HL2 / Steam Validation?

[MartinHughes]

Hi guys,

I have been planning to by The Orange Box, but have a couple of questions which I can't find answers for on the net...

- The installation requires a Steam account (even with the CD version) and an internet connection?
Fine - but is this just for install, not every time you play (I will be single player / LAN only)? My workstation has no permanent net connection, only my laptop does. This is deliberate, and I am not willing to sacrifice the security of my computer for the sake of a game...

- Valve have blocked people who buy in 1 country and play in another?
I will be buying the game in the UK (where I spend some time, and I want the English version), but I live in the South of France. My IP address will probably be France on install. Will this be a problem?

Thanks,

Martin

[Deto]

unless they've changed things after HL2... Then both install and playing requires steamaccount activation :/

Dunno about the blocking thing, haven't really paid attention on what's going around in steam lately, sound ridiculous though :O