How to Install Firefox Browser on Manjaro Linux

Firefox is a highly acclaimed, open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation, widely recognized for its focus on user privacy, security, and customization options. As an industry leader, Firefox continuously strives to provide a superior browsing experience. A few noteworthy features of Firefox include:

• Privacy-centric: Firefox offers robust privacy controls and built-in tracking protection, giving users greater control over browsing data.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Firefox is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Extensibility: With a vast library of add-ons and extensions, users can further enhance and personalize their browsing experience.
• Performance: Firefox utilizes advanced rendering and JavaScript engines, ensuring swift page loading and smooth browsing.
• Active development: Regular updates bring improvements, new features, and security enhancements, maintaining Firefox’s status as a top-tier browser.

While Firefox is a popular choice for many users, some may prefer to utilize the Firefox Beta version, which offers a sneak peek into upcoming features and enhancements. To cater to both preferences, this guide will demonstrate how to install the stable Firefox release and the Firefox Beta on Manjaro Linux, utilizing the Arch User Repository (AUR) and Manjaro’s native AUR package manager.

Step 1: Update Manjaro

Before installing Firefox on your Manjaro Linux system, it is crucial to update all available package upgrades to guarantee a seamless installation. You can accomplish this by executing straightforward commands in the terminal. To begin, update your Manjaro system using the command below:

sudo pacman -Syu

If it has been a while since your system was last updated, it is recommended to perform a full database dump using the following command:

sudo pacman -Syyu

Should you face any difficulties while upgrading Manjaro Linux, refer to our guide titled “How to Update Manjaro Linux Using the Command Terminal.” This guide offers valuable insights and various approaches to resolving terminal upgrade challenges effectively.

Step 2: Enable pamac AUR Helper

Enabling the Arch User Repository (AUR) is crucial for Manjaro Linux users as it offers access to various user-contributed software packages unavailable in the official repositories. However, by default, AUR is not enabled in Manjaro Linux to maintain system stability and security.

To enable AUR, you can edit the Pacman configuration file. One way to do this is by using the following sed command in the terminal:

sudo sed -Ei '/EnableAUR/s/^#//' /etc/pamac.conf

This command uses sed to locate the “EnableAUR” line in the “pamac.conf” file and removes the “#” symbol at the beginning of the line, thus enabling AUR. Once AUR is enabled, you can install software packages directly from the AUR repository, which expands the range of software available on your Manjaro Linux system. With this, you can easily install Firefox and other software from AUR to enhance your browsing experience.

Step 3: Install Firefox

After enabling AUR, you can install Firefox on your Manjaro Linux system. As mentioned, three versions are available: stable, beta, and esr. The default version is stable and is recommended for most users.

To install Firefox stable build, you can use the following command:

pamac install firefox

To confirm the installed version, use the following command:

firefox --version

To install the Firefox beta build, use the following command:

pamac install firefox-beta-bin

To confirm the installed version, use the following command:

firefox-beta --version

To install Firefox ESR build, use the following command:

pamac install firefox-esr-bin

To confirm the installed version, use the following command:

firefox-esr --version

Firefox ESR is the Firefox Extended Support Release, an official version of Firefox developed for large organizations like universities and businesses that must set up and maintain Firefox on a large scale.

Step 4: Launch Firefox Browser

Launching Firefox on Manjaro Linux is a simple process that can be done using the command line terminal or the application menu.

To launch Firefox using the command line terminal, open the terminal and type “firefox” followed by the desired version, such as “firefox” for stable, “firefox-beta” for beta, or “firefox-esr” for ESR. For example, to launch the stable version of Firefox, enter the following command:

firefox

To launch the beta version, enter the following command:

firefox-beta

To launch the ESR version, enter the following command:

firefox-esr

Alternatively, you can launch Firefox using the application menu. Click on the Manjaro icon in the lower left-hand corner of the screen, and search for “Firefox” in the search bar. Once Firefox appears, click on the icon to launch the browser.

If you use a different desktop environment or window manager, the process of launching Firefox may differ slightly. However, the general process remains the same. You can launch Firefox from the command line terminal or the application menu.

Example of launching one of the installed Firefox browser versions on Manjaro:

When opening Firefox for the first time on Manjaro Linux, you will be prompted to go through a quick setup process. This process will allow you to customize your Firefox settings to your liking and enhance your browsing experience. Here are some general tips and customizations to consider during the first-time setup process:

• Setting up Firefox Sync: Firefox Sync allows you to sync your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history across all your devices. You will be prompted to create a Firefox account and set up sync during the first-time setup process.
• Setting up a homepage: You can set up one that opens automatically when you launch Firefox. This can be a useful shortcut to your most visited websites or a specific webpage that you find useful.
• Customizing the toolbar: Firefox’s toolbar can be customized to add or remove icons based on browsing needs. You can also display or hide the toolbar to maximize your screen space.
• Installing extensions: Firefox offers a wide range of extensions that can enhance your browsing experience. You can install popular extensions like ad-blockers, password managers, or language translators.
• Configuring privacy settings: Firefox offers robust privacy settings that can be customized to your preferences. You can enable tracking protection or block third-party cookies to enhance online privacy.
• Using keyboard shortcuts: Firefox offers a wide range of keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate the browser quickly and efficiently. You can find a list of keyboard shortcuts in the Firefox Help menu.

Example of the default search page on Firefox with Manjaro:

Example two of the Manjaro homepage with Firefox on Manjaro:

Additional Tips

Update Firefox Browser

Keeping Firefox up-to-date is important to ensure you have access to the latest features and security patches. Fortunately, updating Firefox on your Manjaro system is a simple process that can be achieved using a few terminal commands.

To begin, open your terminal and run the following command to check for available updates for all installed packages, including Firefox:

sudo pamac checkupdates -a

This command will display a list of available updates for your system. If an update for Firefox is available, it will be included in the list.

Next, run the following command to install any available updates for all installed packages, including Firefox:

sudo pamac upgrade -a

This command will prompt you to review the updates and confirm the installation process.

Remove (Uninstall) Firefox Browser

Removing Firefox, Firefox Beta, and Firefox ESR from your Manjaro Linux system is a simple process that can be achieved using the following commands in the terminal:

To remove Firefox, run the following command:

pamac remove firefox

To remove Firefox Beta, run the following command:

pamac remove firefox-beta-bin

To remove Firefox ESR, run the following command:

pamac remove firefox-esr-bin

These commands will completely remove the respective Firefox packages from your system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Firefox on Manjaro Linux using the Arch User Repository (AUR) is a convenient and efficient method for acquiring the popular web browser. This approach streamlines the installation process and ensures that users receive the most up-to-date version of Firefox. By leveraging the robust capabilities of Manjaro Linux and the AUR, users can enjoy a seamless browsing experience with Firefox.

Additional Resources and Links

Below is a list of helpful resources to further explore Firefox, Manjaro Linux, and the AUR.

1. Manjaro Linux Official Website: Visit the official website to learn more about Manjaro Linux, its features, and its various editions.
2. Manjaro Linux Wiki: The official Manjaro Linux Wiki offers comprehensive information on installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and more.
3. Arch User Repository (AUR) Home Page: Discover more about the AUR, including its packages, usage guidelines, and other pertinent information.
4. Firefox Official Website: The official Firefox website provides details on features, updates, and other relevant information about the browser.
5. Arch Linux Wiki – Firefox: Find in-depth information on installing and configuring Firefox in the Arch Linux environment, which applies to Manjaro Linux.