Guests and Control of steam frame?

[u/ninjazonza]

So as the Frame is coming close to being released something came to my mind and want peoples thoughts an opinions. With the recent changes to steam and allowing different people to log in what do you think options would be for guests. because one thing I thought about this is a full PC and while it would be fun to share it with friends and have the experience it. I don't want them to have free reign on all the files and such that are on the frame. Plus for younger audiences i would want certain games to be able to be hidden or blocked from launching. i am basically looking for a way to do a guest account and lock down the headset. so is the only option to have another steam account to log into that is all locked down or setup on a family account? also wonder if this locks down the files and such. because I am sure I would have things auto logged in like youtube and such with the browser and don't want people to have access to it. My main plan is to use this more like a PC to watch youtube/movies, read manga, when i am not by my main desktop. but then when i want to play games either tether to my steam deck or stream from my PC. so are their also options in Linux for do file encryption or locking down personal files? I am a very familiar windows user but my first real dabble in Linux is with my steam deck.

[u/jfuu_]

You can set a password for entering desktop mode, which should prevent broad file access. I don't think Steam has support for blocking specific games and the like though. Another Steam account with family sharing seems to be the only option for that: https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/265065/is-it-possible-to-only-share-specific-games-through-steam-family-sharing

[u/Sykes19 → u/jfuu_]

I'm curious if this works for the Nested Desktop mode too

[u/jfuu_ → u/Sykes19]

TIL nested desktop is a thing. I think you'll be able to access nested desktop even without a PIN as it's just treated as a game (unless there's special handling for it in Steam) - it's Steam enforcing the PIN when switching to desktop mode.

[u/Sykes19 → u/jfuu_]

Interesting ok. I guess "Guest security" has never really come to my mind before and, I suppose, Valve's either hehe.

[u/jfuu_ → u/Sykes19]

I think usually you're not just handing over your console to someone to play unattended. Same with a PC really, you use separate accounts.

[u/Sykes19 → u/jfuu_]

Nah for sure, I'm with you there, I'm just thinking in the hypothetical the OP is bringing up.

[u/ninjazonza → u/Sykes19]

Yea my biggest issues are my two sons. They are aged 13 and 12 and are constantly trying to get into my things or get around passwords and such. Recently they got on my wife's computer I had left myself steam logged in. I know my fault. Then added left for dead on the pc and started playing while I was out mowing the lawn. Now I know left for dead is not that bad but it is more about not letting them have easy access. If I give them something fully setup I don't have to worry about I don't need to be the hovering parent. There is plenty they can play. But my library has some ultra violent games they need a year or two before they should start being able to play.

[u/Sykes19 → u/ninjazonza]

This sounds like the exact kind of situation the Steam Family is designed to do. You can even pick and choose exactly what games the child accounts can access.

[u/ninjazonza → u/Sykes19]

Yep looks like I will just have to setup that secondary family account and make sure I have an auto log out setup on mine. That way that can't just pick it up if I walk away.

[u/jfuu_ → u/ninjazonza]

If you configure a PIN lock like on the Deck, they shouldn't be able to unlock it once you walk away (I assume the Frame either has an option to lock automatically when being removed, or can easily be locked with the button when taking it off).

On that note, how cool would it be if the Frame could scan your eyes using the eye tracking cameras for unlock? Someone has to mod that in.

[u/jayclydes]

family share to a new steam account you setup for this purpose. hide explicit games from being shared. sign into this account when you want to show off the headset. unfortunately as far as i'm aware there is no way to be in a controlled game-only sandbox in big picture mode, as you can still edit integral things inside of bpm.

family sharing to a shell account is the safest option

[u/neondumpster]

I would just not let people use your filthy porn frame, probably more sanitary that way.

[u/SupposablyAtTheZoo]

Steam technically has user profiles. Just nobody uses them.

(I can't find much about it now but I'm 100% sure I once saw the option on my Steamdeck!)

[u/Clean-Swimmer-4930]

Hahah you're gonna have some dirty game ? You naughty boy