How to Use the Command 'steamos-session-select' (with Examples)

The steamos-session-select command is a powerful tool used by SteamOS users to switch between different session types on their device. This command allows users to choose various modes depending on their task, providing both flexibility and convenience in their computing experience. Whether you want to utilize your system for gaming or a more traditional desktop experience, steamos-session-select allows seamless transitions between session environments.

Change to Desktop Mode

Code:

steamos-session-select plasma

Motivation:

Switching to desktop mode is essential for users who need a typical desktop environment to perform tasks such as browsing the web, word processing, or other productivity activities. By selecting the “plasma” session, users can harness the full capabilities of the KDE Plasma desktop environment.

Explanation:

• steamos-session-select: This is the command used to change the current session on SteamOS.
• plasma: This argument specifies that the session should switch to the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which is known for its flexibility, sleek design, and resource efficiency.

Example Output:

Upon execution, the system should transition into the KDE Plasma desktop, featuring a taskbar, desktop icons, and application menu ready for desktop productivity tasks.

Change to Gamemode

Code:

steamos-session-select gamescope

Motivation:

Gaming enthusiasts or users working with graphics-intensive applications require a streamlined, minimalistic environment optimized for performance. “Gamescope” offers such an environment, focusing system resources on running games effectively without the overhead of a full desktop environment.

Explanation:

• steamos-session-select: This is the command issued to alter the current session.
• gamescope: This argument initiates a gamemode session, a simplified environment that prioritizes gaming performance and resource allocation.

Example Output:

Executing this command will transition the system into a dedicated gaming session where resources are optimized for efficient gameplay, enhancing the gaming experience by reducing latency and increasing frame rates.

Change to Wayland Desktop Mode

Code:

steamos-session-select plasma-wayland-persistent

Motivation:

For users who seek to leverage the advantages of the modern Wayland display protocol, such as improved performance and security over the traditional X11, switching to a Wayland session can be beneficial. Wayland provides smoother rendering and predicts input latency, which can enhance the overall user experience, especially in a desktop environment.

Explanation:

• steamos-session-select: This command is employed to switch the current user session.
• plasma-wayland-persistent: This argument specifies a session using KDE Plasma under the Wayland protocol, ensuring that changes are persistent across reboots and sessions.

Example Output:

Upon running the command, the system transitions to a Plasma desktop environment powered by Wayland, showcasing potentially better graphics performance and efficiency.

Change to X11 Desktop Mode

Code:

steamos-session-select plasma-x11-persistent

Motivation:

While Wayland is gaining popularity, some users may still prefer the traditional X11 display server for compatibility reasons with certain applications or drivers. X11 has been the standard protocol for Unix systems for decades and may offer wider support for specific use-cases or hardware.

Explanation:

• steamos-session-select: The command used to alter the session type.
• plasma-x11-persistent: This argument instructs the system to use the KDE Plasma desktop environment under the X11 protocol, keeping the configuration persistent across system restarts.

Example Output:

Executing this command switches the user into an X11-based KDE Plasma session, providing legacy support and compatibility benefits, while retaining the feature-rich experience of the Plasma desktop.

Conclusion

The steamos-session-select command empowers users with the ability to tailor their computing environment according to their specific needs, ranging from high-performance gaming to advanced graphical rendering with Wayland or ensuring compatibility through X11. Understanding each session’s purpose and advantages allows users to optimize their experience on SteamOS, making the most of their hardware and software capabilities.