How to Install LibreWolf Browser on Manjaro Linux

In today’s digital age, internet privacy, and security have become a growing concern for many users. With the constant increase in cyber threats and data breaches, using a browser that keeps your online activities secure and private is essential. Librewolf, a privacy-focused and open-source browser, offers a user-friendly solution to these concerns. This introduction will delve into Librewolf’s unique features and benefits.

Key Features and Differences:

1. Fork of Mozilla Firefox: Librewolf is based on the popular open-source browser, Mozilla Firefox. It inherits Firefox’s robust architecture while adding several privacy and security enhancements.
2. Privacy by Design: Librewolf is designed with user privacy as its top priority. It has several built-in privacy settings that prevent tracking, such as disabling telemetry and data collection.
3. No Ads or Sponsored Content: Librewolf eliminates ads and sponsored content by default, providing a clean and clutter-free browsing experience.
4. Integrated Security Features: The browser has various security features like HTTPS-Only Mode, which ensures encrypted connections, and anti-fingerprinting techniques to protect your identity online.
5. Regular Updates: Librewolf is updated regularly to include the latest security patches and privacy enhancements, keeping your browsing experience secure and up-to-date.
6. Customizable: Like Firefox, Librewolf is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their browsing experience according to their preferences, with the added benefit of enhanced privacy settings.
7. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Librewolf is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring a consistent browsing experience across different devices.

Now that you better understand Librewolf’s features and how it stands out from other browsers, it’s time to try it. The following guide will demonstrate how to install Librewolf on Manjaro Linux.

Step 1: Update Manjaro

To ensure a successful installation of LibreWolf on your Manjaro Linux system, it is important to update all available package upgrades.

To update your Manjaro system:

sudo pacman -Syu

Step 2: Enable AUR for pamac AUR Helper

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

To enable AUR, you can edit the Pacman configuration file. A simple 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 remove the “#” symbol at the beginning of the line, thereby enabling AUR. Once AUR is enabled, you can install software packages directly from the AUR repository, expanding the range of software available on your Manjaro system.

Step 3: Install LibreWolf Browser

Once AUR is enabled on your Manjaro system, you can explore a vast range of previously unavailable software options. Installing software from AUR is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using the pamac package-management helper in the terminal.

For instance, to install the LibreWolf browser from AUR, execute the following command in the terminal:

pamac install librewolf-bin

This command instructs pamac to download and install the LibreWolf browser package from AUR. Pamac will prompt you to review the package details before installation.

Step 3: Launch LibreWolf Browser

After successfully installing the LibreWolf browser on your Manjaro Linux system, you may be wondering how to launch the browser. Here are a few methods you can use to open LibreWolf:

1. Command Line: If you installed LibreWolf using the command line terminal, you could also launch it from the terminal. Open the terminal and type “librewolf” to launch the browser.
2. Desktop Launcher: You can also create a desktop launcher to open LibreWolf with a single click. To create a desktop launcher, right-click on your desktop and select “Create Launcher” or “Create New Launcher” (depending on your desktop environment). In the dialog box that appears, type LibreWolf in the name field, and it should self-generate a template.

Example template:

3. Applications Menu: You can find it in your applications menu if you installed LibreWolf using a package manager or software center. Look for the LibreWolf icon and click on it to launch the browser.

Example of Librewolf application menu icon:

As you launch LibreWolf for the first time, you may notice some differences compared to other browsers. Here are a few tips to help you customize and navigate your new browser:

Customization Tips

• LibreWolf is a highly customizable browser that can tailor the interface to your preferences. For example, add or remove toolbars, change the font size, and adjust the browser’s color scheme.
• You can also add themes, extensions, and add-ons to LibreWolf to enhance its functionality and improve your browsing experience.

First-Time Use Tips

• One of the primary features of LibreWolf is its, you can find it in your applications menu built-in privacy and security tools. By default, LibreWolf blocks ads, trackers, and other potentially harmful scripts, protecting your privacy and security while browsing the web.
• You can further enhance your privacy and security by using the privacy-focused add-ons and extensions available in the add-ons store.
• LibreWolf also includes container tabs, which allow you to open multiple accounts of the same website in separate tabs, helping to keep your online identities separate and secure.

Example of LibreWolf browser on Manjaro:

Additional Tips

Update LibreWolf

Keeping Librewolf up-to-date ensures you can access the latest features and security patches. Fortunately, updating Librewolf 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 Librewolf:

sudo pamac checkupdates -a

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

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

sudo pamac upgrade -a

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

Remove (Uninstall) LibreWolf

If you no longer need Librewolf installed on your Manjaro system, you can easily remove it by running the following command in the terminal:

pamac remove librewolf

This command will completely remove the Librewolf package from your system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Librewolf on Manjaro Linux is an excellent choice for users seeking a secure and private browsing experience. With its privacy-focused design, integrated security features, and customizable options, Librewolf offers an enhanced alternative to mainstream browsers. Following our guide, you can effortlessly set up Librewolf on your Manjaro Linux system and enjoy a safer, more private internet experience.