How to install Discord on Linux Mint 19.3

Introduction to Discord on Linux Mint 19.3

Discord has become a go-to platform for gamers and communities alike, revolutionizing the way users communicate through voice, video, and text. While it is primarily popular on Windows and macOS, Linux users are also increasingly turning to Discord for its robust features. If you’re using Linux Mint 19.3, you might be wondering how to get started with installing Discord on your operating system. This guide will walk you through the steps required for installation, offering a comprehensive overview while ensuring the process is straightforward and accessible.

Why Choose Discord?

Before diving into the installation process, let’s briefly discuss why Discord is an excellent choice for communication and community engagement.

Features of Discord

1. Voice and Video Calls: Discord offers high-quality voice and video calls, ideal for gaming sessions or group discussions.
2. Text Channels and Direct Messaging: You can create channels for different topics, making it easier to keep conversations organized.
3. Custom Servers: Users can create their own servers tailored to specific needs, hosting communities of various sizes.
4. Bot Integration: Discord supports various bots that enhance functionality, from music playback to moderation tools.

linux compatibility

Linux users benefit from the open-source nature of Discord, which allows developers to create custom solutions or improvements. Moreover, with Discord’s ongoing updates, it is a responsive platform that addresses user feedback actively.

Preparing for Installation

Before installing Discord, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that your Linux Mint 19.3 system is ready.

Update Your System

1. Open Terminal: You can find this in the system menu or by using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Run system update Commands: Type the following commands and hit Enter:

   bash
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

   This ensures that all system packages are updated, creating a stable environment for your new software.

Install Required Dependencies

While Discord has a relatively lightweight installation process, ensuring that you have certain dependencies can smooth out the experience. Some commonly required packages include:

bash
sudo apt install libgconf-2-4 libappindicator1 libc++1

These dependencies offer necessary libraries that ensure Discord functions correctly on your system.

Installing Discord on Linux Mint 19.3

Once you’ve prepared your system, follow these steps to install Discord. There are several methods to install it: the official Discord website, Snap, or Flatpak. Each method has its advantages, and we’ll explore them one by one.

Method 1: Installing Via the Official Website

1. Download the Discord .deb Package:

   Visit the Discord downloads page and select the .deb package suited for Debian-based distributions, which includes Mint.

2. Install the Package:

   Go back to the Terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the .deb file. For example, if it’s in your Downloads folder, type:

   bash
   cd ~/Downloads

   Next, install the package with:

   bash
   sudo dpkg -i discord-*.deb

3. Fix Any Dependency Issues:

   In case there are missing dependencies, run:

   bash
   sudo apt –fix-broken install

Method 2: Using Snap

Snap is a powerful package management system that allows you to install software in a sandboxed environment.

1. Install Snap if Not Already Installed:

   First, verify if Snap is installed on your system. If not, run:

   bash
   sudo apt install snapd

2. Install Discord Through Snap:

   Run the following command:

   bash
   sudo snap install discord

Snap handles all dependencies automatically, so the installation should be quick and hassle-free.

Method 3: Installing via Flatpak

Flatpak is another robust option for installing applications on Linux, providing a great alternative for app management.

1. Install Flatpak:

   If you don’t already have Flatpak, install it using:

   bash
   sudo apt install flatpak

2. Add the Flathub Repository:

   Next, add the Flathub repository, which hosts numerous popular applications including Discord:

   bash
   flatpak remote-add –if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Install Discord:

   With Flathub added, you can now install Discord with:

   bash
   flatpak install flathub com.discordapp.Discord

Launching Discord

Once the installation process is complete (regardless of the method chosen), launching Discord is straightforward. You can either find it in your applications menu or enter the following command in the terminal:

bash
discord

Setting Up Discord

Upon first launching Discord, you’ll need to log in using your existing account or create a new one if you’re a new user. Discord provides an intuitive onboarding process that guides you through customizing your user profile, including setting your avatar and preferences.

Exploring Settings

It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with the settings menu right after logging in. Navigate to the User Settings icon located at the bottom left corner of the interface. Here, you can adjust:

• Voice & Video settings
• Notifications
• Appearance themes
• Key Bindings

Each of these options allows for personalized configurations that can enhance your overall experience.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

During the installation or the usage of Discord, you may encounter various issues. Below are some common problems and their solutions:

Issue with Audio

If you experience audio-related issues during voice calls:

• Ensure that the correct input and output devices are selected within the Voice & Video settings.
• Adjust your microphone sensitivity settings to avoid cutting out when speaking.

Lagging or Slow Performance

If Discord runs slowly or lags, consider:

• Closing unnecessary applications or processes running in the background.
• Checking your internet connection and, if possible, switching to a wired connection for improved stability.

Conclusion

Installing Discord on Linux Mint 19.3 can greatly enhance your communication with friends, family, or community members. With several installation methods at your disposal, you can choose the approach that best suits your workflow. Once installed, don’t forget to delve into the various features and customization options available to optimize your experience. Whether you’re a student, professional, or gamer, Discord can become an essential tool in your digital toolkit.

FAQ

1. Is Discord free to use on Linux?

Yes, Discord is completely free to download and use. While it does offer premium features through Discord Nitro, the core functionalities remain available at no cost.

2. Can I use Discord without an account?

While Discord allows some features to be accessed without an account, creating an account is necessary for full functionality, such as speaking in voice channels and joining servers.

3. How do I ensure Discord stays updated?

If you installed Discord via Snap or Flatpak, updates should be handled automatically. For a manual installation via the official website, you’ll need to occasionally check the website for new releases and download the newer .deb file.

4. Are there alternative applications for Discord?

Yes, alternatives to Discord include platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and TeamSpeak. However, each platform has its unique features and benefits, so it’s worth exploring them based on your specific needs.

5. What should I do if Discord won’t open?

If Discord fails to launch, try reinstalling the application or checking the forums on Discord’s official site for known issues. You may also want to ensure your system is compatible with the latest Discord version.