How to install Brave Browser on Ubuntu 19.04

Introduction to Brave Browser

In the digital age, browsing the web has become an essential part of our daily lives. However, privacy concerns and intrusive ads often spoil the experience. Enter Brave Browser—a free and open-source web browser designed to prioritize user privacy while providing a fast, efficient browsing experience. If you are using Ubuntu 19.04 and looking to make the switch to Brave, this comprehensive guide will help you through each step of the installation process.

What is Brave Browser?

Brave Browser was created with a mission to revolutionize the way we think about browsing the internet. Unlike traditional browsers that rely heavily on ad revenue, Brave blocks unwanted ads and trackers by default, making your browsing experience not only faster but also more secure. It has built-in features like HTTPS Everywhere, which ensures a secure connection to websites, and offers a unique rewards system that compensates users for viewing ads.

Key Features of Brave Browser

1. Ad Blocking: Brave automatically blocks ads and trackers, reducing page load time and enhancing privacy.
2. Rewards System: Users can earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) by opting into viewing ads. This innovative model creates a win-win situation where users receive rewards and content creators receive fair compensation.
3. Privacy-Focused: Brave offers features such as private browsing with Tor integration, which masks your IP address and encrypts your online activity.
4. Speed: By eliminating ads and trackers, Brave claims to load pages three to six times faster than other browsers.
5. User-Friendly Interface: With a clean and intuitive interface, users can easily navigate and customize their browsing experience.

Prerequisites for Installation

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

1. Ubuntu 19.04: Make sure your operating system is up to date. You can check this by opening the terminal and running:
   bash
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

2. Terminal Access: You will need to access the terminal for several commands. To open the terminal, you can search for “Terminal” in your applications or press Ctrl + Alt + T.

3. Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as you will be downloading the Brave repository.

How to Install Brave Browser on Ubuntu 19.04

Step 1: Add the Brave APT Repository

The first step in installing Brave is to add its repository. This allows you to fetch the latest version of the browser directly from Brave’s servers.

1. Open your terminal.

2. Run the following command to add the Brave repository. This command will also add the GPG key, which is necessary to authenticate the packages:
   bash
   sudo apt install apt-transport-https
   sudo curl -fsSL https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/brave-core.asc | sudo gpg –dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive.gpg

3. Next, add the repository to your sources list:
   bash
   echo “deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive.gpg] https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/ focal main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-release.list

Step 2: Update the Package List

After adding Brave’s repository, the next step is to update your package list to include the Brave Browser.

Run the following command in the terminal:
bash
sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Brave Browser

Now that the repository has been added and your package list updated, you’re ready to install Brave. Execute the following command:
bash
sudo apt install brave-browser

Step 4: Launch Brave Browser

Once the installation process is complete, you can start using Brave Browser. You can open it from the terminal by typing:
bash
brave-browser

Alternatively, you can find Brave in your applications menu. Click on the icon to launch the browser.

Initial Setup and Customization

When you first launch Brave, you will be greeted with a welcome screen that gives you an overview of its features. You can customize your settings right from here:

Private Browsing with Tor

To use Brave’s private browsing feature, select “New Private Tab with Tor.” This will encrypt your connection and mask your IP address.

Adjusting privacy settings

You can adjust your privacy settings by clicking on the shield icon in the address bar. Here, you can customize how Brave handles trackers and ads on a site-by-site basis.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While installing Brave is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Installation Fails: If the installation fails, double-check that you entered the commands correctly, and ensure your internet connection is stable.

2. Cannot Launch Brave: If Brave doesn’t launch, try uninstalling it using:
   bash
   sudo apt remove brave-browser

   Then, reinstall it following the steps above.

3. Updates: Keep your installation up to date by regularly running:
   bash
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

Benefits of Using Brave Browser

Switching to Brave offers numerous advantages. Here’s a breakdown of some compelling reasons to consider using this innovative browser:

• Enhanced Privacy: Brave blocks unwanted ads and trackers, helping maintain your privacy while you browse the web.
• Faster Browsing Experience: With significantly reduced page load times, you can access your favorite websites faster.
• Rewarding Content Creators: By participating in the Brave Rewards program, you can support your favorite websites and content creators simply by browsing.
• Cross-Platform Availability: Brave is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices, making it an excellent choice for users who like to sync their experiences.

Conclusion

Brave Browser stands out as a powerful alternative to traditional web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. With its emphasis on speed, privacy, and user rewards, it creates a unique and enriching browsing experience. By following this guide, you can easily install Brave on your Ubuntu 19.04 system and explore its myriad features.

FAQ Section

1. Is Brave Browser free to use?

Yes, Brave Browser is completely free to download and use. It also offers optional features that allow users to earn rewards.

2. Can I sync Brave Browser across devices?

Yes, Brave offers features for syncing bookmarks, passwords, and settings across your devices, making it easy to maintain your browsing experience.

3. Does Brave Browser support extensions?

Absolutely! Brave is compatible with many Chrome extensions, which can be added directly from the Chrome Web Store.

4. How does Brave Browser block ads?

Brave uses a built-in ad-blocking feature that blocks unwanted ads and trackers by default. You can customize these settings on a per-site basis.

5. Is Brave safe to use?

Yes, Brave focuses heavily on user privacy and security. It incorporates features like HTTPS Everywhere and offers an option for private browsing with Tor, making it one of the safer browsing options available.

6. How do I uninstall Brave Browser?

You can uninstall Brave easily by running the following command in your terminal:
bash
sudo apt remove brave-browser

This will remove the browser while leaving your settings and data intact. If you wish to remove those as well, use the purge command instead.