Steam for newbies?

[Nala]

I've known about Steam for a few years now, but I've never used it before now. It seems fairly straight-forward but I'm worried that I'm missing something that everyone but me knows about. Does anyone here have any tips for a Steam newbie?

 

[gamertag]

Steam offers great periodic deals and sales; be sure to check them out. They also hold regular contests where you "enter" by performing certain actions in various games. It's neat!

 

[sunkist2012]

I don't want to sound stupid, but what is Steam? I've heard of it before, but honestly, I'm unfamiliar with what it is. Do they sell video games? Are they a website?

 

[France9]

I'm curious too - I've never heard of steam. What the heck is it? A membership to something? I can't imagine it's a game. I would love to know more about steam to see if I want to join.