How to Install Waterfox on Manjaro Linux

If you’re a Manjaro Linux user who values privacy, customization, and speed, look no further than the Waterfox Browser. Born as a fork of the popular Firefox browser, Waterfox has gained traction among privacy-conscious users and those who prefer a more customizable experience. This introduction will shed light on Waterfox’s unique features, its advantages over other browsers, and why it fits Manjaro Linux users perfectly. Ultimately, we will demonstrate how to install the Waterfox browser on Manjaro Linux using the Arch Linux User Repository and command line terminal.

Key Features of Waterfox Browser:

• Privacy-focused: Waterfox prioritizes user privacy by removing telemetry, data collection, and tracking features present in other browsers. This ensures that your browsing habits remain confidential.
• Customization: Waterfox offers a myriad of customization options, enabling users to tailor the browser’s appearance, add-ons, and behavior to their preferences.
• Speed and Performance: Designed with performance in mind, Waterfox optimizes memory usage and allows faster browsing than its counterparts.
• Legacy Add-on Support: Unlike most modern browsers, Waterfox maintains support for older, legacy add-ons and extensions, providing a versatile browsing experience for users with diverse needs.
• Open Source: Waterfox is an open-source project, which means it benefits from a global community of developers who contribute to its continuous improvement and innovation.

Why Waterfox Appeals to Manjaro Linux Users:

1. Alignment with Open Source Philosophy: As an open-source project, Waterfox shares Manjaro Linux’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. This makes it a natural choice for users who appreciate the open-source ecosystem.
2. Flexibility and Customization: Just as Manjaro Linux is known for its customization options, Waterfox allows users to create a tailored browsing experience, making it an excellent match for those who value control over their digital environment.
3. Community Support: Both Manjaro Linux and Waterfox enjoy active and supportive communities that can help address technical issues, provide guidance, and contribute to the projects’ ongoing development.
4. Ease of Installation: Waterfox can be easily installed on Manjaro Linux through the Arch Linux User Repository (AUR), which provides a streamlined and user-friendly process for obtaining software.

In conclusion, the Waterfox Browser is an excellent choice for Manjaro Linux users seeking a privacy-focused, customizable, high-performance browsing experience. This powerful combination aligns with Manjaro’s open-source philosophy, making it an ideal fit for users who value flexibility and control over their digital environment. The following guide will demonstrate how to install the Waterfox browser on Manjaro Linux using the Arch Linux User Repository and command line terminal.

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 Waterfox Browser

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

Install Waterfox Browser Current (Waterfox-G)

Now there are a few options. The first is to install the latest browser modern version, which can be done using the following command.

pamac build waterfox-g-bin

Another AUR exists from the same maintainer with better KDE integration for KDE users. I would suggest using this command if you have KDE installed only.

pamac build waterfox-g-kpe

Optional. Install Waterfox Classic

Lastly, run the following command for users or developers using the alternative Waterfox Classic version for underpowered systems that need a less system-heavy browser.

pamac waterfox-classic-bin

Step 3: Launch Waterfox Browser

Desktop users will not open a terminal to launch the browser each time, so use the following path to launch the application icon.

Taskbar > Internet > Waterfox {version}

Example:

The first time you open Waterfox Current, you will run a couple of first-time setup steps, such as using a light or dark theme; once done, you will arrive at the browser screen where you can begin surfing the web.

Example:

Once configured, you can begin using Waterfox G to begin your web browsing.

Example:

Alternatively, Waterfox Classic users will notice a straightforward, no-first-time setup browser that may suit your purposes more.

Example:

Getting Started with Waterfox Browser on Manjaro

Now that you have installed Waterfox on your Manjaro Linux system, it’s time to get acquainted with its features and customization options. This section will provide you with some general tips, customizations, and other useful pointers to help you make the most out of your Waterfox browsing experience.

1. General Tips:

• Keep Waterfox Updated: Regular updates ensure your browser remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features. To check for updates, go to Menu > Help > About Waterfox.
• Use Private Browsing: To maintain your privacy and avoid tracking, use Waterfox’s private browsing feature by clicking Menu > New Private Window.
• Manage Your Add-ons: Access the Add-ons Manager by clicking Menu > Add-ons to view, install, and manage your extensions and themes.

2. Customizations:

• Customize Toolbar: Right-click on the toolbar and select Customize to add, remove, or rearrange toolbar items to suit your preferences.
• Choose a Theme: Change the appearance of Waterfox by selecting a theme. Go to Menu > Add-ons > Themes and choose from the available options.
• Configure Homepage: Set your preferred homepage by navigating to Menu > Preferences > Home and entering the desired URL.

3. Performance Enhancements:

• Enable Hardware Acceleration: Improve browsing performance by enabling hardware acceleration. To do this, go to Menu > Preferences > General > Performance and check Use hardware acceleration when available.
• Optimize Memory Usage: Reduce memory usage by regularly closing unused tabs and using extensions like Auto Tab Discard to suspend inactive tabs automatically.

4. Privacy and Security:

• Configure Tracking Protection: Manage your tracking protection settings by navigating to Menu > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Tracking Protection.
• Enable Do Not Track: Request websites not to track browsing habits by enabling Do Not Track under Menu > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Do Not Track.
• Manage Cookies and Site Data: Control which websites can store cookies and site data on your computer by adjusting the settings under Menu > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data.

5. Useful Tips and Tricks:

• Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts: Boost your productivity and browsing efficiency by learning and using Waterfox keyboard shortcuts. You can find a list of shortcuts in the official Waterfox documentation.
• Bookmark Frequently Visited Sites: Organize your favorite websites by bookmarking them. To bookmark a site, press Ctrl + D or click on the star icon in the address bar.

With these general tips, customizations, and other useful pointers, you’re now ready to harness the full potential of the Waterfox Browser on your Manjaro Linux system.

Additional Commands & Tips

How to Update Waterfox Browser

The best way to upgrade the software is to use the following terminal command.

sudo pamac checkupdates -a

sudo pamac upgrade -a

Note it is advised to run terminal commands occasionally, even if you have set up AUR auto-updates using the automatic GUI updater; this ensures you are not missing anything.

How to Remove (Uninstall) Waterfox Browser

Execute the following terminal command for users wanting to remove the browser that matches your original installation choice.

Remove Waterfox Current (Waterfox G)

pamac remove waterfox-g-bin

KDE users that may have installed the alternative branch Waterfox G KPE use the following command instead.

pamac remove waterfox-g-kpe

Remove Waterfox Classic

pamac remove waterfox-classic-bin

Lastly, this is optional but good practice, clear up orphans and clear your cache to reduce clutter.

Clear orphan leftovers that are no longer required.

pamac remove -o

Lastly, for users that enabled pamac and then had second thoughts about using it and instead wanted to use something else, you can easily disable it using the following command.

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

Conclusion

In summary, installing the Waterfox Browser on Manjaro Linux is an excellent decision for users who value privacy, customization, and high-performance browsing. Waterfox’s alignment with the open-source philosophy, coupled with its extensive features and ease of installation through the Arch Linux User Repository, make it a perfect fit for Manjaro Linux users.

Additional Resources and Links

To further enhance your Waterfox Browser experience on Manjaro Linux, explore the following official resources and social media platforms:

• Waterfox Official Website: Visit the official Waterfox website to stay up-to-date with the latest news, updates, and features.
• Waterfox Documentation: Find detailed documentation on using and customizing Waterfox to make the most of your browsing experience.
• Waterfox GitHub Repository: Access the Waterfox source code and contribute to its development or report issues.
• Waterfox Subreddit: Join the Waterfox subreddit to discuss, share tips, and seek support from the community.
• Waterfox Twitter: Follow the official Waterfox Twitter account for updates and announcements.
• Manjaro Linux Official Website: Visit the Manjaro Linux website for news, updates, and support related to Manjaro Linux.
• Manjaro Linux Wiki: Access the Manjaro Linux Wiki for in-depth articles, guides, and tips on using and customizing your Manjaro Linux system.
• Manjaro Linux Forum: Join the Manjaro Linux Forum to connect with the community, seek help, and share your knowledge.