eh, so long as you have broadband steam isn't anything to be concerned about. It basically makes sure your upto date and not running pirated / hacked stuff. As long as your not doing something stupid like buying multiple copies of HL2 on the same steam account you'll likely have a smooth operation.
Basically for those that are skeptical here's the typical session with HL2 / CS:S
1. Hmm i wanna play hl2/cs:s
2. Click on hl2, cs:s, or steam icon.
3. Steam connects, and a little AIM like menu bar apears listing stuff like, Comming soon, your installed steam games, and your uninstalled steam games. At this time anything that needs updating, is updated.
4. The game loads up and you play. * Assuming you didn't launch steam directly in which case you'll have to deal with the daunting challenge of launching your game via the steam menu. *gasp* the horror.
For 15 bucks i think you'd need to be pretty dense to pass up a decent game, because you were too affraid of steam.. which even if you honestly think about it.. the worst case scenario where you do something incrediably stupid and get your account revoked, you'd be out 15 bucks..
Lets put that into perspective.
Avergae movie ticket = 9.99 (aprox 2 hours of your time ,and then the credits roll, Done.)
Average DVD = 15 dollars. Again 2 hours + Sp features.. wow, how many times can you watch The Fast and the Furious or other trash before it's worthless?
Dinner at a resturant... Bare minum 10 bucks, but realistically with booze, a meal, tips, and ect you probably looking at least at 20+.
Average amount of money you'll probably end up spending at bach. party and wake up the next day and have no idea where you are or what you did... ALOT more than 15 dollars.
Point is. 15 bucks is a drop in the bucket, considering what you'd be getting...