Consider Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Arch Linux for a versatile experience.
Consider Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Arch Linux for a versatile experience.
Setting up the mainline Arch is a significant achievement. There isn’t a guided setup process; everything must be handled through the command line. Once it’s fully installed, it feels solid, though it’s still considered cutting-edge—meaning some updates might lead to system problems. My experience with it hasn’t been great, but the only Arch-based system I’ve kept running for more than a few months before failing is the Steam Deck. Valve has customized it in a way that makes it hard to rate accurately. If you’re interested, alternatives like EndeavorOS or Manjaro exist, offering GUI versions or modified repositories for better stability. Gentoo runs entirely in hard mode, letting you compile only what you need. It’s more of a learning platform than a practical daily system, though some users do it regularly for specific reasons. ChromeOS, especially in its earlier days, was a derivative of Gentoo, but it has undergone many changes. Slackware is quite outdated and lacks the modern features other distros provide. I don’t use these heavily or prefer something more current, but there are people who run them intentionally.
SteamOS is an extreme version of Arch—fully Arch with no GUI built in. It’s Arch in a static release model, meaning updates happen less frequently, every week or so. This contrasts with Ubuntu, Windows, or macOS, which offer regular, tested releases for stability. Valve’s approach blends Arch with a more predictable update schedule.
Immutable builds are another feature: you can’t change the root directory, so normal installation methods don’t work. Instead, you rely on sandboxed tools like Flatpak to manage apps. This is similar to how an Android phone works—either rooted or unrooted, with trade-offs in functionality and stability.
Steam is capable of receiving updates. Simply input the command and type "steamos-update-os" in the terminal. You might need to use "sudo" to run the command, which will prompt for your root password.
Absolutely possible. Many (mainly Steam) games function well. It’s not accurate to claim you can’t play on Linux entirely. There are some restrictions, particularly with launchers other than Steam and multiplayer games that require kernel-level anti-cheat, though the issues aren’t extreme. Setting them up can be a hassle—especially for Gentoo (compiling from source) and Slackware (managing dependencies manually)—and they’re not beginner-friendly. Still, there are distros like Manjaro or EndeavourOS that offer graphical installers and simplify the process.
I don't think I ever said it couldn't, I just said you can't install anything in the /bin/ folder. There's an option in the settings menu somewhere to allow you to update it as well. Also sudo is disabled by default on SteamOS and you need to jump through a few hoops to enable it with Valve saying in their documentation that you really shouldn't do that unless you know what you're doing and have a very good reason to (something I do very much agree with for a product like that). Technically I was a bit overzealous when I said that you cannot modify anything in the root directory, you very much can, it's just disabled by default and the process to enable it is not recommended.
It really gives me a hesitation—picking any distribution feels like it won’t fit most folks.
It doesn’t matter as long as it suits your needs. The challenge with Linux is discovering something you enjoy and that functions well. The positive side is that almost anyone can find a suitable option. The main distinction among distributions usually lies in their package manager and where configuration files are stored. Still, everything revolves around the Linux kernel, offering similar software but varying in how current they are. Do you prefer the newest versions and accept potential bugs? Arch or Arch-based distributions. You don’t have to worry about outdated software that’s been around for six months; stability is more important than risk. Ubuntu and its variants offer a balance.
Linux offers the advantage of copying an .iso file onto a bootable USB stick, allowing testing before installation. While using Ventoy, other options exist that format the drive and let you store multiple .iso files. When executed, a menu appears for selection. You can also combine Windows .iso files with Linux ones. Linux supports 'live booting,' enabling execution in RAM without altering the current operating system.
It's not a big issue. You can begin with a straightforward Ubuntu installation, which usually takes about 15 minutes on a mid-range SSD. After that, you might dedicate an hour or two to installing the programs you like. Experiment with it to discover its capabilities. I assure you you'll be eager to try another distribution next week, then the following week, and so on. By next year, you may have explored 20 different distros and crave even more choices and unique features found in specialized ones.
A lot of what @Eigenvektor mentioned is true. You can almost imagine various distros as skins on top of the core Linux. Behind the scenes, everything runs on Linux. Choose the one that appeals to you and give it a try. Move on if it doesn’t suit your taste.