Here’s the Deal

SteamOS vs PCLinuxOS

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When comparing SteamOS vs PCLinuxOS, the Slant community recommends PCLinuxOS for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for desktops?” PCLinuxOS is ranked 38th while SteamOS is ranked 79th. The most important reason people chose PCLinuxOS is:

The distribution is continually updated, so there's no need to install OS upgrades by hand.

Specs

Based OnArch Linux

Default Desktop EnvironmentSteam Big Picture, Kde Plasma

Init-SystemSystemd

Official Supported Architecturesamd64/x86_64

Available Onmultiple devices (amd64 based PCs)

DeveloperValve

LicenseProprietary on top of Linux

Main UsageGaming

OS FamilyGNU/Linux

OriginUSA

Package ManagerPacman Arch Package Manager, Steam

Based OnMandrake Linux

Default Desktop EnvironmentKDE, MATE

Init-SystemSysVinit

Official Supported Architecturesamd64

Package managerRPM Package Manager

Release ScheduleRolling Release

Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking

Common Questions

What are the best Linux distributions for desktops?

Pros

Pro
Native graphics processor support

The OS natively supports Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics processors.

Pro
Streaming service integration (under development)

Valve is in talks with streaming companies such as Spotify and Netflix to bring their features to SteamOS.

Pro
For entertainment, it just works

What media center software do for videos, it does for games (and later videos).

Pro
Rolling release

The distribution is continually updated, so there's no need to install OS upgrades by hand.

Pro
Stable

PCLinuxOS is designed around stability.

Pro
Multiple desktops available

Mate, LXDE, and KDE desktops are available.

Pro
Can remaster the boot DVD

PCLinuxOS has built in tools for remastering bootable DVD into a copy of current install.

Pro
Excellent hardware compatibility

Comes with nVidia drivers out of the box. Important if the PC has an nVidia chipset. Most Debian based distros don't have nVidia drivers available at install time.
LXDE version works well with older hardware.

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Cons

Con
Hard to install

If you've installed Arch you're probably fine, but for those used to simple installs like (Ubuntu to name just one) you should prepare some patience, determination, and painkillers. Good news is, it's getting better (it's very young).

Con
Not built around the desktop experience

SteamOS is, first and foremost, meant to act as a gaming console - it doesn't ship with even some of the most basic applications, such as a file manager or image viewer. As a result, using SteamOS as your primary operating system would require a fair bit of work.