I recently discovered that Skyrim will require you to use Steam whether you buy it digitally or physically. I'm afraid that I have some stupid questions regarding this, as I have never used Steam before :shrug:
By the way, I have posted on other Steam topics on these forums and received no reply as well as searched these forums and the Steam website for answers. I apologize in advance if I'm missing something obvious!

1. I have heard that even if I buy the retail version of the game, I have to download Steam to play it?
2. If that is true, if I lose or break my game disk, will I be able to download it for free via Steam?
3. I have a slow internet connection. Would the game require a fast internet connection to be able to play Skyrim?
4. If it requires an internet connection to play, would my slow internet connection cause the game to lag?
5. Would Steam be constantly downloading updates/patches to my computer? I have a 200 Mb download limit per day and if exceeded, my internet connection basically stops.
6. If so, is there a way to set these extra downloads to a certain time of the day? And would this restrict my gaming?

Thanks in advance! And again, sorry for my seemingly overly simple questions!!

1. I would assume so
2. Yes
3. You don't need an internet connection beyond registering the game for the first time, or when it thinks you need an update (more below). You can play in offline mode if you want.
4. No, as above you only need to register the game.
5. There is an option to disable automatic updates for games.
6. There is not such an option to my knowledge, the only restriction to the downloads is that they stop when you launch a game.

umm, Idk what all this talk about "steam" is, but all you gotta do is go out to a store on Novemer 11, buy the game, and put it into your console. be that xbox 360, PS3, or PC.

Fallout new vegas required the use of steam, an online server by valve (as i recall) that serves as a gaming community, online store and security. Skyrim has yet to confirm or debunk if it'll be used.

1. I dont think so it wasnt like that for NV

Thanks for the reply!
So I can buy the game, register it on Steam, disable automatic updates, play on offline mode until I need to update it, then continue playing some more? (And only use internet connection when i register and update?)

you can disable the updates ONLY after the first required patching (at least that's how New Vegas seemed to work)

It willwork just fine but I would advise to take care of that disk because your 200 mb a day will kill your soul if you are forced to download it.