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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why more PC gaming handhelds should ditch Windows for SteamOS (arstechnica.com)

submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] Ottomateeverything 19 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

I don't know that Microsoft has any business trying to make Windows support these devices better....

Windows is entirely built around two pillars:

Enterprise support for corporations, and team machine management
Entirely open compatibility so they can run almost any hardware you put into it, plug into it, and backwards compatibility for all that for as long as possible.

Portable game machines are not an enterprise product. Nor do you care about broad hardware support or upgradability. Nor do you care about plugging in your parallel port printer from 1985. Nor do you care about running your ancient vb6 code to run your production machines over some random firewire card.

Windows' goal is entirely oppositional to portable gaming devices. It makes almost no sense for them to try to support it, as it'd go against their entire model. For things like these, you want a thin, optimized-over-flexible, purpose built OS that does one thing: play games. Linux is already built to solve this problem way better than Windows.

But, Microsoft will probably be stupid enough to try anyway.

[–] [email protected] 22 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (2 children)

Nor do you care about plugging in your parallel port printer from 1985

You haven't seen what I've been using my Steam Deck for. Gaming was not my primary motivation for buying it.

It's basically replaced my laptop. I carry a docking station, mouse, and full size keyboard with me. Eventually I'm gonna be using it for some robotics and remote control projects and other experiments. It's a full blown PC in a handheld, I mean, why not?

[–] Ottomateeverything 12 points 10 months ago

That's great and I'm glad that works for you.

But most people buying portable gaming handhelds are not doing that. And the people looking for things like that are likely landing closer to a surface or standard laptop, which Windows already supports well.

[–] emax_gomax 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Curious, how is this workflow working for you. I basically did the same thing, at this point the only real blockers are the screensizens is too small and I don't like carrying separate keyboard and mice from my case.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago

I only use the setup when I'm mobile (like on vacation somewhere) , and everything fits in a backpack. It's not too annoying, and it's nice to work on some code while I'm away somewhere and the next minute launch a game to unwind. I'm not going to be sitting there staring at a tiny screen and working for hours though, you're right about the screen size being something to get used to.