How to Install Vivaldi Browser on Rocky Linux EL9 or EL8

Vivaldi is a web browser developed by the co-founder of Opera Software, Jon von Tetzchner. It was first released in 2016 to provide users with a customizable, privacy-focused, and fast browsing experience. Vivaldi is built on Chromium, the open-source project that forms the basis for Google Chrome, but with a strong emphasis on user control and privacy. Over the years, Vivaldi has evolved into a feature-rich browser with a unique UI and a growing number of users worldwide.

Benefits of incorporating Vivaldi to replace the default Firefox ESR on Rocky Linux:

• Customization: Vivaldi offers extensive customization options such as moving tabs, creating custom keyboard shortcuts, and rearranging the UI to suit personal preferences.
• Speed and performance: Vivaldi is optimized for speed and performance, making it a fast and responsive browser.
• Privacy: Vivaldi places a strong emphasis on privacy and security, with features such as a privacy-focused search engine, tracker and ad blocker, and a range of privacy tools.
• Unique UI: Vivaldi’s UI is designed to be different from other browsers, with features like tab stacks, built-in Notes, Image Properties tools, and a highly customizable interface.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive guide on installing Vivaldi Browser on Rocky Linux 9 or Rocky Linux 8 Enterprise distributions through the command line terminal. The guide will cover installing the stable or snapshot versions of Vivaldi and provide information on how to maintain and remove the browser in the future.

Step 1: Update Rocky Linux

Before proceeding with the installation of the Vivaldi Browser, it is recommended to update the system to ensure that all existing packages are up to date. This precautionary measure aims to minimize the possibility of conflicts during the installation process, providing a smooth and seamless experience.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Step 2: Import Vivaldi RPM

To begin installing Vivaldi Browser, it is necessary to import the Vivaldi repository using the following command in the terminal.

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/vivaldi-fedora.repo

The Vivaldi repository is indicated as being for Fedora systems. However, it can be utilized as a standard repository for all Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) distributions.

Step 3: Install Vivaldi Browser

After successfully importing the Vivaldi repository, the next step is to install the Vivaldi browser. Currently, two versions are available for installation: the stable version, recommended for daily use, and the snapshot builds, which are preview or nightly versions. It is important to note that both versions can be installed on the same system without conflicts, as they are separate installations.

To install the recommended stable version of the Vivaldi browser, use the following command in the terminal.

sudo dnf install vivaldi-stable -y

For users or developers who wish to test the development version of Vivaldi, the following command can be executed in the terminal.

sudo dnf install vivaldi-snapshot -y

Step 4: Launch Vivaldi Browser

With the installation process now complete, there are two ways to launch the Vivaldi browser. One option is to use the following command in the terminal.

vivaldi-stable

Or

vivaldi-snapshot

Ideally, most desktop users will not open a terminal each time to launch the Vivaldi Browser, so use the following path to launch the application icon. Do not forget to pin it if this is your everyday browser by right-clicking the icon.

Activities > Show Applications > Vivaldi Browser {version}

Example:

If Vivaldi Browser is to be used as the daily browser, it is recommended to pin it to the taskbar or dock for quick and easy access. This can be achieved by right-clicking the application icon and selecting the appropriate option.

Upon launching the Vivaldi browser, users are presented with a landing page that allows them to customize their browsers to suit their preferences. Some of the configuration options that can be adjusted include the following:

• Setting a default home page
• Syncing bookmarks, history, and other data across multiple devices
• Enabling/disabling browser extensions
• Adjusting tab, window, and privacy settings
• Configuring mouse gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and more

It is also possible to further customize the Vivaldi browser by taking advantage of its wide range of themes, extensions, and tools. Personalizing the browser to match individual preferences can improve the overall browsing experience and increase productivity.

Additionally, users can access the Vivaldi settings by clicking on the browser’s main menu and selecting the “Settings” option. Here, users can make additional adjustments, such as changing the look and feel of the browser, configuring privacy and security options, and more.

Example:

Once the configuration steps have been completed and the preferred settings have been saved, the final landing page will be displayed, indicating that the browser is ready for use. This page may display a set of frequently visited websites, bookmarks, or a custom homepage, depending on the preferences set by the user.

Example:

Well done; the installation of the Vivaldi Browser on your desktop has been completed.

Additional Commands & Tips

Update Vivaldi Browser

To ensure that your Vivaldi Browser is up-to-date, it is recommended to regularly run the DNF update command in your terminal, as this will check for updates for all installed packages, including the Vivaldi Browser.

sudo dnf update --refresh

It is advisable to run the terminal command update method regularly to keep your system and Vivaldi Browser up-to-date. Maintaining an updated system allows users to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and performance enhancements offered by Vivaldi and the operating system.

Remove (Uninstall) Vivaldi Browser

You can use the following terminal command to remove the Vivaldi Browser from your system.

sudo dnf remove vivaldi-stable

For users that installed the alternative snapshot build, use the following command.

sudo dnf remove vivaldi-snapshot

For users who no longer wish to install or use the Vivaldi Browser on their system, they may remove the associated repository by executing the following command:

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/vivaldi.repo

For users who have imported the snapshot (nightly) repository and wish to remove it while retaining the stable version of the Vivaldi Browser, they may use the following command:

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/vivaldi.snapshot.repo

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Vivaldi on Rocky Linux is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through the command line terminal. The browser offers a wide range of customization options, making it easy to personalize the experience to suit individual preferences.

Compared to other popular browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and Opera, Vivaldi stands out for its extensive customization options and feature-rich experience. With its focus on user privacy and security and its wealth of productivity-enhancing features, Vivaldi is an excellent choice for users looking for a more personalized and efficient browsing experience.

Whether you are a developer or a casual user, the Vivaldi browser is well worth considering as a replacement for the default browser on your Rocky Linux desktop. So, if you want a more tailored and efficient browsing experience, give Vivaldi a try and see how it can benefit your workflow and online experience.

Frequently Asked Questions