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How to Install Google Chrome on Manjaro Linux
Last Updated on by Joshua James
Google Chrome, a highly popular and versatile web browser, has consistently gained users’ trust and loyalty since its inception in 2008. Developed by Google, Chrome’s sleek design, impressive speed, and extensive functionality have made it a favorite among millions worldwide. For Manjaro Linux users, Google Chrome offers a range of features that can enhance their browsing experience and streamline their daily online activities. In this introduction, we’ll delve into the key aspects that make Google Chrome an appealing choice for Manjaro Linux users and provide a detailed guide on installing various branches of Chrome on your Manjaro Linux system.
Why Google Chrome is appealing to Manjaro Linux users:
Speed: Google Chrome is well-known for its remarkable speed, attributed to the efficient V8 JavaScript engine. This allows Manjaro Linux users to enjoy swift browsing, even on resource-intensive websites.
Security: Chrome is designed with security in mind, providing features like Safe Browsing, site isolation, and sandboxing. These built-in security measures offer Manjaro Linux users a secure browsing environment.
Cross-platform compatibility: Google Chrome is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This allows Manjaro Linux users to easily sync their data and enjoy a seamless browsing experience across devices.
Extensions: Chrome offers a vast library of extensions that allow users to customize and enhance their browsing experience. Manjaro Linux users can choose from thousands of extensions available on the Chrome Web Store to boost productivity, enhance privacy, or enable additional functionality.
Frequent updates: Chrome consistently updates, ensuring users receive the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. This commitment to constant improvement aligns with the Manjaro Linux community’s focus on providing cutting-edge, rolling-release distribution.
Developer tools: Chrome’s built-in developer tools are powerful and comprehensive, making it an ideal choice for web developers and designers using Manjaro Linux.
With these key features in mind, it’s clear that Google Chrome can be an excellent choice for Manjaro Linux users seeking a versatile and robust web browser. The following guide will demonstrate how to install Google Chrome on Manjaro Linux using the Arch Linux User Repository (AUR) and command line terminal. Additionally, we’ll provide instructions on installing all branches of Chrome: Stable, Beta, and Developer (unstable nightly) build, ensuring you have access to the version that best suits your needs.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Update Manjaro
First, update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date. This will ensure no conflicts arise as best as possible during the installation.
sudo pacman -Syu
Sometimes, you may need a complete database download if you have not upgraded your Arch Linux system for a while; use the following command if the above update command does not work.
sudo pacman -Syyu
Step 2: Install Google Chrome on Manjaro
Now you will install Chrome using the natively installed Manjaro package manager Pamac.
Situational – Enable AUR for ‘pamac’
First, by default, AUR is disabled. You will first need to enable it, which you can do with the following command.
sudo sed -Ei '/EnableAUR/s/^#//' /etc/pamac.conf
With the AUR enabled, you can install Google Chrome using one of three methods.
Install Google Chrome Stable
pamac install google-chrome
Confirm the version build installed using the following command.
google-chrome-stable --version
Install Google Chrome Beta
pamac install google-chrome-beta
Confirm the version build installed using the following command.
google-chrome-beta --version
Install Google Chrome Developer (Unstable)
pamac install google-chrome-dev
Confirm the version build installed using the following command.
google-chrome-unstable --version
Step 3: Launch Google Chrome on Manjaro
The Chrome browser can be launched from your terminal, but the easiest way to open the browser is by using the path.
The first time you open Chrome, a pop-up will appear informing you if you want to set it as the default browser and send usage statistics, etc., to Google.
Once open, the first time you launch the browser, you may encounter prompts for basic setups of bookmarks and wallpaper and to sign in to sync your Google account and devices.
One of the options that may interest you is to change the wallpaper to have a bit of a colorful browser. More options are available; these are just the default first-time options.
Once configured, you will arrive at the famous Google search window, and from here, you can begin your Google search. Congratulations, you have successfully installed Google Chrome.
Step 4: Getting Started with Google Chrome on Manjaro
After successfully installing Google Chrome on your Manjaro Linux system, it’s time to get acquainted with the various features, customizations, and tips to maximize your browsing experience. In this section, we’ll explore several topics to help you optimize your usage of Google Chrome on Manjaro Linux.
1. General Tips
Incognito mode: Press Ctrl+Shift+N to open a new incognito window, which allows you to browse the web privately without saving browsing history, cookies, or site data.
Browser shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts to enhance your productivity and navigation speed. Some popular shortcuts include Ctrl+T to open a new tab, Ctrl+W to close the current tab, and Ctrl+Shift+T to reopen the last closed tab.
Task Manager: Press Shift+Esc to access Chrome’s Task Manager, which provides an overview of the browser’s resource usage and allows you to identify and terminate unresponsive or resource-hogging tabs.
2. Customizations
Themes: Personalize your browser by applying a theme from the Chrome Web Store. Visit the Chrome Web Store’s Themes section to explore various themes to suit your preferences.
Start page: Customize your start page by accessing Chrome’s settings (chrome://settings/), clicking on “Appearance,” and selecting a custom background or configuring the elements displayed on the new tab page.
3. Enhance Browsing Experience
Extensions: Install extensions from the Chrome Web Store to add functionality or improve your browsing experience. Popular categories include productivity, security, privacy, and accessibility.
Bookmark management: Organize your bookmarks by creating folders and utilizing the bookmark manager (Ctrl+Shift+O). You can also sync your bookmarks across devices by signing in to your Google account.
Reading mode: Enable the built-in reading mode for a clutter-free reading experience. Visit chrome://flags/#enable-reader-mode in your browser, enable the “Reader Mode” flag, and restart Chrome. To activate reading mode on a webpage, click the “Reader Mode” icon in the address bar.
4. Developer Tools and Features
Developer Console: Press Ctrl+Shift+I to access the Developer Console, which provides a range of tools for debugging, profiling, and editing web pages.
Device Emulation: Test your websites on various devices, resolutions, and network conditions using the device emulation feature available within the Developer Console. Press Ctrl+Shift+M to toggle device emulation on and off.
Lighthouse: Use the built-in Lighthouse tool to audit your websites for performance, accessibility, and best practices. Access Lighthouse through the Developer Console by clicking on the “Lighthouse” tab.
By exploring and utilizing these general tips, customizations, and other features, you can optimize your Google Chrome experience on Manjaro Linux.
Additional Commands & Tips
Update Google Chrome
The best way to upgrade the browser, depending on what versions you have installed, is using the following command that should all the requirements from standard to nightly.
sudo pamac checkupdates -a
sudo pamac upgrade -a
How to Remove Google Chrome
When you no longer want to remove Chrome from your system or a particular version, you can remove the browser using one of the commands below that suit your installed version.
Remove Google Chrome Stable
pamac remove google-chrome
Remove Google Chrome Beta
pamac remove google-chrome-beta
Remove Google Chrome Developer
pamac remove google-chrome-unstable
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing Google Chrome on Manjaro Linux offers users a fast, secure, and feature-rich browsing experience. With its cross-platform compatibility, extensive library of extensions, and powerful developer tools, Google Chrome is an excellent choice for Manjaro Linux users seeking a versatile and customizable web browser. By following the installation guide and exploring the various features and tips, Manjaro Linux users can optimize their Google Chrome experience and make the most of their daily browsing activities.
Additional Resources and Links
To further enhance your understanding of Google Chrome and its capabilities, explore the following official resources:
Google Chrome Official Website: Learn more about Google Chrome, its features, and download the browser for various platforms.
Chrome Web Store: Discover thousands of extensions and themes to customize and enhance your Google Chrome experience.
Google Chrome Help Center: Access comprehensive support articles and resources to assist with any questions or issues related to Google Chrome.
Manjaro Linux Official Website: Learn more about Manjaro Linux and its features, and download the distribution for various platforms.
Manjaro Linux Wiki: Explore the official Manjaro Linux Wiki for in-depth documentation, guides, and tips on using and customizing Manjaro Linux.
Arch Linux User Repository (AUR): Access the AUR to find and install various software packages, including Google Chrome, for your Manjaro Linux system.
