{"id":28922,"date":"2026-06-21T21:16:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-21T12:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922"},"modified":"2026-06-21T21:16:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T12:16:11","slug":"your-steam-deck-is-secretly-a-linux-pc-right-here-are-10-methods-to-unlock-its-full-potential","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922","title":{"rendered":"Your Steam Deck Is Secretly a Linux PC. Right here Are 10 Methods to Unlock Its Full Potential"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article\">\n<p>SteamOS is having a breakout second. The Linux-based working system powers Valve&#8217;s well-liked <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/valve-steam-deck-oled\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Steam Deck<\/u><\/a> handhelds and the hotly anticipated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/valve-confirms-steam-machine-steam-frame-will-arrive-this-summer\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Steam Machine<\/u><\/a><u>,<\/u> and is changing into an more and more essential a part of the broader PC gaming ecosystem. Not like conventional consoles such because the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/nintendo-switch-2\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Nintendo Swap 2<\/u><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-playstation-5-pro\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Sony PlayStation 5<\/u><\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/microsoft-xbox-series-x\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Xbox Sequence X<\/u><\/a>, SteamOS gives way more flexibility, combining a console-like gaming expertise with entry to a full desktop working system.<\/p>\n<p>That desktop is constructed on KDE Plasma, supplying you with a well-recognized PC surroundings for shopping the online, managing recordsdata, putting in apps, and way more. Whereas the concept of utilizing a Linux-based system might sound intimidating, SteamOS is surprisingly approachable\u2014even for individuals who have by no means touched Linux earlier than.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-parent\">\n<div id=\"video-container-07IEsEq6jQDCEIfD32vMSNv-6a37d249bd4fd\" class=\"!h-full\">\n<div class=\"relative\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"absolute size-16 block inset-1\/2 translate-center text-black z-20 cursor-pointer sm:w-24 sm:h-24\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"m371.7 238-176-107c-15.8-8.8-35.7 2.5-35.7 21v208c0 18.4 19.8 29.8 35.7 21l176-101c16.4-9.1 16.4-32.8 0-42zM504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248zm-448 0c0-110.5 89.5-200 200-200s200 89.5 200 200-89.5 200-200 200S56 366.5 56 256z\"\/><\/svg>                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ex.co\/video-uploads\/production\/0010J00001l1J64QAE\/ce110b44-25ec-4cab-87f3-30c3558af244-thumbnail.jpeg?cb=1778782664706\" alt=\"Drop Your $99 Steam Controller It May Wilhelm Scream\"\/>\n            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col gap-3 pt-4\">\n<div class=\"text-lg gap-4 font-bold mb-0 flex items-center leading-tight\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-[2.5rem] md:min-w-12 md:max-w-12\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/pcmag.svg\" alt=\"PCMag Logo\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Drop Your $99 Steam Controller It Could Wilhelm Scream<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Able to discover past Gaming Mode? Press the Steam button, choose <strong>Energy &gt; Swap to Desktop<\/strong>, and you may unlock a variety of options that flip your SteamOS system right into a succesful on a regular basis laptop. Listed below are 10 suggestions that will help you get probably the most out of the desktop expertise.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_53 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-6a398ef988ba9\" ><span class=\"\"><span style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input aria-label=\"Toggle\" aria-label=\"item-6a398ef988ba9\"  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-6a398ef988ba9\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#1_Navigate_the_Desktop_With_Gaming_Controls\" title=\"1. Navigate the Desktop With Gaming Controls\">1. Navigate the Desktop With Gaming Controls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#2_Browse_the_Full_Net_With_Chrome_or_Firefox\" title=\"2. Browse the Full Net With Chrome or Firefox\">2. Browse the Full Net With Chrome or Firefox<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#3_Set_up_Any_App_That_Runs_on_Linux\" title=\"3. Set up Any App That Runs on Linux\">3. Set up Any App That Runs on Linux<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#4_Entry_the_Full_File_System\" title=\"4. Entry the Full File System\">4. Entry the Full File System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#5_Join_a_Dock_for_a_Conventional_Desktop_Expertise\" title=\"5. Join a Dock for a Conventional Desktop Expertise\">5. Join a Dock for a Conventional Desktop Expertise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#6_Get_Emulators_for_Retro_Gaming\" title=\"6. Get Emulators for Retro Gaming\">6. Get Emulators for Retro Gaming<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#7_Play_Video_games_From_Outdoors_of_Steam\" title=\"7. Play Video games From Outdoors of Steam\">7. Play Video games From Outdoors of Steam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#8_Uncover_a_Universe_of_Free_and_Open-Supply_Functions\" title=\"8. Uncover a Universe of Free and Open-Supply Functions\">8. Uncover a Universe of Free and Open-Supply Functions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#Really_useful_by_Our_Editors\" title=\"Really useful by Our Editors\">Really useful by Our Editors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#9_Pair_SteamOS_With_Your_Cellphone\" title=\"9. Pair SteamOS With Your Cellphone\">9. Pair SteamOS With Your Cellphone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#10_Use_a_Full_Linux_Terminal\" title=\"10. Use a Full Linux Terminal\">10. Use a Full Linux Terminal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#Know_The_place_SteamOS_Excels%E2%80%94and_The_place_It_Does_not\" title=\"Know The place SteamOS Excels\u2014and The place It Does not\">Know The place SteamOS Excels\u2014and The place It Does not<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#SteamOS_Is_Extra_Than_a_Gaming_Platform\" title=\"SteamOS Is Extra Than a Gaming Platform\">SteamOS Is Extra Than a Gaming Platform<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=28922\/#About_Our_Knowledgeable\" title=\"About Our Knowledgeable\">About Our Knowledgeable<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"1-navigate-the-desktop-with-gaming-controls\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Navigate_the_Desktop_With_Gaming_Controls\"><\/span>1. Navigate the Desktop With Gaming Controls<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Valve\u2019s SteamOS desktop works with the Steam Deck\u2019s {hardware}, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/valve-steam-controller-2026\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>the Steam Controller<\/u><\/a>, and different gaming controllers, so you&#8217;ll be able to navigate it with no keyboard or mouse. The suitable analog stick or trackpad controls the mouse cursor. The suitable set off button (<strong>R2<\/strong>) performs a left-click, whereas the left set off button (<strong>L2<\/strong>) performs a right-click. To tug up the on-screen keyboard, press <strong>Steam+X<\/strong>. The Steam Deck has a contact display screen, so you may also navigate the desktop with it. The expertise is much like utilizing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/microsoft-windows-11\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Home windows 11<\/u><\/a> on a contact display screen: Dragging your finger to scroll works nicely, as does tapping buttons as an alternative of clicking them. Nonetheless, contact targets will be small and considerably tough to hit on a Steam Deck\u2019s 7.4-inch show.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-1.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"Valve's on-screen keyboard on the SteamOS desktop\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-1.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>The on-screen keyboard helps joysticks for textual content enter (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"2-browse-the-full-web-with-chrome-or-firefox\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Browse_the_Full_Net_With_Chrome_or_Firefox\"><\/span>2. Browse the Full Net With Chrome or Firefox<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The SteamOS desktop comes with a Firefox shortcut pinned to its backside panel. Click on it, and SteamOS will supply to put in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/firefoxs-new-boss-has-an-old-school-plan-to-win-you-back-from-chrome\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Firefox internet browser<\/u><\/a> from the Uncover app, which is SteamOS\u2019s suggest place to search out and set up desktop purposes. You can too set up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/chrome-just-got-better-5-browser-tricks-you-have-to-try\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Google Chrome<\/u><\/a> or different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/best-alternative-web-browsers\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>different internet browsers<\/u><\/a>, comparable to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/opinions\/i-tried-braves-60-origin-browser-heres-why-im-not-buying-it\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Courageous<\/u><\/a> and Vivaldi, from right here.<\/p>\n<p>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/brave-chrome-edge-firefox-or-safari-we-pick-the-best-browser\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>internet browser<\/u><\/a> of alternative provides you full entry to your entire internet from SteamOS, so it is not less than as succesful as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/google-chrome-os\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>ChromeOS<\/u><\/a> in that respect. DRM is the one drawback you\u2019ll encounter on the internet: <a href=\"https:\/\/help.netflix.com\/en\/node\/30081\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Netflix tops out at 720p<\/u><\/a> in Chrome and Firefox on SteamOS and different Linux distributions. That\u2019s ok for streaming movies on a handheld console, however not spectacular on a high-resolution monitor or TV.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-2.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"Firefox's welcome screen on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-2.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>SteamOS runs the Linux variations of Chrome, Firefox, and different internet browsers (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"3-install-any-app-that-runs-on-linux\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Set_up_Any_App_That_Runs_on_Linux\"><\/span>3. Set up Any App That Runs on Linux<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Uncover app, accessible by way of the Begin menu-like software launcher on the left facet of the panel, permits you to set up desktop purposes in a couple of clicks. It makes use of the <a href=\"https:\/\/flatpak.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Flatpak<\/u><\/a> software format. Yow will discover most Linux-compatible purposes right here, together with Discord, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/spotify\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Spotify<\/u><\/a>, and VLC. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/proton-vpn\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Proton VPN<\/u><\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-vpn-services\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>top-rated VPN<\/u><\/a>, can also be obtainable.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-3.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"The Discover app showing popular Linux applications for installation on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-3.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>The Uncover app is a centralized place to search out, set up, and replace desktop apps on SteamOS (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"4-access-the-full-file-system\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Entry_the_Full_File_System\"><\/span>4. Entry the Full File System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SteamOS consists of the Dolphin file browser, and it provides you entry to the total file system. You can too insert microSD playing cards or USB-C flash drives.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-4.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"The Dolphin file manager on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-4.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>The Dolphin file browser opens to your person account\u2019s house folder (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"5-connect-a-dock-for-a-traditional-desktop-experience\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Join_a_Dock_for_a_Conventional_Desktop_Expertise\"><\/span>5. Join a Dock for a Conventional Desktop Expertise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SteamOS helps exterior shows and peripherals. With a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-docking-stations-for-windows-laptops\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>USB-C dock<\/u><\/a>, you&#8217;ll be able to shortly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/how-to\/connect-steam-deck-to-tv-or-monitor\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>join a SteamOS machine to an exterior show<\/u><\/a>, keyboard, and mouse. SteamOS additionally helps Bluetooth for wi-fi mice and keyboards; search for the Bluetooth icon on the panel to attach them. With a bigger monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, a SteamOS machine delivers a full desktop expertise at your desk or in the lounge.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-5.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"Display configuration settings on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-5.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>The Show Configuration display screen within the System Settings app permits you to configure related shows (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"6-get-emulators-for-retro-gaming\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Get_Emulators_for_Retro_Gaming\"><\/span>6. Get Emulators for Retro Gaming<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Uncover app on SteamOS additionally permits you to set up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/how-to\/the-best-emulators-for-playing-retro-games-on-modern-devices\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>emulators for old-school gaming<\/u><\/a>. SteamOS is a wonderful working system for retro sport emulation; most conventional sport console working methods <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/microsoft-disables-game-emulators-downloaded-on-xbox\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>stop you from putting in emulators<\/u><\/a>. ROM recordsdata containing video games are copyrighted, nonetheless.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-6.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"Emulators in the Discover app on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-6.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>SteamOS supplies quick access to emulators within the Uncover app; simply seek for \u201cemulator\u201d (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"7-play-games-from-outside-of-steam\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Play_Video_games_From_Outdoors_of_Steam\"><\/span>7. Play Video games From Outdoors of Steam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SteamOS would not prohibit you to only Valve\u2019s Steam sport retailer. You possibly can set up video games from elsewhere, together with Battle.web, the Epic Video games Retailer, and GOG, though these storefronts don\u2019t formally help Linux.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lutris, obtainable within the Uncover app, makes use of the identical Proton compatibility software program that lets Steam <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/how-to\/how-to-play-pc-games-on-linux\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>run Home windows video games on Linux<\/u><\/a>. This software guides you thru putting in non-Steam Home windows video games in your Steam Deck. Most video games work on SteamOS, though some have anti-cheat software program that runs solely on Home windows.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-7.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"Lutris installing the Epic Games Store on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-7.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>Lutris walks you thru putting in Home windows video games you personal outdoors of Steam (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"8-discover-a-universe-of-free-and-open-source-applications\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Uncover_a_Universe_of_Free_and_Open-Supply_Functions\"><\/span>8. Uncover a Universe of Free and Open-Supply Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SteamOS has a complete universe of free, open-source desktop purposes for productiveness past gaming and the online. You possibly can set up the free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/libreoffice\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>LibreOffice workplace suite<\/u><\/a> to edit paperwork and create spreadsheets, and way more. Many of those open-source purposes run solely on Linux\u2014not on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/apple-macos-tahoe\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>macOS<\/u><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/microsoft-windows-11\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Home windows<\/u><\/a>\u2014so that you won&#8217;t be accustomed to them. Yow will discover them within the Uncover app utilizing the search field.<\/p>\n<div class=\"py-4\" data-parent-group=\"related-stories\">\n<div class=\"mx-0 border border-b border-l-0 border-r-0 border-t border-gray-300 py-4 md:ml-8 md:mr-24\">\n<h3 class=\"font-stretch-ultra-condensed mb-2 text-lg font-semibold uppercase\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Really_useful_by_Our_Editors\"><\/span>Really useful by Our Editors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-8.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"The Discover app showing LibreOffice on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-8.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>LibreOffice is only one alternative for productiveness on SteamOS (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"9-pair-steamos-with-your-phone\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Pair_SteamOS_With_Your_Cellphone\"><\/span>9. Pair SteamOS With Your Cellphone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SteamOS comes with KDE Join, which pairs the KDE Plasma desktop together with your Android or iOS telephone. You possibly can see smartphone notifications, ship SMS messages, and share a clipboard between your SteamOS machine and Android telephone, for instance. To set it up, open the Settings app from the menu, then go to KDE Join. The applying will information you thru putting in the related app in your telephone and pairing it together with your SteamOS machine. The <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/kde-connect\/id1580245991\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>KDE Join app for iOS<\/u><\/a> consists of fewer options than <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.kde.kdeconnect_tp\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>the Android model<\/u><\/a> attributable to Apple\u2019s platform restrictions. Nonetheless, it nonetheless helps file transfers, a shared clipboard, and distant enter to regulate your SteamOS machine out of your telephone.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-9.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"The KDE Connect app on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-9.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>The KDE Join app works loads like Microsoft\u2019s Cellphone Hyperlink app on Home windows PCs (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"10-use-a-full-linux-terminal\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Use_a_Full_Linux_Terminal\"><\/span>10. Use a Full Linux Terminal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Past the desktop itself, SteamOS provides you entry to a full Linux terminal. By default, SteamOS makes use of an immutable file system that retains system directories read-only. However you&#8217;ll be able to <a href=\"https:\/\/help.steampowered.com\/en\/faqs\/view\/671A-4453-E8D2-323C#:~:text=What%20if%20I%20want%20to%20do%20more%20than%20what%E2%80%99s%20available%20by%20flatpak%3F\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>get write entry to your entire system<\/u><\/a> and do no matter you want. Valve doesn\u2019t suggest doing so as a result of system-level modifications won&#8217;t stick after SteamOS updates and will trigger system issues in the event you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing. Nonetheless, on SteamOS, it\u2019s as much as you.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-10.png\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"Konsole showing a Linux terminal on SteamOS\" data-image-path=\"articles\/00FBXRxGXq2QXcqlxEm7bjs-10.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <small>The Konsole app is included with the SteamOS desktop (Credit score: Valve\/PCMag)<\/small>\n<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"know-where-steamos-excels-and-where-it-doesnt\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Know_The_place_SteamOS_Excels%E2%80%94and_The_place_It_Does_not\"><\/span>Know The place SteamOS Excels\u2014and The place It Does not<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Steam Deck OLED delivers a succesful desktop expertise in my testing, with easy efficiency for internet shopping, gentle productiveness, and media consumption. It might probably run the desktop at as much as 4K decision when related to an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-computer-monitors\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>exterior show<\/u><\/a>, and its 16GB of RAM is sufficient for fairly a couple of browser tabs. The Steam Deck\u2019s AMD APU is designed for energy effectivity fairly than high-end efficiency, so it isn\u2019t excellent for demanding workloads, comparable to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-laptops-for-video-editing\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>4K video enhancing<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2 id=\"steamos-is-more-than-a-gaming-platform\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SteamOS_Is_Extra_Than_a_Gaming_Platform\"><\/span>SteamOS Is Extra Than a Gaming Platform<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Valve\u2019s SteamOS is not only a wrapper for taking part in video games. Gadgets working it are bona fide PCs. You possibly can even wipe the SteamOS working system from a Steam Deck and <a href=\"https:\/\/help.steampowered.com\/en\/faqs\/view\/6121-ECCD-D643-BAA8\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>set up Home windows as an alternative<\/u><\/a>, though Valve doesn\u2019t formally help Microsoft&#8217;s OS on its Steam {hardware}.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In case you benefit from the SteamOS expertise and need one thing comparable in your different units, you&#8217;ll be able to set up a Linux distribution, comparable to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/ubuntu\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Ubuntu<\/u><\/a><u>,<\/u> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/explainers\/switch-from-windows-to-linux-15-pro-tips-make-ubuntu-feel-like-home\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>customise it to suit your wants<\/u><\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/kubuntu.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Kubuntu<\/u><\/a> comes with the identical KDE Plasma desktop as SteamOS. For a SteamOS-style, gaming-optimized Linux expertise on PC {hardware} not created by Valve, think about the Linux-based <a href=\"https:\/\/bazzite.gg\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"(Opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Bazzite working system<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<section class=\"rich-text my-16 flex flex-col gap-6\" data-parent-group=\"author-bio\" aria-label=\"About Our Expert\">\n<h2 class=\"!m-0\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Our_Knowledgeable\"><\/span>About Our Knowledgeable<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col gap-8\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col gap-6 rounded-lg bg-white p-6 text-gray-700 shadow-box md:p-10\" id=\"flyout\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-label=\"Author Bio Flyout\">\n<div class=\"font-stretch-ultra-condensed flex items-center justify-between leading-tight\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-4\">\n                                                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-[60px] shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-full bg-gray-100 ring ring-white\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/authors\/03yVQLrdAMKo6zB2lWkCCHs.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1780085953.png\" alt=\"Chris Hoffman\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col justify-center gap-1\">\n<p>Chris Hoffman<\/p>\n<p>Senior Author, Software program<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!m-0 border-t border-gray-300\"\/>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col gap-2\">\n<p>Expertise<\/p>\n<div class=\"rich-text line-clamp-[7] text-base leading-normal\">\n<p>I have been writing about expertise for greater than 15 years and utilizing it in earnest for over twice as lengthy. As a member of PCMag&#8217;s software program workforce, I give attention to Home windows protection, but additionally write about different key desktop working methods and system apps. (I used Home windows 3.1 upon its launch and have adopted each subsequent launch carefully).<\/p>\n<p>Previous to becoming a member of PCMag, I wrote for How-To Geek beginning in 2011, and my articles amassed over a billion web page views. I went on to run the publication as editor-in-chief for 4 and a half years. I&#8217;ve additionally contributed to Computerworld, Quick Firm, PCWorld, Reader&#8217;s Digest, The New York Instances, and lots of different shops about the whole lot from AI to PC {hardware} to Home windows. I based and ran my very own direct-to-reader Home windows-focused newsletters, Home windows Intelligence and The Home windows ReadMe, working in partnership with Thurrott.com.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                        <a class=\"w-fit self-end text-base font-bold uppercase leading-none underline\" data-module=\"author-bio\" data-element=\"read-full-bio\" data-item=\"text_link\" data-position=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/authors\/chris-hoffman\" aria-label=\"Chris Hoffman &#039;s Full Author Bio\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n                        Learn Full Bio<br \/>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<p><script>\n    var facebookPixelLoaded = false;\n    window.addEventListener('load', function() {\n        document.addEventListener('scroll', facebookPixelScript);\n        document.addEventListener('mousemove', facebookPixelScript);\n    });\n    function facebookPixelScript() {\n        if (!facebookPixelLoaded) {\n            facebookPixelLoaded = true;\n            document.removeEventListener('scroll', facebookPixelScript);\n            document.removeEventListener('mousemove', facebookPixelScript);\n            window.zdconsent.cmd.push(function() {\n                ! function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) {\n                    if (f.fbq) return;\n                    n = f.fbq = function() {\n                        n.callMethod ? n.callMethod.apply(n, arguments) : n.queue.push(arguments)\n                    };\n                    if (!f._fbq) f._fbq = n;\n                    n.push = n;\n                    n.loaded = !0;\n                    n.version = '2.0';\n                    n.queue = [];\n                    t = b.createElement(e);\n                    t.async = !0;\n                    t.src = v;\n                    s = b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n                    s.parentNode.insertBefore(t, s)\n                }(window, document, 'script', '\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n                fbq('init', '454758778052139');\n                fbq('track', \"PageView\");\n            });\n        }\n    }\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SteamOS is having a breakout second. The Linux-based working system powers Valve&#8217;s well-liked Steam Deck handhelds and the hotly anticipated Steam Machine, and is changing into an more and more essential a part of the broader PC gaming ecosystem. Not like conventional consoles such because the Nintendo Swap 2, Sony PlayStation 5, or Xbox Sequence [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28924,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28922","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-input-devices"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28922","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28922"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28922\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28923,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28922\/revisions\/28923"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28924"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}