It’s the OEM effect behind it. If Valve offers it as an OS anyone can use (which they are trialing by giving it to ASUS), then it is more likely for both users and OEMs to trust it as a platform, meaning devs would be incentivized to support it and users would be more likely to switch off windows.

I could be wrong, but I think what they really want is for a PC OEM to pick up SteamOS so that it markets to the general audience. They’re beta testing it in the handheld market because of the steam deck’s success.

If people get to use it truly out of box, the market for it will grow.

As of now, most Linux users are here because they have a knack for tech and trying things. Most computer users are not like this and will cling to even subpar experience because its familiar.

Windows can keep kneecapping itself all day, but linux desktop will only expand rapidly if both companies and users see immediate value (it’s always been there, but hard to convince).

A large amount of non-gaming work that people do on PCs these days is inside a web browser. A chromebook would do fine. In fact, a lot of IT departments prefer it because it’s a locked down environment by default.

Maybe some people only use their computers to play games? I don’t know. I’ve been wondering as well. Pretty much any modern distribution works fine.

Don’t make me tap the post title.