So, I’ve recently decided to dive into the world of PC gaming, and I hear that Steam is pretty much the go-to platform for downloading and playing games on Ubuntu. However, I’m a complete newbie when it comes to using Ubuntu, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the tech lingo and steps involved.
I’ve got a 64-bit version of Ubuntu installed, but I’m not sure where to start when it comes to getting Steam up and running. I’ve seen some discussions about terminal commands and software centers, but honestly, I’m not quite sure what I’m doing. I’ve tried to look up some guides, but they mostly seem to skip over the basics, assuming that I already know a bunch of technical stuff, which I don’t.
Could someone please break it down for me as simply as possible? I’d love to know what specific steps I need to follow to install Steam from start to finish. Like, do I need to open the terminal for anything? Are there any particular software repositories I have to add? Is there any chance I might run into compatibility issues with certain games? The last thing I want is to go through all the hassle of installation only to find out I can’t play anything I’ve been looking forward to.
And let’s not forget, once I get Steam installed, how do I actually use it? I mean, do I need to create an account first, or can I just dive right into downloading games? For someone like me who feels a little lost in the tech jungle, clear steps would be super helpful!
If anyone could help me out, I’d really appreciate it. I’m excited to jump into gaming, but I need a hand getting this whole Steam thing sorted. Thanks in advance for any advice or detailed steps you can throw my way!
To begin installing Steam on your 64-bit Ubuntu, you can use the Ubuntu Software Center, which provides a user-friendly way to install applications without needing to use the terminal. First, open the Ubuntu Software Center by clicking on its icon in your applications menu. In the search bar, type “Steam” and select the Steam application from the results. Click the “Install” button, and the system will handle the download and installation process for you. Alternatively, if you feel comfortable using the terminal, you can open it by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + T
and enter the command:sudo apt install steam
. This will also install Steam directly from the official repositories without needing to add any extra repositories. As for compatibility issues, while most games on Steam work well with Ubuntu, some may require additional configuration or might not run at all. Always check for Linux compatibility on the game’s store page before purchasing.Once Steam is installed, launch it from your applications menu. If you don’t already have a Steam account, you will need to create one to access the platform’s features. Click on “Create a new account” and follow the instructions. After setting up your account, you can log in and start looking for games. To download a game, simply navigate to the Store section, find the game you want, and click the “Add to Cart” button, followed by proceeding to checkout if applicable. You’ll be prompted to download the game after purchase, or you can install any game in your library by selecting it and clicking the “Install” button. There’s a user-friendly interface within Steam, so you should find it intuitive to browse, download, and launch games. Don’t hesitate to explore the settings or community forums if you need further guidance.
Getting Started with Steam on Ubuntu
If you’re new to Ubuntu and want to get Steam up and running, here’s a simple guide to help you out. Just follow these steps!
Step 1: Open the Terminal
To install Steam, you’ll need to open the terminal. You can do this by:
Step 2: Update Your System
It’s a good idea to update your system before installing new software. Type the following command in the terminal:
You’ll need to enter your password. Just type it in (you won’t see any dots or anything while typing) and press Enter.
Step 3: Install Steam
Now, to install Steam, type this command:
Let it run; it might take a little bit. When it’s done, Steam should be installed!
Step 4: Launch Steam
Once Steam is installed, you can find it in your applications menu. Click to launch it, and it’ll start updating. This might take a moment.
Step 5: Create or Log In to Your Account
Once Steam opens, you can either:
Step 6: Start Downloading Games!
After logging in, you can start browsing and downloading games. Just click on a game you like and hit the Install button. Easy-peasy!
Compatibility Issues
Not all games work perfectly on Linux, so it’s a good idea to check if a game is compatible with Steam on Linux. You can look for the “SteamOS + Linux” tag on game pages. Also, the Steam community can be a helpful resource for finding out if specific games work well on Ubuntu.
Final Tips
If you run into any trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for help in forums or communities. Lots of people have been in your shoes before!