Steam OS

[Skybird]

^ You mean you cannot print normally under Steam OS, say an open office document or pdf or photo? Or do you mean that printer drivers need to be manually installed, like under any Linux distribution when the printer brand does not provide native linux drivers? I use an Epson ET printer (it has native Linux support). Problems - or not?


ChatGPT:
SteamOS has a Desktop Mode that allows you to use the system like a regular Linux desktop operating system. By default, SteamOS starts in Big Picture Mode, which is focused on gaming and using Steam. However, if you need more control over your system or want to use software outside of Steam (like setting up printers or installing other programs), you can switch to Desktop Mode.
Here’s how to switch to Desktop Mode:

1. Open Steam and be in Big Picture Mode.
2. Press the "Steam" button on your controller or the equivalent button on your keyboard to open the menu.
3. Go to "Settings" and then choose "System".
4. There, you’ll find the "Desktop Mode" option. Select it to switch to Desktop Mode.

In Desktop Mode, you'll have access to a full Linux desktop environment, with a desktop, file manager, and all typical Linux tools. From here, you can install applications, set up printers, or perform other administrative tasks.
If you're familiar with Linux, you can use the standard tools to install printer drivers, or you can also use the terminal for tasks.

[Catfish]

Steam OS sure looks interesting... I wonder which processor will be better suited if you want to run Windows and Linux via boot manager - Ryzen or Intel..

[Skybird]

I snapped it up repeatedly that AMD seems to be/work better for Linux. But cannot really evaluate it myself, not competent enough.

Also, I recall they said that AMD'S chips are more energy-economic. Laptop batteries should last a bit longer for example. I could imagine that on PC it translated into lower temps, less power hunger.



Plus the enormous problems with the recent incarnations from intel.

[d@rk51d3]

Originally Posted by Skybird

^ You mean you cannot print normally under Steam OS, say an open office document or pdf or photo? Or do you mean that printer drivers need to be manually installed, like under any Linux distribution when the printer brand does not provide native linux drivers? I use an Epson ET printer (it has native Linux support). Problems - or not?


ChatGPT:
SteamOS has a Desktop Mode that allows you to use the system like a regular Linux desktop operating system. By default, SteamOS starts in Big Picture Mode, which is focused on gaming and using Steam. However, if you need more control over your system or want to use software outside of Steam (like setting up printers or installing other programs), you can switch to Desktop Mode.
Here’s how to switch to Desktop Mode:

1. Open Steam and be in Big Picture Mode.
2. Press the "Steam" button on your controller or the equivalent button on your keyboard to open the menu.
3. Go to "Settings" and then choose "System".
4. There, you’ll find the "Desktop Mode" option. Select it to switch to Desktop Mode.

In Desktop Mode, you'll have access to a full Linux desktop environment, with a desktop, file manager, and all typical Linux tools. From here, you can install applications, set up printers, or perform other administrative tasks.
If you're familiar with Linux, you can use the standard tools to install printer drivers, or you can also use the terminal for tasks.

Nope. Not in my experience.

I did find a flatpack for Epson Scanners, which, once installed and the printers IP entered, will handshake with the scanner wirelessly.

I haven't tried a wired connection, as I can't locate my box of spare cables..... but there are no options in settings anywhere for adding printers anyway.

You can't really install drivers manually, as the "packaging" method is incompatible between Linux distros. The handfull of people who have managed it, can't make it persist.

Someone would need to convert a package into a flatpack for installation, but persitence may still be an issue.

You can apparently add IPP/CUPS to Google Chrome, add your printer IP to its settings, then open your docs with chrome and print from there....... But I've had no luck connecting to the printer that way either.

[Skybird]

^ Are we really talking about Steam OS for PC, not Steamdeck with that OS, which is a handheld?

I certainly do not know it from own experience, but I have a hard time that they release an OS for PC that lacks such a basic, fundamental ability.

And especially Epsons should usually come with native Linux support. I certainly installed my Epson ET-2750 with drivers by Epson.


The Steamdeck seems to cause troubles for printers, yes, internet says so.

[d@rk51d3]

Originally Posted by Skybird

^ Are we really talking about Steam OS for PC, not Steamdeck with that OS, which is a handheld?

I certainly do not know it from own experience, but I have a hard time that they release an OS for PC that lacks such a basic, fundamental ability.

And especially Epsons should usually come with native Linux support. I certainly installed my Epson ET-2750 with drivers by Epson.


The Steamdeck seems to cause troubles for printers, yes, internet says so.

Yes, Steam Deck (which is still a PC. You can install windows on it if you so desire).

I wasn't aware of an official "PC" specific release. The only ones I've seen used are installations of the Steam Deck OS, and were marketed as "use at your own risk".

I've been playing around a bit more today, can detect and add the printer via CUPS on the web browser.

It's even selectable in Libre Office.......... but prints gibberish.
Will take a bit more fiddling, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.