Can someone explain the purpose of the Steam Machine to me?

[chris_wing]

jlmurph2 said:

Distant Star said:
It's a shift from Windows desktops to Linux desktops AND moving into the living room.
SteamOS is basically more optimized for gaming than Windows, but still less optimized then PS4 and Xbox One.

Does Linux support everything that people have for Windows(Office, Norton, ect.)? Because I imagine that would be a big factor in buying a PC.

Linux has Libra Office, a free open source alternative, it's fantastic.  Norton?  What's a virus?