Steam Linux Beta Goes Public

[Rydian]

So I've mentioned the steam Linux beta in a few threads, but now it's gone from a private beta to public which means anybody can download and use it. Valve opened up a repository (debian packages, still focusing on Ubuntu support) as well.

I theorize that Linux is going to be the OS used for the SteamBox, though not a vanilla Ubuntu. Valve seems to be putting forth more effort towards Linux than mere experimentation lately. It's likely that the Ubuntu focus for the current beta is just for ease of support, with the final OS for the SteamBox being debian-based, but with a custom/modified desktop environment.

Also of note, GitHub is being used as a bug tracker instead of just having Valve staff browse the forums for bugs.

The team will continue working through existing issues in the forum but it is strongly recommended that any new issues be entered using GitHub's issue tracking interface.

Source

 

[Flame]

I got it yesterday, but no games.

so any good suggestions?

 

[Gahars]

Linux users are the nerds other nerds give wedgies to.

True fact, by the way.

 

[sightlight]

it won't start up for me. Steam for linux. Please any suggestion?

 

[IBNobody]

Nice timing. The Steam sale is going on too.

 

[FireEmblemGuy]

I got it yesterday, but no games.

so any good suggestions?

So far I think there are only 30 or 40 games that are supported, but looking at my library, TF2 (free), Killing Floor ($9.99/$19.99 with DLC), Dungeons of Dredmor ($1.24/2.49 with all DLC), Aquaria ($9.99), and VVVVVV ($2.49; shows up in my library but not listed as Linux compatible on the store) are probably my top five.

Hopefully we'll see some support for games that already have a Linux build thanks to the Humble Bundles - in particular I'd like to see Super Meat Boy, Binding of Isaac, and Torchlight (although that's a stretch seeming as the builder apparently gave up before releasing a version with mods and heads). For whatever reason Steam's being very selective about what I can create shortcuts to in my library, so I can't even launch Super Meat Boy from Steam.

 

[Cuelhu]

When I'm able to install fglrx I'll give this a go. Last time I installed Catalyst drivers I broke my Arch Linux. Does anyone know how is the support for Radeon HD 7xxx (aka Southern Islands)?

 

[sightlight]

yes I can. You shouldnt download the beta (12.11) go for the stable release available (12.10) http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/linux/Pages/radeon_linux.aspx

dont download the beta, download the stable release. That oficial beta is a sireous nightmare. It broke me to gui...

 

[The Catboy]

I hope it gets ported to Fedora soon!

 

[Flame]

I hope it gets ported to Fedora soon!

dude, I thought you were an ubuntu guy? what happened?

 

[Foxi4]

dude, I thought you were an ubuntu guy? what happened?

He did some research and dropped Failbuntu - what else? Mint is the future, at least as far as user-friendly Linux is concerned.

 

[Flame]

He did some research and dropped Failbuntu - what else? Mint is the future, at least as far as user-friendly Linux is concerned.

I asked catboy, not you. Ubuntu is still better than Mac OSX you use.

 

[The Catboy]

dude, I thought you were an ubuntu guy? what happened?

I think you might be thinking of another guy. The only time I used Ubuntu was on my boyfriend's laptop since he new to Linux.
Now on my new laptop I went back to Fedora and dual-booted with Windows 7 for my boyfriend.

 

[Foxi4]

I asked catboy, not you. Ubuntu is still better than Mac OSX you use.

LOLWUT?

<--- Obvious Windows Fanboy is Obvious, you're barking up the wrong tree, mate.

 

[Arras]

I wonder how long it'll take until someone writes an Arch installer for it. Oh, wait...
Also, unrelated, but I just found out there's a program you can install that shows a train driving across your screen if you type sl instead of ls by mistake xD

 

[3bbb7]

Once steam for linux is completely supported, I will never run windows again.

 

[Flame]

anyone who might like this, "steam login" is a package that you can use in Ubuntu or Linux Mint to login directly to Steam BigPicture mode from the login screen. This is useful because it doesn't load a whole desktop environment, resulting in more resources being available (there's also no composite manager running) for Steam and the games available for it


http://www.webupd8.org/2012/12/better-steam-for-linux-performance-with.html

 

[AlanJohn]

Fuck yeah, now I wont have to use this shitty proprietary OS anymore!
FUCK YOU WINDOWS, RIP IN PEACE 1998-2012.

 

[Foxi4]

RIP IN PEACE 1998-2012.

Rest in Peace in Peace.

Well done.

 

[Maxternal]

I guess I've been out of the PC gaming loop for too long ...
Do companies actually MAKE Linux builds of commercial games ... or is this just hoping that the idea catches on?

Rest in Peace in Peace.

Well done.

Maybe he was referring to something punny ... like ripping software instalation disks ...