Not a dumb question if you haven’t been keeping up.
The Steam Deck runs Linux and not Windows by default. (It can be loaded by the user if desired.)
Given their desire for a nearly-console-like experience, they put in a bunch of effort into the Proton compatibility layer to get Windows games to work here. It’s not perfect, but it really is a very good experience at this point.
I personally do have a fairly powerful Windows desktop, but the vast majority of my gaming is on Linux on my Steam Deck now.
This show is absolutely awesome.
I’m one of the people who saw it early at NY Comic Con, and I do not want the ride to end.
Good luck!