Looking for an alternative to mainstream browsers that offer enhanced security features? Brave may be your answer. Developed by Brave Software Inc., this open-source web browser is designed to prioritize your privacy and protect you from intrusive ads and tracking mechanisms.
Dive into this comprehensive guide for a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up Brave on your Ubuntu 22.04 system.
More on Brave
Brave is not just another web browser; it’s a free and open-source software specifically developed to prioritize user privacy and security. Officially unveiled to the public in January 2016, Brave operates with the distinct goal of safeguarding its users from invasive ads, data trackers, phishing attempts, and harmful software.
Notably, it also consumes fewer system resources compared to Google Chrome, making it a resource-efficient choice.
Prerequisite Considerations
Interestingly, Brave isn’t directly accessible from Ubuntu’s default software channels. As such, preliminary steps are needed to include its repository before proceeding with the setup.
Detailed Guide to Installing Brave through Command-Line Interface
Preliminary Action: Refresh and Update Your System’s Software List
Initially, update your system’s package list and software to ensure compatibility and security.
Execute the commands below in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Initial Phase: Install Necessary Dependencies
The terminal will assist you in installing essential components with the following command:
sudo apt install apt-transport-https curl
Intermediate Step: Key Import for Authentication
For security reasons, you must import the GPG key used for authenticating Brave packages. To do this, use the ensuing command:
sudo curl -fsSLo /usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg
Subsequent Action: Include Brave’s Repository to Your System
As mentioned earlier, Brave’s repository is not automatically included in Ubuntu’s default package lists. Add it manually through the terminal with:
echo “deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg arch=amd64] https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/ stable main”|sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-release.list
Repository Refresh: Update Your System Once Again
With Brave’s repository included, the system’s package list needs another update:
sudo apt update
Final Action: Initiate Brave’s Setup Process
You are now all set to initiate the setup process for the Brave web navigator. Run the command:
sudo apt install brave-browser
Post-Installation: Confirm the Setup
To ensure the setup process was successful, verify the version of Brave you’ve installed:
brave-browser –version
Open Brave for the First Time
Congratulations! You’ve successfully added Brave to your Ubuntu 22.04 system. To initiate your first browsing session, simply input the following command into the terminal:
brave-browser
Uninstallation Procedure
In case you wish to discontinue using Brave, the terminal can assist in its removal. Execute the command below and confirm with ‘y’ when prompted:
sudo apt remove brave-browser
Note that upon the process’s completion, Brave will no longer be present on your system, confirmed by an absence of any files or directories named after it.
Not only does this browser offer an enhanced layer of security and privacy, but it also consumes fewer system resources. Given its features, Brave stands as an excellent alternative for those who prioritize a secure, ad-free browsing experience.
Troubleshooting Errors
In some instances, you might encounter a snag while attempting to import the GPG key. The terminal may display an error message like this:
Curl: (6) Could not resolve host: brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com
When this issue occurs, it generally indicates a network resolution problem. To correct this, you will need to adjust your system’s DNS settings. Specifically, you can modify the /etc/resolve.conf file by appending the line nameserver 8.8.8.8. This uses Google’s DNS, known for its stability and speed, as your DNS server.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Brave as Your Default Web Navigator
Before making the decision to switch to Brave as your primary web browsing tool, there are several aspects that should be weighed. Here’s a detailed look at some of those key considerations:
- Privacy Focus: Brave is engineered to prevent tracking and secure your online activities, all while providing a rapid browsing experience;
- Ad Blocking: One of the pioneering features of Brave is its built-in ad blocker, which significantly enhances browsing speed;
- Battery Life and Resource Efficiency: Due to its optimized use of system resources, Brave can result in longer battery life for laptop users;
- Extension Support: If you rely on specific extensions or plugins for a more convenient online experience, you’ll be pleased to know that Brave supports most Chromium-based extensions;
- Cross-Platform Availability: Whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, or smartphone, Brave has got you covered, with versions available for a variety of operating systems;
- Crypto Tokens for Viewing Ads: If you opt-in, Brave Rewards allows you to earn crypto tokens for willingly viewing ads, which can be converted to real-world value.
How Brave Stands Out in Terms of Security Features
Brave goes above and beyond when it comes to ensuring user security. Here are some of its distinguishing security features:
- HTTPS Everywhere: By default, Brave attempts to upgrade all HTTP connections to the more secure HTTPS, thereby enhancing user security;
- Built-In Password Manager: The web navigator offers a password management feature that securely saves your login details and auto-fills them the next time you visit the website;
- Frequent Updates: Brave has an active development team that frequently releases security patches to guard against potential vulnerabilities;
- Incognito Mode with Tor: Unlike typical incognito modes, Brave’s version is enhanced with Tor for a truly anonymous browsing experience;
- Script Blocking: To prevent malicious scripts from executing, Brave offers an additional layer of protection through its script-blocking feature.
Conclusion
After this thorough analysis and step-by-step guide, it becomes clear why Brave has been gaining attention for its unparalleled focus on privacy and security. From solving potential errors like the Curl: (6) issue to weighing various factors before making the switch, this article aimed to be a one-stop resource for installing Brave on Ubuntu 22.04.
Moreover, the web navigator stands out with its unique features like ad-blocking, cross-platform availability, and a crypto-based rewards system, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize online safety and privacy. Whether you’re an everyday user or someone looking for an extra layer of security, the Brave browser offers an optimal blend of speed, privacy, and resource efficiency.