Steam is now a Native Linux application

That's right, you read that right. Valve has released it Steam client as a native Linux application. I have installed it on my Ubuntu 12.10 box and can confirm that it does indeed work. And is pretty much just as easy to install as it is on any Windows machine.

If you are using Ubuntu then be sure to check the Software Center that is built into Ubuntu to download and install it.  I have yet to try a game as I am currently in the process of downloading Counter Strike: Source for testing. To be fair I am also downloading CS:S on my Windows box as well for comparison purposes.

So stay tuned and I will try to report back as to how the Linux version runs when compared to it's Windows counterpart.

In the meantime Steam is running a sale which features some pretty awesome games. I picked up Counter Strike: Source for $5 and Half-Life for $2.49. And that's is just a couple of the great games that are on sale. That sale is supposed to run through Feb. 21st and the games that are purchased are unlocked on your Steam account for any platform that is officially supported. Meaning if you buy a game that runs on Linux, Windows, and Mac then you get access to all the on your Steam aaccount. So check it out:

http://store.steampowered.com

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Steam Users Beware!

On Thursday, November 10th; Valve announced that their Steam forums had been compromised.  In an initial release from Mr. Gabe Newell it was stated that the intrusion "went beyond the forums".  But it is unclear how far beyond the forums this attack managed to go.  Valve is saying that there is no evidence that any personal data or credit card information was harvested or stolen and they are continuing the investigation.

If you have used Steam (or it's forums) you'll know there is a separate login for the forums which requires a separate password.  Of course this is assuming you have theoretically passed "Online Security 101" and are not using the exact same password as you do for your Steam purchases (if so you're billing info could very well be at risk).  One of the first recommendations of online safeguarding is to not use the same password for everything you do online.  Why?  Simple, if that password is compromised it then becomes very easy for the rest of your online dealings to be compromised too.

Valve will be resetting forum passwords and urging user's to update their passwords in general.  In short, this is probably a good rule of thumb for anyone using Steam.  Regardless whether you are actually at risk or not. Here are two things to help:
- Change your password for both Steam Forums and your overall Steam Account.
- Keep watch on whatever method of billing you have setup for Steam purchases to be on the safe side.

I think it is a shame that yet another game service has been compromised.  I'll be the first to admit that it is probably impossible for any service to be 100% bulletproof when it comes to security.  And when it comes right down to it, the fact of the matter is that our online security as customer's lies at fault with ourselves.  Sad but true.  How can customer's hold a particular service to blame for security issues when customer's are using weak passwords, not changing passwords regularly, and flat out putting themselves at risk?

In short, we can't.

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Alein Swarm on Steam! Updated and Free!

Hey everybody,
If you love games than guess what...Steam is doing it again!  That's right, they are giving away another game.  Much like Portal was given as a free download a few months ago when they released their Mac client.  Except this time, Alien Swarm is up for grabs. 



Alien Swarm was originally from the mod community.  And it was designed by a group of folks who were hired out of the modding community.  Alien Swarm has been updated to the Source Engines, and is freely available via Steam.  It also comes with all of the bells and whistles: single-player, mulitplayer, co-op, Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud features, States, VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat'), and includes the SDK.  Looks like they are really promoting the SDK.  Could this be due to Valve secretly wanting us to develop mods for this title as well.  It'll be fun to see where this title goes from here.

Be sure to log on to Steam and get your hands on Alien Swarm.  It will be unlocked within the next hour or so for downloading.  Have fun!

Check out the Alien Swarm page on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/630/

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This Week In The News: Steam for Mac, Google Tablet, Retirement for Space Shuttle

Sorry for the absence of news here over the last few weeks. The personal/work life has been crazy.  Anyways, on with this weeks news.  Mac Gamers Unite! Google Tablet? And farewell Atlantis!

First up, Mac gamer's rejoice!  Steam has been released for the Mac.  Go ahead, hurry and download it.  There are currently 57 titles available (see link for list: http://store.steampowered.com/browse/mac ).  Also until May 24th, Portal is free for everybody!  Also check this out, if you have downloaded a title for Windows, than the Mac version is available for free.  Pretty sweet deal!  Buy one title and play cross platform.  Nice job Steam!

Next up, looks like Google (in the never ending quest for world domination) are in talks with Verizon over a tablet.  Despite the fact that the iPad has been a pretty good success for Apple.  Can Google do the same, or trump Apple's accomplishment.  Time will tell.

Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to launch for it's final mission on Friday.  This mission is to drop off supplies and replace some parts on the International Space Station.  This sets the stage for the last three shuttle missions by NASA; which will also mark the completion of the International Space Station.  Kudos!  http://news.cnet.com/8301-19514_3-20004796-239.html

Until next week!  Happy surfing!

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This Week In The News: Fake Processors, Energizer Bunny is Evil, and much more!

This week in the news we have several newsworthy topics to cover.
-Newegg Ships Fake Intel Processors
-Energizer DUO usb Charger = Security Risk for PC Users
-Apple giving the App Store a 'Weight-Watchers' Treatment?
-Mac Gamers <3 Steam?  Coming Soon!


First up is the 'Newegg Controversy'.  For those who don't know, Newegg.com is one of the leading online computer/computer parts and accessory retailers.  Over the weekend it was reported that a small number of 'fake' processors where shipped to and sold by Newegg.  According to reports, there were 300 counterfeit Intel Core i7-920 processors shipped to customers.  I hate this for Newegg, because even if this is just a mishap it could negatively reflect on the company. Personally, I have used Newegg several times and have been thoroughly satisfied each time.  According to reports the packaging looks pretty genuine, but the instruction manual is a stack of blank pages stapled together, there were no pinouts on the processor, and the packging included a bogus fan.  See this site for more details: http://hardocp.com/article/2010/03/05/newegg_selling_fake_intel_cpus



Next in the news, is the Energizer Bunny Evil?  Turns out, no is the answer.  But it's software utlility might be.  The product in question is the Energizer DUO USB charger for NiMH batteries.  The product is safe for use; but for  Windows computer users who downloaded the software utility for monitoring the recharging batteries via your computer, not so much.  According to reports, the software tool creates a 'back access' for someone to remotely see/send/recieve or even execute a file.  Don't worry, the trojan can be easily deleted without much trouble.  This issue did not affect Mac users.  Energizer has discontinued this product before this issue was ever brought to light, but the product is still out the for purchase.  Please keep in mind that the battery charging hardware itself has no known issues; only the extra software (which isn't required to operate the product).  For more info on how to remove this trojan, check here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/190990/the_energizer_duo_trojan_what_you_need_to_know.html



Thirdly this week, Apple is doing some Spring Cleaning in their App Store.  Over the last couple of weeks, the hot topic has been the removal of some 'promiscuous' apps in the Apple App Store.  This involved removing a lot of 'softcore' type apps which depicted sexually/sensual pictures of women and or parts of the female anatomy.  As a user of the App Store, I was personally glad to see some of this go.  If kept unchecked, eventually apps like this would overrun the app store if not careful.  However, now Apple is going after apps that allow Iphone/Ipod Touch users to locate or find Wi-Fi hotspots.

Apple's reasoning is that these apps use 'undocumented or private APIs'.  If an app violates this part of the developer agreement, Apple axes it.  Why should it matter?  Have you ever needed to get quick web access and wasn't sure were the nearest public library or Starbucks was located?  I have used these tools before on PDA's and even laptops to locate the nearest coffee shop with free wi-fi for email access (who hasn't?).  One of the reason's I suppose Apple is aiming at these apps is due to the slow decline of Iphone user's who are seeking wi-fi access over using their 3G data connection on their Iphone.  Phone providers put a data cap on how much data can be used via that connection during the course of a month.  Using Wi-Fi does not.  Common sense in my book.

Apple has a lot going on in the coming weeks, with their iron handed rule over the app store, the upcoming release of the iPad (which may or may not revolutionize table computing, who knows).  Apple has their hands filled.  Apple owns the App Store and technically they can do whatever they like, regardless how user's feel about it.  But also, when Iphone/Ipod Touch user's get ticked off at Apple's decisions regarding their platform; said user's have been known to take drastic measures in forms of jailbreaking their devices which brings a whole new set of challenges for Apple.  And with Apple's recent banning of several prominent members of the jailbreaking community from the App Store; all we can do is sit back and watch with great anticipation of months to come in the Apple world.


And finally, Mac user's rejoice!  Steam is on it's way to the Mac.  Look for it this coming May.  And with it's release, Portal 2 is expected to be one of the premier games available for the Mac.  This is a huge step in the right direction as far as gaming on a Mac is concerned.  Why?  Mac's have never been known for their gaming abilities.  Games have always been on the back burner, but never really delved into on a Mac.  Hopefully, this will bring a welcome addition to the gaming community.  Steam is one of the largest digital distribution platforms in the world and is widely adopted on Windows based computers.  All I can say is, 'It's About Time'.

Have a great week everybody!

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