SteamOS is an immutable variant of Arch Linux specifically tailored for handheld hardware. A new user would have a hard time ensuring it boots to an actual desktop instead of Steam. It is not a casual distro.
this post was submitted on 06 Dec 2024
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Proton, which is the main enabler for Linux gaming given that not many games are released with a native Linux version, is provided via Steam already with no need to install SteamOS. If you are coming into Linux brand new from windows I'd recommend installing a very popular distro like Ubuntu, or Mint. Learn the basics, and make sure to learn how to backup your data on Linux. If you are a) frustrated with missing some feature or software in your current distro or b) just curious about tweaking your system, start learning about how to work in the Linux shell (start with bash). Then come have some fun on a distro like openSUSE Tumbleweed (my current distro), where you always have access to the latest software and can change tons of things about your system in exchange for having to put in some more time to manage it. If that still doesn't satisfy your needs and you have decided you love Linux and are never going back, then check out Arch Linux or its derivatives where you have nearly unlimited freedom but the highest time investment.
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I had nearly no idea what I was doing and starting with Debian seems to have gone ok. Others said Linux mint is beginner friendly but I haven't tried it.
Debian is not a beginner distro. It requires some knowledge and advanced setup. Mint is the default for new users nowadays.
I dunno, I just installed 12 on a 32-bit oldster and it was smooth and painless. I guess you need apt but any linux distro is going to have a little bit of a learning bump.
I say any distro you want to try - go for it. You'll likely overwrite it in a week or two anyway. In the process you'll pick up the 1337 sk33lz and eventually find your flava.
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SteamOS for PC is long outdated and similar distros are made specifically for handheld hardware. Go for a general desktop or gaming distro instead.
From quick reading, SteamOS 3.0 is only really available for the Steam Deck. As such, I would not recommend it for a desktop user. Earlier versions of SteamOS are no longer supported. Don't take this as gospel, as I may be mistaken.
Still, I would personally suggest looking in to a more desktop oriented OS for now.