Steam updates

[pontypool]

Well I had hl2 set to auto update but i have no clue if its actually updated my game or its still downloading the update. it just says ready.
I dont want to play a game yet if there are going to be bugs in it that are actually fixed in a current update , so i want to be sure the game is updated. Even if "ready" means the game is updated, is there a way I can check the version of the game to be 100% sure its fully updated?
Thanks.

 

[pontypool]

Second question related to steam that i just thought of:
I can see there is an option to backup game files. thats cool because my connection is quite slow and i dont want to have to download via steam everytime i reinstall windows.
After i backup how do i reload hl2, since i dont see a "load backup" option.
Thanks again.

Edit : just noticed in steamaps/hl2 folder is the hl2.exe file.
Could i just backup this folder instead of using the backup game files option?????

 

[Hectic Glenn]

If the game isn't fully updated there will literally be a percentage saying 96.7% complete, and a download speed shown, as you receive and install the updates. If you have 'keep up to date' selected, and it says done, then you should be ready to go. If you want to super sure your files don't have any problems, right click HL2, go to properties, then click 'validate integrity of game cache', which will scan and check all the files to make sure they are fine. Takes very little time. Have fun playing Half-life 2

 

[giant384]

you should have no problems not playing unless your up to date

 

[Shasta]

Second question related to steam that i just thought of:
I can see there is an option to backup game files. thats cool because my connection is quite slow and i dont want to have to download via steam everytime i reinstall windows.
After i backup how do i reload hl2, since i dont see a "load backup" option.
Thanks again.

It will back up your game(s) to a 3-5GB .exe file. You just need to install Steam, logon to your account, and then double-click the .exe file. Easy. It's about the only good, works-for-everyone-no-matter-what-speed-connection-you-have feature that Steam has...