to randomly look at things. I look at steam, and I notice in my Library I have a "Tools" button, but I'm not familiar with it.

I clicked it, and I have a bunch of random things in it, a couple things for games I already have though. My question is, What are "Steam Tools" and what do they do? Or how do I use them?

[76561193903991391]

Mostly it's for hosting servers for games, also some content creation tools for games.

[Insidious]

โพสต์ดั้งเดิมโดย RabbitTheory:

Mostly it's for hosting servers for games, also some content creation tools for games.

I have various options in my tools (81 total) and some of which are kind of interesting and concerning me.

Several games I got outside of Steam, but the main things that are questioning me are:

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Dedicated Server
2. Red Orchestra Windows Dedicated Server
3. Sniper Elite V2 Dedicated Server
4. Sniper Elite III Dedicated Server

It gives me an option to install all of these tools. What are the benefits if I experimentally download one of these?

[76561193903991391]

The only benefit would be enabling other people to play the multiplayer component of those games on Steam.

[Insidious]

โพสต์ดั้งเดิมโดย RabbitTheory:

The only benefit would be enabling other people to play the multiplayer component of those games on Steam.

I, for some reason - don't seem to have access to Call of Duty: MW3 Multiplayer. Do you think if I install the Dedicated Server - I can access Multiplayer?

[Purpuran]

A dedicated server is exactly what it says it is, its a server for that particular game. It's so you can host a server and allow other players to connect to it and play together.

[Insidious]

โพสต์ดั้งเดิมโดย Purpuran:

A dedicated server is exactly what it says it is, its a server for that particular game. It's so you can host a server and allow other players to connect to it and play together.

Awesome.

So, the only game I actually purchased so far via Steam is Red Orchestra 2/Rising Storm "Deluxe Eddition"
Now, my question is, if I install the "Red Orchestra Windows Dedicated Server" I will have my own server in Red Orchestra 2/Rising Storm? It doesn't exactly specify which RO-2 it's for.