Brave is a free, open-source web browser developed by Brave Software, Inc. that offers a faster, more secure, and private browsing experience compared to traditional browsers like Firefox. Whether you are browsing the web for work or leisure, Brave Browser provides the tools you need to stay protected online.
One of the most significant benefits of using Brave browser is its focus on privacy. Unlike other browsers that collect and sell your data to advertisers, Brave Browser blocks unwanted ads and trackers, keeping your online activity private. This means you can browse the web without worrying about being tracked or having your information sold to the highest bidder.
Another advantage of Brave browser is its speed. With built-in ad and tracker blocking, Brave Browser loads websites up to eight times faster than Firefox. This means you can spend less time waiting for pages to load and more time enjoying the content you are interested in.
In addition to its privacy and speed features, Brave Browser also offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and customize. You can organize your tabs, bookmark your favorite websites, and access your settings with just a few clicks.
Summary of features in Brave browser when installed on Linux Mint:
- Ad and Tracker Blocking: Brave browser blocks unwanted ads and trackers to ensure your online activity remains private and secure. Say goodbye to annoying pop-ups and banners and enjoy a clutter-free browsing experience.
- Faster Browsing Speed: With its built-in ad and tracker blocking, Brave Browser loads websites up to eight times faster than traditional browsers like Firefox. This means you can spend less time waiting for pages to load and more time enjoying the content you are interested in.
- Private Browsing: Brave browser takes privacy seriously and does not collect or sell your data to advertisers. You can browse the web with peace of mind, knowing that your online activity is protected.
- User-Friendly Interface: Brave Browser has a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and customize. You can organize your tabs, bookmark your favorite websites, and access your settings with just a few clicks.
- Customizable Settings: Brave browser offers various settings to suit your individual needs. You can choose what data to block, set up password protection, and more.
- Tab Management: Brave browser allows you to easily organize your tabs, making it simple to switch between multiple websites. You can also save tabs to revisit later or close tabs you no longer need.
- Bookmarking: Brave browser makes it easy to bookmark your favorite websites so you can access them quickly and easily. You can also categorize your bookmarks to keep them organized and easy to find.
- Built-in Password Manager: Brave browser includes a built-in password manager to securely store your passwords and prevent them from being hacked. You can also easily import and export your passwords from other browsers.
- Battery Life Optimization: Brave browser is designed to be efficient and minimize the drain on your battery life. This means you can browse the web for longer without recharging your device.
- Available on Multiple Devices: Brave browser is available on multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. You can easily sync your data and settings across your devices for seamless browsing.
In this informative guide, you will be taken through installing Brave browser on either Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20 distribution series. Utilizing the command line terminal, you will learn how to install the stable version, and optional beta or development builds.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Update Linux Mint
First and foremost, it’s crucial to update your system to guarantee that all existing packages are at the latest version. This will prevent any potential conflicts during the installation process.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeStep 2: Install the Required Packages
To complete the installation, you will need to install the necessary software packages using the command specified in the terminal.
sudo apt install dirmngr software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -yStep 3: Import Brave Repository
For your Brave Browser installation, you have three options available to choose from. The first and highly recommended option is to go for the stable version of Brave Browser, which is ideal for daily use. If you’re an advanced user or simply curious, you may also opt to install the beta or nightly build versions through separate installation repositories.
Option 1 – Import Brave Stable Browser Repository
Import the stable GPG KEY using the following terminal command.
curl -fSsL https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg >> /dev/nullAdd the stable repository to your system using the following terminal command.
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg] https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-release.listOption 2 – Import Brave Beta, Nightly Browser Repository
The GPG key for the non-stable versions of Brave browser is shared, thus reducing the number of keys you need to import. To import the beta or nightly GPG KEY, use the following terminal command.
curl -fSsL https://brave-browser-apt-beta.s3.brave.com/brave-browser-beta-archive-keyring.gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-beta-archive-keyring.gpg >> /dev/nullAdd the beta repository to your system using the following terminal command.
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-beta-archive-keyring.gpg] https://brave-browser-apt-beta.s3.brave.com/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-beta.listAdd the nightly repository in your system through the following terminal command.
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-beta-archive-keyring.gpg] https://brave-browser-apt-nightly.s3.brave.com/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-nightly.listStep 4: Install Brave Browser
With the necessary repositories added, it’s now possible to install Brave Browser. First, refresh your repository list to incorporate the recent changes.
sudo apt updateWith the updated repository list, it’s now time to install the Brave browser stable version, which is the recommended option for everyday use. Utilize the following terminal command to initiate the installation process. Note that this version has undergone extensive testing and offers a reliable and secure browsing experience.
sudo apt install brave-browserAlternatively, you may install Brave beta or nightly build if you have already added the corresponding repositories. However, it’s important to note that these two versions are unsuitable for regular use, especially on a primary desktop or in a production environment. They are installed as separate builds and do not replace the stable version.
To install the Brave browser Beta version, execute the following terminal command.
sudo apt install brave-browser-betaIndividuals who prefer to install the advanced development version of Brave browser (known as the Nightly build) can do so by utilizing the following terminal command.
sudo apt install brave-browser-nightlyStep 5: Launch the Brave Browser
Upon completing the installation process, there are multiple ways to launch the Brave browser. One method is to run it from within the terminal by executing the following command.
brave-browserHowever, this approach may not be convenient for everyday use. Instead, following this path, you can access the Brave browser from your desktop.
Taskbar > Internet > Brave Web Browser {version}.
Example:
Upon launching the Brave Browser for the initial time on Linux Mint, you’ll encounter a pop-up window that allows you to import your existing bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords from your previous browser, if any. If you opt for the import, you’ll then be asked to pick and choose the specific data you want to bring over.
Example:
With the importation of your data complete, the Brave Browser will take you to the default search engine landing page. From here, you can start your internet explorations with the Brave Browser as your tool of choice. You can customize your settings, including adjusting the default search engine, adding bookmarks and extensions to enhance your browsing experience, and taking advantage of the built-in privacy features, such as ad-blocking and tracker blocking, for a safer and faster experience online.
Example:
Additional Commands & Tips
Update Brave Browser
To keep Brave up-to-date, run the standard system update command in your terminal to check for updates, just as you would for other software on your system.
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeRemove (Uninstall) Brave Browser
To thoroughly uninstall the Brave browser from your Linux Mint system, you must remove the repositories added during the installation process. First, remove the brave browser using the following command that matches your installed version.
sudo apt autoremove brave-browser --purgesudo apt autoremove brave-browser-beta --purgesudo apt autoremove brave-browser-nightly --purgeRemove the added repositories with the following command.
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-*Alternatively, you can remove specific Brave Browser version repositories by specifying the exact repository file, such as “brave-browser-beta.list”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing Brave Browser on Linux Mint can be quickly done using the terminal and commands. The tutorial provided a comprehensive guide on installing the stable, beta, and nightly builds and how to import your data, run Brave, and update it.
Brave browser is a privacy-focused browser that prioritizes the security and privacy of its users. Compared to other major browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, Brave offers better privacy protection through its built-in privacy features, such as ad-blocking and tracker blocking. This results in a faster and more secure browsing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brave browser work on Linux Mint 21 or 20?
Yes, Brave Browser works incredibly well on both Linux Mint 21 and 20. The brave stable version is the recommended version for the utmost stability.
Is Brave Browser a Chinese browser?
No, Brave Browser is not a Chinese browser. It was founded by Brendan Eich, the co-founder of Mozilla and creator of JavaScript, and is based in San Francisco, California, USA.
What are the disadvantages of installing Brave Browser on Linux Mint?
Some users may experience compatibility issues with certain websites or extensions. Additionally, there may be limited support for Brave browsers compared to more established browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox.
Will Brave Browser slow down my Linux Mint system?
In general, Brave Browser should not significantly slow down your Linux Mint system. However, this may vary depending on your system specifications and the number of tabs and extensions you have open.
How secure is Brave Browser on my Linux Mint system?
Brave browser prioritizes privacy and security and includes ad and tracker-blocking features. However, as with any software, there is always some level of risk involved in using the internet, and users should take appropriate measures to protect themselves.
Does Brave track its users?
Brave has a strict privacy policy that states they do not track or collect personal information from its users. However, like all browsers, Brave collects data for technical purposes such as performance and security optimization, and this data is anonymous and not linked to individual users.