14 DAY TRIAL // People who were hoping to use the new SteamOS from Valve as a normal Linux distribution will be disappointed, as it has none of the normal features available in today’s operating system.
Soon after Valve announced its Linux-based SteamOS, people wondered whether they would be able to run it just like any other operating system. The answer is no, or at least not in the foreseeable future.
Valve presented its console to the press and also made available some interesting information. Besides the fact that it's not based on Ubuntu, as previously believed, it also has nothing besides Steam and Big picture.
According to Engaget, the distribution doesn't have a file manager or even a simple image viewing application. Valve may not want to invest in expanding the functionality of SteamOS beyond that of gaming machine, but nothing is set in stone.
SteamOS and Steam Machines are expected to arrive sometime in 2014.