How to install the Brave Browser on Linux Mint 20.1

Introduction to Brave Browser on Linux Mint 20.1

Brave is an innovative web browser designed with speed, privacy, and user-centered features in mind. Unlike many traditional browsers, Brave comes equipped with built-in ad-blocking capabilities, tracking prevention, and a unique rewards program that compensates users for viewing privacy-respecting ads. If you are a Linux Mint 20.1 user looking for an alternative browsing experience that prioritizes privacy and performance, installing Brave is an excellent choice.

In this guide, we will walk through the steps required to install the Brave Browser on Linux Mint 20.1, including pre-requisites, detailed installation commands, and configuration tips to maximize your browsing experience.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• Linux Mint 20.1: Ensure that your system is up-to-date. The installation commands provided here will work seamlessly with packages available in this version.
• Terminal access: You will need to use the command line for the installation process, so make sure you’re comfortable navigating your terminal.
• Sudo privileges: You will require administrative rights to complete the installation.

Updating Your System

The first step before installing any new software is to ensure that your system is up to date. Open your terminal and execute the following command:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This command will refresh your package lists and upgrade any outdated packages to their latest versions, ensuring your system is in optimal condition for new installations.

Installing Brave Browser

Once your system is updated, you can proceed to install the Brave Browser. The installation process involves adding the Brave repository to your system. This enables you to receive updates directly from Brave, ensuring you have the latest features and security enhancements.

Step 1: Add the Brave Repository

1. Install Required Dependencies: Start by installing the necessary dependencies required for adding the Brave repository. Execute the following command:

   bash
   sudo apt install apt-transport-https curl

   This command installs apt-transport-https, which facilitates secure package downloads, and curl, a tool used for transferring data with URLs.

2. Add the Brave GPG Key: Next, you need to add the Brave GPG key to verify the authenticity of the packages. Run the following command:

   bash
   curl -fsSL https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/brave-core.asc | sudo gpg –dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser.gpg

   GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) is a tool used for secure communication, and adding the GPG key allows your package manager to verify Brave’s packages.

3. Set up the Brave Repository: After importing the GPG key, add the Brave repository to your system:

   bash
   echo “deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser.gpg] https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/ focal main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-release.list

   This command adds the repository URL to your package sources list, allowing you to install Brave directly through your package manager.

Step 2: Update Package Lists Again

With the Brave repository added, update your package list again to include the software from the new repository:

bash
sudo apt update

Step 3: Install the Brave Browser

Now, it’s time to install the Brave Browser. Use the following command:

bash
sudo apt install brave-browser

This command will download and install Brave Browser along with its required dependencies.

Step 4: Launch the Brave Browser

Once installation is complete, you can launch the Brave Browser either by searching for it in your system menu or by running the following command in the terminal:

bash
brave-browser

Step 5: Initial Configuration

When you launch Brave for the first time, you’ll see a welcome screen offering you a choice to transfer bookmarks and settings from other browsers, which can be quite useful if you’re switching from a different web browser. After completing the setup, you may want to tweak some of the privacy and security settings.

1. Adjust privacy settings: Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security to customize the level of tracking protection, ad blocking, and cookie management according to your browsing preferences.

2. Rewards Program: Brave offers a unique rewards program that allows you to earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) for opting into viewing privacy-respecting ads. You can enable or disable this feature under the Rewards tab in Settings.

3. Extensions and Customizations: Brave supports a variety of extensions from the Chrome Web Store. If you frequently use specific tools or plugins, explore the possibilities by visiting the store and adding your favorites.

Benefits of Using Brave Browser

Brave Browser stands out for several reasons:

• Enhanced Privacy: By blocking ads and trackers by default, Brave protects your personal data and browsing behavior.
• Speed: With advertisements blocked, webpage loading times are significantly faster compared to other browsers.
• Built-in Tor Mode: Brave offers a private browsing mode that integrates with Tor, providing an additional layer of anonymity.
• Rewards System: The BAT rewards system incentivizes you to engage with ads that align with your values, providing a novel approach to advertising.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

While the installation process is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Below are some common problems along with solutions:

1. GPG Key Issues: If you face errors related to the GPG key, double-check that you’ve used the correct URL and followed the command sequences accurately.

2. Broken Installations: If the installation fails, try running sudo apt --fix-broken install to resolve any dependency issues before reattempting the installation.

3. Unable to Launch Brave: If Brave does not launch after installation, ensure that your system meets the required dependencies, and try launching it from the terminal to check for error messages.

Conclusion

In sum, the Brave Browser is an excellent choice for Linux Mint 20.1 users looking for enhanced privacy and browsing speed. The installation process is simple, and once you have set it up, you’ll enjoy a more secure and personalized browsing experience.

By following the outlined steps, including system updates, repository management, installation commands, and post-installation configurations, you can easily introduce Brave to your set of tools. Embrace this browser to take control of your online experience and explore the possibilities of a more private internet.

FAQ

1. Is Brave Browser completely free to use?

Yes, Brave Browser is free to download and use. However, users can choose to participate in the rewards program, which is optional.

2. Can I sync my bookmarks and settings across devices with Brave?

Yes! Brave allows you to synchronize your bookmarks, history, and settings across devices, making it easy to maintain continuity whether you are on a desktop or mobile.

3. Is Brave Browser safe to use?

Brave Browser is designed with security in mind. It blocks trackers and prevents unwanted ads, significantly enhancing your online privacy.

4. How does the Brave rewards system work?

Users who opt into the Brave rewards system can earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) by viewing privacy-respecting ads, which they can then redeem or contribute to content creators.

5. Can I install extensions on Brave?

Absolutely! Brave supports a wide array of extensions, including those available on the Chrome Web Store, allowing you to enhance your browsing experience further.

6. How does Brave compare to other browsers regarding speed?

Brave is typically faster than traditional browsers due to its built-in ad and tracker blocking, which reduces the overall load on your bandwidth and improves page loading times.