Topic: Steam OS Beta available for download

[Nemesis]

Link to FAQ

Q: What are the SteamOS Hardware Requirements?

    Intel or AMD 64-bit capable processor
    4GB or more memory
    500GB or larger disk
    NVIDIA graphics card (AMD and Intel graphics support coming soon)
    UEFI boot support
    USB port for installation

Link to download

I don't have a machine that can run it myself at this time. 

NOTE:  IMPORTANT WARNING! It takes over your whole hard disk it does NOT install as dual boot with your existing OS at this time.  So don't try to install on a machine that you are going to use for anything else.  Hopefully the final version will be dual boot friendly.

[Tus-XC]

hmm... i can install this onto my old machine...

[Nemesis]

If you do please let us know your impressions. 

[Javora]

NOTE:  IMPORTANT WARNING! It takes over your whole hard disk it does NOT install as dual boot with your existing OS at this time.  So don't try to install on a machine that you are going to use for anything else.  Hopefully the final version will be dual boot friendly.

Yikes, that is not cool.  Hmmmm.  I wonder if the following would work:

1.  I unhooked my current hard drive from the system.
2.  Install my older HD I have setting in my closet and install the Steam OS on that.
3.  Reconnect my current hard drive with Win 7 OS installed after Steam OS is installed.

I guess my question is rather on not the Steam OS will Nuke Win 7 once it sees the drive connected to the system?  If it does, then Steam OS as is will flop.  No one will want Steam OS if it doesn't dual boot.  I can't believe that this wasn't the first thing on the list.

[Nemesis]

I believe that you would be okay as it appears to be the installer that does it and it would be inactive at that point.  (But I can't actually be totally sure so back up your data if you try it.)

They are primarily targeting Steam OS for dedicated Steam Boxes so they may have either chosen to ignore dual boot or leave it for a later point.