How to Install Firefox ESR on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Firefox ESR, the Extended Support Release variant of the renowned Firefox browser, is optimal for those seeking stability, especially within organizational settings. Tailored for entities like businesses, educational institutions, and individuals who value long-term support, Firefox ESR ensures a consistent and secure browsing experience. If you aim to install Firefox ESR on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, understanding its core benefits is essential.

Key Benefits of Firefox ESR:

• Prolonged Support: Firefox ESR’s commitment to long-term support guarantees a stable and reliable user experience, devoid of frequent disruptive updates.
• Timely Security Enhancements: While feature updates are less frequent than standard Firefox, Firefox ESR is consistently fortified with essential security patches, safeguarding users from emerging threats.
• Enhanced Compatibility: The measured update cycle of Firefox ESR ensures harmonious interactions with a myriad of web applications and extensions, minimizing potential compatibility hiccups.
• Streamlined Organizational Deployment: Crafted with large-scale deployment in mind, Firefox ESR facilitates centralized management, making it a breeze for IT departments to oversee and update.

To harness the stability and security of Firefox ESR, the subsequent guide will elucidate the installation process on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, utilizing the official Mozilla Launchpad PPA.

Install Firefox ESR on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT PPA

Step 1: Update Ubuntu Before Firefox ESR Installation

Before installing, ensure your Ubuntu operating system and its packages are up-to-date. This helps prevent potential conflicts or issues during the installation.

sudo apt update

After updating the package index, upgrade any outdated packages using the command below:

sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Import Firefox ESR Browser PPA on Ubuntu

Next, import the official “Mozilla Team” LaunchPAD PPA that contains Firefox ESR. This PPA is well maintained; as a benefit, if you use Mozilla Thunderbird Mail, this PPA contains the latest stable version as well.

Run the following command to import the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mozillateam/ppa -y

Step 3: Update Packages Index

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install Firefox ESR Browser

With Mozilla Firefox PPA now imported, run the following command to install the browser:

sudo apt install firefox-esr

You don’t need to remove the standard Firefox stable browser, as the ESR version will be installed separately.

Step 5: Verify Firefox ESR installation

To confirm the installation and check the build version of the installed Firefox ESR browser, run the following command in the terminal:

firefox-esr --version

Launch Firefox ESR on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Now that you’ve installed the Firefox ESR browser, there are a couple of ways to launch it:

Launch from Terminal: Open the Firefox ESR browser by entering the following command in the terminal:

firefox-esr

Launch from Application Menu: Alternatively, you can locate and launch Firefox ESR using the application icon. Navigate to the applications menu and search for the Firefox ESR browser:

Activities > Show Applications > Firefox ESR

Tips on Getting Started with Firefox ESR on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

After successfully installing Firefox ESR on your Ubuntu system, you can optimize your browsing experience by familiarizing yourself with unique features, customizations, and general tips. Below, we’ve outlined a few sections to help you get started.

Configure Firefox ESR Settings on Ubuntu

To make Firefox ESR truly your own, take some time to explore and configure its settings:

• Access settings by clicking the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner and selecting Preferences or Options.
• Adjust privacy and security settings, such as tracking protection, cookies, and permissions.
• Customize the appearance with themes, font sizes, and toolbar preferences.

Manage Extensions and Add-ons with Firefox ESR on Ubuntu

Enhance your Firefox ESR browsing experience with extensions and add-ons:

• Open the menu, click Add-ons and Themes, and then select Extensions or Themes.
• Browse the available extensions or themes, and install those that suit your needs.
• Manage your installed extensions by enabling, disabling, or removing them.

Sync Your Firefox Account with Firefox ESR on Ubuntu

Synchronize your bookmarks, history, and other data across multiple devices:

• Click on the menu button and select Sign in to Sync.
• Create a new Firefox account or sign in to an existing one.
• Customize your synchronization preferences, such as which data types to sync.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Browsing with Firefox ESR on Ubuntu

Improve your browsing efficiency with keyboard shortcuts:

• Open a new tab: Ctrl + T
• Close the current tab: Ctrl + W
• Reopen the last closed tab: Ctrl + Shift + T
• Switch between open tabs: Ctrl + Tab
• Search within the current page: Ctrl + F

Privacy and Security Tips with Firefox ESR on Ubuntu

Protect your online privacy and security while using Firefox ESR:

• Regularly update your browser to ensure you’re using the latest security patches.
• Use strong and unique passwords for each online account.
• Enable tracking protection and use private browsing mode to enhance privacy.
• Install trusted privacy and security extensions, such as ad-blockers and password managers.

Additional Firefox ESR Commands with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Update Firefox ESR Browser

While Firefox ESR should update automatically alongside your system packages using the APT package manager, you can manually check for updates. To do so, run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Remove Firefox ESR Browser From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

To delete Firefox ESR, enter the following command:

sudo apt remove firefox-esr

Afterward, if you’re sure you won’t need to reinstall Firefox ESR in the future, you can remove the imported PPA. Use the command below to remove the corresponding PPA file:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:mozillateam/ppa -y

Conclusion

Installing Firefox ESR on Ubuntu provides businesses, enterprises, universities, and users who prefer LTS releases with a stable, secure, and regularly updated browser. By following the provided steps, you can easily add Firefox ESR to your Ubuntu system and take advantage of its benefits.