Information for New Users

• What is Steam?
• How do I use Steam?
• What games are available through Steam?
• How do I download games from Steam?
• How can I protect my account?
• What is the Steam Subscriber Agreement?
• How do I contact Steam Billing and Support?

What is Steam?

Steam is a broadband platform for direct software delivery and content management. It is an integral part of all Valve software.

Steam...

• Allows you to purchase and immediately download games via the internet.
• Allows you to register retail versions of Valve games as well as some third-party games.
• Lets you access games from any PC that can connect to the Steam network.
• Automatically keeps all of your games up-to-date with the latest available patches.
• Allows you to chat with friends in the Steam community even during gameplay.
• Makes it easy to browse and connect to online and LAN game servers for certain games.
• Allows you to view which games your friends are currently playing and join them.

How do I use Steam?

First, please see the Installing Steam topic for instructions on downloading and installing Steam.

Once you have installed Steam, create an account and add games to it by Buying Games through Steam or by Activating a Product on Steam.

What games are available through Steam?

The list of games available through Steam is constantly expanding.

For a full list of games currently available for purchase through Steam, please visit the Steam Storefront.

How do I download games from Steam?

Once you have installed the Steam application, you will need to login to the Steam account you have added (or will add) your game to.  Your game is tied to this Steam account and cannot be re-registered to a different account.

Clicking Library in the Steam application will bring you to a listing of all games that have been registered to this Steam account. Double click any of these titles to install and run the game.

How can I protect my account?

NEVER give out your Account password to anyone over Steam. Please see the Account Security Recommendations topic for instructions on protecting your Steam account.

What is the Steam Subscriber Agreement?

For more information on Valve's policies, please see the Steam Subscriber Agreement and the Rules of Steam Online Conduct.

Steam Subscriber Agreement
http://www.steampowered.com/v/index.php?area=subscriber_agreement

Rules of Steam Online Conduct
http://www.steampowered.com/v/index.php?area=online_conduct

How do I contact Steam Billing and Support / Steam Support?

Please see the Contacting Steam Billing and Support FAQ.