Understanding the Command: Sudo Apt Get Install Chrome
The command
sudo apt-get installis a staple in the Linux world, particularly for distributions based on Debian, such as Ubuntu. It’s a powerful tool used to install software packages from the command line. When it comes to installing Google Chrome, a popular web browser, this command becomes slightly more complex due to Chrome not being available in the default repositories for security and licensing reasons. In this article, we’ll delve into the process of installing Chrome on a Linux system using the command line, exploring the nuances and steps involved.
Breaking Down the Command
Before we proceed to install Chrome, let’s break down the command
sudo apt-get install:
- sudo: Stands for “superuser do” and gives you the ability to perform tasks that require administrative or root permissions.
- apt-get: Is the command-line tool for handling packages, and it provides commands for searching and managing as well as querying information about packages.
- install: This is one of the many commands that apt-get supports; it is used to install a new package.
Preparation: Adding the Google Chrome Repository
Since Google Chrome is not included in the default package repositories, you must add Google’s repository to your system’s software sources. This involves downloading and installing the repository’s GPG key and then adding the repository to your system’s list of sources.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Google Chrome
Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing Google Chrome on a Debian-based Linux distribution:
Step 1: Downloading the Google Chrome GPG Key
First, you need to download the GPG key for the Google Chrome repository. This ensures that the software you’re installing is authenticated and not tampered with.
wget -q -O - https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
Step 2: Setting Up the Google Chrome Repository
Next, you’ll add the Google Chrome repository to your system’s list of sources by creating a new file in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory.
echo "deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list
Step 3: Updating Package Information
After adding the new repository, you need to update your package manager’s information to include the latest packages from all repositories, including Google Chrome’s.
sudo apt-get update
Step 4: Installing Google Chrome
With the repository set up and your package list updated, you can now install Google Chrome using the
sudo apt-get installcommand followed by the package name.
sudo apt-get install google-chrome-stable
Understanding Different Chrome Editions
Google Chrome comes in three different editions:
- Stable: This is the standard version of Chrome that most users should install. It has been thoroughly tested and is considered the most reliable version.
- Beta: The Beta version is for users who want to try out the latest features before they’re released on the Stable channel. It’s less stable but still reasonably reliable.
- Unstable (Dev): The Dev version is an unstable release that’s still under testing. It’s intended for developers and advanced users who need the cutting-edge features.
Post-Installation: Verifying the Installation
Once the installation is complete, you can verify that Google Chrome is installed correctly by checking the installed version:
google-chrome --version
This command should return the version of Google Chrome that you have installed on your system.
Setting Up Chrome for First-Time Use
After installing Chrome, you can launch it from your terminal or through your desktop environment’s application menu. Upon first launch, you’ll be prompted to set Chrome as your default browser and to send usage statistics and crash reports to Google. These options can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Keeping Google Chrome Updated
To ensure you have the latest security updates and features, it’s important to keep Google Chrome up to date. Since you’ve added the Google repository, Chrome will be updated along with your system packages whenever you run:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
Uninstalling Google Chrome
If you decide that Google Chrome isn’t for you, uninstalling it is as simple as running the following command:
sudo apt-get remove google-chrome-stable
And if you want to remove all data and configurations associated with Chrome, you can use:
sudo apt-get purge google-chrome-stable
FAQ Section
Can I install Google Chrome on a non-Debian-based Linux distribution?
Yes, but the process will differ. For example, on Fedora or Red Hat-based systems, you would use the
dnfor
yumpackage managers instead of
apt-get.
Is there a difference between Google Chrome and Chromium?
Yes, Chromium is the open-source project that Google Chrome is based on. Chrome includes additional features like automatic updates and support for additional video formats.
What should I do if I encounter errors during the installation?
Make sure you have added the Google repository correctly and that your system is updated. If you still encounter issues, searching for the error message online often provides solutions from the community.
Is it safe to use the sudo command?
Using sudo gives you administrative privileges, which can be dangerous if misused. Always ensure that you trust the commands you’re running with sudo, especially when adding new repositories or installing software from outside the default repositories.
Can I install multiple versions of Chrome simultaneously?
Typically, you can only have one version of Google Chrome installed at a time using the package manager. However, you can run Chrome Beta or Dev alongside Stable if you install them through different methods, such as manually installing a .deb package.
References
- Google Chrome Help – https://support.google.com/chrome#topic=7438008
- Debian Administration – https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-reference/ch02.en.html
- Ubuntu Documentation – https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu
- Chromium Project – https://www.chromium.org/
