As you may know, Chromium is an open-source web browser developed and maintained by the Chromium Project. It serves as the foundation for many popular browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Brave. Designed for speed, security, and simplicity, Chromium offers a lightweight browsing experience with a clean user interface and built-in developer tools.
Being an open-source project, Chromium is continuously updated with new features and security patches, making it a preferred choice for developers and privacy-conscious users.
Unlike Google Chrome, Chromium does not include proprietary codecs or built-in Google services, offering a more customizable and privacy-friendly alternative. However, this also means that some features, like automatic updates and Widevine DRM support for streaming services, may require manual configuration.
The latest version available is Chromium 133.0.6943.141. For more, check out the Chromium blog.
How to install Chromium Browser on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian and derivative systems via snap:
What is Snap
Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical, the creators of Ubuntu. It allows applications to be packaged with all their dependencies, making installations easier and reducing compatibility issues across different Linux distributions.
One of the key advantages of Snap packages is that they run in a sandboxed environment, which enhances security and stability. Additionally, Snap packages are updated automatically in the background, ensuring that users always have the latest version of an application without manual intervention.
However, some users may find that Snap applications take up more disk space due to bundling dependencies, and they may have slightly slower startup times compared to traditional DEB packages.
Prepare Snap, if needed
On Ubuntu, Snap is pre-installed, but if you are using a Linux distribution where Snap is not integrated by default, you can install it using the following command:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdAfter installing Snap, you may need to enable and start the Snap service:
sudo systemctl enable --now snapdInstall Chromium via Snap
Since Chromium is officially available as a Snap package, installing it on Ubuntu is straightforward. Open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo snap install chromiumThis will download and install the latest version of Chromium from the Snap Store.
(Optional) Uninstall Chromium Using Snap
If you ever need to remove Chromium, you can do so with the following command:
sudo snap remove chromiumThis is everything, enjoy!
Exploring Various Web Browsers Available For Ubuntu And Derivative Systems
There is a wide range of web browsers available, each offering unique features and user experiences. Here’s an overview of some notable alternatives:
- Mozilla Firefox: An open-source browser known for its commitment to user privacy and extensibility through a wide range of add-ons. Firefox receives regular updates and is praised for its robust performance.
- Waterfox: A variant of Firefox, Waterfox focuses on providing a fast browsing experience while maintaining support for legacy Firefox extensions. It is a popular choice for users looking for a balance between performance and compatibility.
- Midori: A lightweight browser known for its speed and simple interface. Midori is ideal for systems with limited resources and for users who prefer a minimalist browsing experience.
- Vivaldi: Offers a high level of customization, allowing users to modify almost every aspect of the interface and functionality. Vivaldi includes built-in features such as an email client, a notes manager, and support for custom keyboard shortcuts.
- Microsoft Edge: Developed by Microsoft, Edge has evolved significantly, offering seamless integration with Microsoft services and features such as Collections, Immersive Reader, and improved performance.
- Brave Browser: Stands out for its focus on privacy, automatically blocking ads and trackers. Brave also offers a cryptocurrency-based rewards system for users who choose to view ads.
- Opera: A feature-rich browser known for its built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and sidebar integrations for messaging apps. Opera also includes a unique battery saver mode and a customizable start page for enhanced user experience.
- Chromium: The open-source project behind Google Chrome, Chromium provides a fast and secure browsing experience without proprietary Google components. Many browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi, are based on Chromium.
