Linked by Debjit on Mon 23rd Aug 2010 21:16 UTC
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RE[2]: Does it have to be Steam?
by nt_jerkface on Tue 24th Aug 2010 19:46 UTC in reply to "RE: Does it have to be Steam?"
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Linux distributions already have perfectly good software packaging and distribution systems in place.


They are certainly better than anything on Windows (which is why individual software developers are forced to come up with their own DIY distribution mechanisms, on Windows).

Forced to come up with their own mechanism? How did you get modded up for posting blatantly false information? Never heard of the Windows installer? DIY mechanisms? You mean like the third-party wizards that can be used as an alternative? I have a copy of one of those wizards from 2005 and it is still better than anything in Linuxland. The binary packaging tools in Linux are crude and always require additional tweaking.

The standard method of distributing software in Linux is to build for a single distro, release the source and then let the army of package managers handle the rest. Distributing closed source software is just a PITA.

there's reason enough to suspect that Linux "marketshare" is double that of Apple

Based on what? Macbooks have been selling well the past few years and I have never even seen a Linux based netbook at a retail store. All the web stats show around 1% and I see no reason to believe otherwise.

Even more different is the Windows landscape. Lacking a sane software distribution system at OS level for so long, developers got used to creating their own methods of distribution and update. Hence, Steam.

Making stuff up again.

Steam is not simply a distribution system, it's also a storefront that Valve uses to sell games. Valve gets a 40% cut of each sale and has strict requirements for developers, it isn't some community project created as an alternative to the standard Windows installer.

Reply Parent Score: 2

jbauer Member since:



Edited 2010-08-24 21:57 UTC

Reply Parent Score: 2