Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

metallifan wrote:

Fafnir wrote:

I'm going to call bs here. Fast downloading in Canada? Yeah, right.

I'm calling... counter bs (?) on this

My downloads from Steam have always been ninja-fast. Longest I've had was probably 4.5 hours, but that was because the game was 7G's and I had 2 updates going for other titles at the same time.

Me and metalifan are both from BC , so im guessing we use the same internet.

Shaw cables?

How can you NOT like auto-updating? Its amazing. The latest DoW2 patch was already downloaded and installed when I came home from work the day it was released.

If you don't want a certain game to auto-update, turn it off.

Ignoring all the craziness above! I also was a bit bummed about steam constantly auto-updating. It seemed to slow down my system... I didn't install it on the new one.

That said, I am NOT computer savvy, and I assume there was a way to turn things off if I'd wanted to / been able to figure it out!

I like having a disc for a game, but it was neat to be able to download some directly. I believe I bought "Spore" through Steam, and it was neat being able to pick it up at midnight

LunaHound wrote:
Me and metalifan are both from BC , so im guessing we use the same internet.

Shaw cables?

You know it. Is there anyone in BC that -doesn't- use Shaw?

Steam is the greatest thing since sliced bread. The sales alone make it worth using. Been using it since 2003 hardly ever had any problems with it, don't know how anyone can not like it =s

metallifan wrote:

LunaHound wrote:
Me and metalifan are both from BC , so im guessing we use the same internet.

Shaw cables?

You know it. Is there anyone in BC that -doesn't- use Shaw?

Well, I guess, being in Alberta, my family could get Shaw, but they're net-tarded.

Gotta love the telecom monopoly in Canada. Screwing over the customer and keeping Canada in the dark ages since the birth of the internet.

Shawcables is also TV for me , and it comes with bundles so its not too bad to have.

Tell your family to get better internet and steam's DL will not be an issue anymore.

daedalus-templarius wrote:How can you NOT like auto-updating? Its amazing. The latest DoW2 patch was already downloaded and installed when I came home from work the day it was released.

If you don't want a certain game to auto-update, turn it off.

I know that.

I'm not using a supermassive internet, like all of you seem to think. I just want to have the game and play it too.

if I leave a game, I still have to download things for it. I don't want them. I'm never going to play online, I don't need to be uptodate.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Bwar wrote:Steam is the greatest thing since sliced bread. The sales alone make it worth using. Been using it since 2003 hardly ever had any problems with it, don't know how anyone can not like it =s

And you seem to think that I want to buy games from them.

christ.

I'm not interested in buying games. I just want to play the games I have.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Ruckdog wrote:So, if I understand the above conversation, you're saying that flaw is the auto-updating? Or is it that the auto-updating preferences get re-set when Steam updates? I'm a little confused

no, the flaw isn't updating. thats cool. expectable.

it's the fact that for some psycotic reason I can't cancel the download

I just recently bought about 600 dollars worth of games for 49.99 USD on Steam. You won't find a legal deal that good anywhere else.

I've never really had a problem with the system, and I've used it since it's inception. The complaints that people feel are relevant are either misinformed or due to complications that have nothing to do with Steam itself (such as a poor internet connection or processor).

I know that.

I'm not using a supermassive internet, like all of you seem to think. I just want to have the game and play it too.

if I leave a game, I still have to download things for it. I don't want them. I'm never going to play online, I don't need to be uptodate.

You can turn off auto-update, and you can also set Steam to start in offline mode if you're never worried about playing online.

no, the flaw isn't updating. thats cool. expectable.

it's the fact that for some psycotic reason I can't cancel the download

Yes, you can. Right click on it, and click 'Cancel Download'. It's a fairly simple process.

I know that.

I'm not using a supermassive internet, like all of you seem to think. I just want to have the game and play it too.

if I leave a game, I still have to download things for it. I don't want them. I'm never going to play online, I don't need to be uptodate.

So this entire thread is predicated on the fact that you're too lazy to turn off auto updating, and you're being whiny and defensive about it because we have better internet.

Class act.

My issue with Steam (Being someone who only wanted to play DOW2, that's all. Just play the game.) Is I have to jump through hoops every time I play it. A hoop which if broken (which I have experienced in the past) I can't play the game, a hoop which wont let me play the game without installing an update. It's annoying. And I get annoyed by those stupid animations on dvd menus which make you sit there and watch something for two minutes before it lets you press 'play movie.'

I have no doubt there are probably better ways for PC game makers to protect copyright but instead they are of course motivated by the money of companies like steam who will do it for them and while doing so throw a ton of adverts at you and try to sell you stuff in their shop. I'd like to be able to buy a game which doesn't then ask for more of my money, thank you very much.

whatwhat wrote:My issue with Steam (Being someone who only wanted to play DOW2, that's all. Just play the game.) Is I have to jump through hoops every time I play it. I hoop which if broken (which I have experienced in the past) I can't play the game, a hoop which wont let me play the game without installing an update. It's annoying. And I get annoyed by those stupid animations on dvd menus which make you sit there and watch something for two minutes before it lets you press 'play movie.'

I have no doubt there are probably better ways for PC game makers to protect copyright but instead they are of course motivated by the money of companies like steam who will do it for them and while doing so throw a ton of adverts at you and try to sell me stuff in their shop.

One or two extra mouse clicks equals jumping through hoops? Gaming must be a good workout for you

A 4 gig space on my hard drive for one game is a big enough hoop thanks. It's not all about mouse clicks.

And again. I'd like to be able to buy a game which doesn come with an attached programme asking for more of my money.

whatwhat wrote:A 4 gig space on my hard drive for one game is a big enough hoop thanks.

Thats got nothing to do with steam and a 1 terrabyte hard drive is like 60 dollars. Whine more.

ShumaGorath wrote:

whatwhat wrote:A 4 gig space on my hard drive for one game is a big enough hoop thanks.

Thats got nothing to do with steam and a 1 terrabyte hard drive is like 60 dollars. Whine more.

60 dollars down from 100 ey. You didn't know the first time?


You don't have to make out like I go around all day crying about steam. Someone posted a thread saying its a nuisance, I happen to agree. It's not a huge problem. I don't feel as strongly as a few posters on here who seem to charge to it's defence whenever it's criticised.

60 dollars down from 100 ey. You didn't know the first time?

Prices are dropping every day!

You don't have to make out like I go around all day crying about steam. Someone posted a thread saying its a nuisance, I happen to agree. It's not a huge problem. I don't feel as strongly as a few posters on here who seem to charge to it's defence whenever it's criticised.

Except none of your complaints were about steam. You can play dawn of war without an online steam connection and you can play unupdated versions. You can click through opening videos (except the very first time). And the average size of a game is like 6-8 gigs now.

As I say. I really don't feel that strongly about this to campaign against your views Shuma.

whatwhat wrote:As I say. I really don't feel that strongly about this to campaign against your views Shuma.

Theres nothing to campaign against, I stated the reality of the situation.

Been using steam for 7 years.

Haven't had a problem.

I got L4D2 for $10 on one of the sales, and BF:BC2 for $15 o another sale.

Steam is nice but it does have its problems, 1 week ago I tried to play Chaos Rising after a 2 month or so break, game died and I did an integrity check and it found 79 files not passed the test, so 2 gigs of download from a slow AU server meant over night download. Next day some new patch comes through can't play again.

Question is why would the files stuff up if I never played it for a month. and now and then steam likes to give me notification of games I hardly play finishing some download. this morning Sup com 2 downloaded like 400mbs. checked updates page and last thing on there was 4 of june. things like this are really crap I don't know what the hell its doing but with only 50gb peak and 70gb off peak bandwidth I like to keep all my non important updates in off peak time.

and one of the funniest things I bought a game called gyromancer and it couldn't work right away as it was fixed to a 4:3 ration screen and all new comps now are in 16:10 so I had to change my resolution to 4:3 just to be able to run the game and change it to windowed mode so this problem will never happen again. You would think something this simple would be picked up by QA.

Thachng wrote:Question is why would the files stuff up if I never played it for a month. and now and then steam likes to give me notification of games I hardly play finishing some download. this morning Sup com 2 downloaded like 400mbs. checked updates page and last thing on there was 4 of june. things like this are really crap I don't know what the hell its doing but with only 50gb peak and 70gb off peak bandwidth I like to keep all my non important updates in off peak time.

Answer is really simple. And if you actually read the thread, your problem wouldn't exist.

You can cancel automatic updates. read through the thread.

whatwhat wrote:My issue with Steam (Being someone who only wanted to play DOW2, that's all. Just play the game.)

I wouldn't really blame Steam for that. That's on Relic for stupidly deciding they needed both Steam AND Windows Live when quite honestly one would have done them just fine XD. I've never understood the logic behind that decision.

You can play dawn of war without an online steam connection and you can play unupdated versions.

My memory may be faulty but didn't you need a connection to Windows Live to even access the multiplayer menu, where you could access the instant action/skirmish/vs AI whatever they called it? I remember steam always starting whenever I logged into Windows Live to do its DRM thing, followed by Windows Live auto-updating and canceling the update would cancel your attempt to get into the multiplayer menus. Without a connection you can only access the single player campaign. Or maybe I'm thinking of GTA IV? EDIT: I think my memory is faulty on this one

Honestly DoW II is a horrible example for problems with Steam. The way they set up that game as far as updates and DRM go was completely loony.

To reiterate, I bought:

Dawn of War II
Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising
Dawn of War: Gold Edition
Dawn of War: Dark Crusade
Dawn of War: Soulstorm
Metro 2033
Company of Heroes
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
Red Faction
Red Faction 2
Red Faction: Guerilla
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Saint's Row 2
Titan Quest
Titan Quest: Immortal Throne
Frontlines: Fuel of War
Full Spectrum Warrior
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights
And World of Zoo

All for only 49.99 USD. This alone is worth any hassle it might give me (even though it never really gives me any problems). Steam has ridiculous deals. One of those games alone costs $49.99. There is literally no other service anywhere that can save you that much money (legally), no matter what it deals with.

Now, if only we could get Steam to run a weekend workshop for GW...

Wait wait wait, you can't cancel downloads with steam?

Am I missing something? I'm sure I have been doing so for years.

In fact i just started downloading one of my games, then cancelled it.

Just right click on a downloading game and select delete local content.

Or am i just missing what you mean?

EDIT: Sorry just read the whole thread and realised people have said this already, the initial posts just bemused me so, i had to answer quickly!

Chrysaor686 wrote:it's the fact that for some psycotic reason I can't cancel the download

Yes, you can. Right click on it, and click 'Cancel Download'. It's a fairly simple process.

YOU CAN'T.

I CAN'T. otherwise there wouldn't be a complaint.

And, I know about not auto-updating.

for the umpteenth time. It resets itself for a steam version update [of the program, not the game]. I can't stop it then.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

steam support wrote:========= Please enter your reply ABOVE this line =========

Hello,

A staff member has replied to your question:

Hello Robin, Thank you for contacting Steam Support. You can use Steam in offline mode by following the instructions posted here: Title: Offline Mode Link: http://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3160-AGCB-2555 Note that you will need to update your game fully in order to use it with Steam in offline mode. Once this is done you should not need to go online for any further updates. If you have any further questions please let me know.

Anytime you wish you can view your question online:
https://support.steampowered.com/view.php?ticketref=8696-KMFP-2630



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This message was sent by the Steam Support helpdesk.

Have a question we can help you with? Visit our knowledgebase for a list of questions and answers:
https://support.steampowered.com/kb.php

Alternatively, ask our staff a question:
https://support.steampowered.com/newticket.php

Steam Support :: https://support.steampowered.com <=== 8696-KMFP-2630 --- 030a88e1 ===>

Proof enough?

I really do hate steam.
Some time ago I bought a retail copy of Empire Total War to avoid going over my download limit.
However when I tried to install the game from the discs Steam wouldn't let me and I was forced to download the game,
and lets not get into cd keys not working with steam.

I was quite annoyed when steam decided to delete my account for no reason. No one in customer/technical support was able to help and nothing I tried let me get access to it. Luckily this was when steam first came out and I only had a couple of games on there (which pre-dated steam, so I could actually play them "outside" of steam anyway - I installed steam as I thought it would be great for gaming).

I have since used Steam on a new account, mostly just for HL2 (I've avoided it wherever possible), though I was impressed at having mods etc for it all linked through steam.

I just hope inactive accounts are not deleted as I've not accessed mine for a few years and have a few games on there.

Captain Solon wrote:for the umpteenth time. It resets itself for a steam version update [of the program, not the game]. I can't stop it then.

You can't get annoyed at others because you lack the ability to communicate well. The way you kept referring to your problem, you made it sound like you were mad about the game updates. Not a program update. That no one understood you is your own fault. If you want people to help you, explain your problem clearly instead of writing as if assuming we can all read your thoughts.

Steam version updates take no more than 5 minutes on a dial-up connection. Mine updates in under a minute on cable. God forbid you should have to do something other than stare at a screen for a couple minutes while Steam upgrades to a new version.

I love steam so much. I hate having stupid cd's every where taking up space in my house and getting broken. Being able to log on to any computer log on to steam and then download any game ive already bought is awesome. I cant tell you how many times I went to go re-install a game I had not played in a while only to find that a disc was missing or scratched. I know its my fault for not taking care of my crap but steam helps me be lazy. Also while the weekend deals are good the week long sales are insane. During Christmas time and other major events they will put like 10 different games a day for a massive sale every day for a week. You can get so many games that maybe you wanted to play but didn't want to pay 40 bucks for. And they have huge game packs where you can get like 5-15 games for the price of one or two sometimes.

I have a decent connection so downloading games goes really fast for me and steam games are modable so if you like to download fan mods they usually work with steam games too. Also they have the friends list so you can see what game your buddies are playing and just jump into a game with them. Seriously I think steam is one of the best platforms for getting games legally that has come out ever for the PC.

Also gamespy sucks!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Oh and something that is kind of similar to Steam but is for older games is Good old games at www.GOG.com which takes old games and works out some of the bugs takes off the DRM protection and releases them for either 5.99 or 9.99. They dont have their own program like steam but you can log on to their website and re-download any game you already bought on to any computer as many times as you want. Its a great place to find older games especially if you have windows 7 and are having trouble getting older games to work right.