Term of the Moment
digital dollar
Redirected from: SteamOS
Definition: Steam
(1) (STEAM) (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics) An umbrella term for STEM that also includes the arts. See STEM.
(2) A gaming distribution platform for Windows, Mac and Linux from Valve Corporation, Bellevue, Washington. The Steam client installed in the user's machine is used for downloading, digital rights management and micropayments. Debuting for Windows PCs in 2003, a limited number of games is also available for Android, iOS and PlayStation. With more than 100 million active users and an inventory of more than 7,500 titles, Steam accounts for the majority of video games downloaded to desktop systems.
Multiplayer, Development and Hardware
Steam supports multiplayer gaming, automatic updating, cloud storage and social aspects such as friends' lists and in-game voice. The Steamworks programming interface (API) lets developers integrate Steam functions into their games.
Steam Machines
Dedicated Steam hardware from manufacturers such as Alienware, Syber and Maingear debuted starting at the end of 2015, along with a unique and highly customizable controller. A Steam Machine runs SteamOS, Valve's Linux-based OS, and its Proton compatibility layer supports most Windows games as well. Although Steam Machines did not take the world by storm and were subsequently dropped from Valve's website, in 2022, Valve introduced its own portable gaming console (see Steam Deck).
Steam Link
Steam Link is a device that enables Steam content to play on a large-screen TV.
A Steam Machine
Steam Is Everywhere
(2) A gaming distribution platform for Windows, Mac and Linux from Valve Corporation, Bellevue, Washington. The Steam client installed in the user's machine is used for downloading, digital rights management and micropayments. Debuting for Windows PCs in 2003, a limited number of games is also available for Android, iOS and PlayStation. With more than 100 million active users and an inventory of more than 7,500 titles, Steam accounts for the majority of video games downloaded to desktop systems.
Multiplayer, Development and Hardware
Steam supports multiplayer gaming, automatic updating, cloud storage and social aspects such as friends' lists and in-game voice. The Steamworks programming interface (API) lets developers integrate Steam functions into their games.
Steam Machines
Dedicated Steam hardware from manufacturers such as Alienware, Syber and Maingear debuted starting at the end of 2015, along with a unique and highly customizable controller. A Steam Machine runs SteamOS, Valve's Linux-based OS, and its Proton compatibility layer supports most Windows games as well. Although Steam Machines did not take the world by storm and were subsequently dropped from Valve's website, in 2022, Valve introduced its own portable gaming console (see Steam Deck).
Steam Link
Steam Link is a device that enables Steam content to play on a large-screen TV.
This Syber Steam Machine comes with the touchpad Steam controller and high-definition 7.1 onboard audio. (Image courtesy of CYBERPOWERPC.)
You can even find Steam gift cards in a supermarket, the platform is so popular.