Steam, Windows, and Macs.

If you don't know by now, Steam has been released for the OSX Operating System. What is Steam, one might ask? How about a video game distribution service, or a instant messaging program that's usable in game, or a service that allows you to easily connect to multilayer games. Simply put, it makes doing computer games a lot easier.

The distribution service works like this. Once you buy a game through the Steam Store, you own the game. Why take the time to go out to Gamestop to buy a game, when you can just do it in the comfort of your own home? And once you buy the game through Steam, you can immediately download it through the software. You don't have to worry about losing your disks, or typing in the CD-Key, or DRM's. In fact, Steam is what the DRM process should be like, simple and non-obtrusive. The downside through simply owning the game through Steam is you don't have a physical copy on hand, and it does take time to download the game depending on the connection.

With Steam, it also becomes possible to talk to friends while they are in the middle of a game due to the Steam overlay, which you can open up almost anytime in a game. And this function isn't limited to only Steam games either, you can add programs to Steam and run it through Steam, allowing it to recognize that the program's being run and the Steam overlay works there. So you can still talk to your friend who may be knifing newbies in Counterstrike: Source while you're playing Team Fortress 2. This is extremely convenient, as it makes it easy to keep in touch with friends while still in a game.

The messenger portion of the program is not only great in keeping contact with your friends cross-game, but it also serves another function as being able to join your friend's multiplayer games easily, without have to go through the tedious task of searching the server they are on or inputting the IP address.

The last great thing about Steam is how it combines the services so well. It's a one stop program for all. So why am I writing about this? Well, chances are you're a Mac user that doesn't know how Steam works. With the advent of Steam being released to the Operating System, it's bridging the gap between PC and Mac gamers. With the distribution service, it's easier than ever for Mac users to find and play games on their Macs, despite the common mindset. Although we won't be saying games such as Crysis or Oblivion on Macs anytime soon, they'll still be able to play some popular games such as Team Fortress 2 and World of Goo.

Check out the service. It's at no loss to you except for the many hours of your life spent wasted playing games. There's a ton of games out there, and more keep coming out everyday for Macs. Who knows? Maybe you'll find something you like.