# Dedicated Server

The "Dedicated Server" is a program which hosts a networked Steam game either on a private LAN or on the Internet. (If you just want to play Steam games, you don't need the Dedicated Server -- you can join online games by clicking on "Servers" in the Steam menu.)
If you do want to run a game server and have other people connect to your server via a network, the easiest way to run a server is to click the "Download and Install" button below, which will add the Dedicated Sever to your "My Games" list. You'll be up and running in minutes.
Advanced users can also run a Dedicated Server under the Linux operating system. Click here to download the Linux version.
Note that when running any version of the Dedicated Server, a certain amount of network configuration (opening ports, etc) may be required.
NOTE: Clicking the button below will install the Half-Life Dedicated Server, not the newer Source Dedicated Server.