How to Install Vivaldi Browser on Debian 12, 11, or 10

Vivaldi browser, crafted by Vivaldi Technologies, emerges as a vibrant alternative to the default Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) familiar to Debian users. Boasting a wealth of customization options and distinctive features, Vivaldi presents itself as an enticing option for those desiring Firefox ESR. This guide will delve into Vivaldi’s standout attributes before illustrating how to install Vivaldi Browser on Debian 12 Bookworm or the older stable releases of Debian 11 Bullseye or Debian 10 Buster.

Vivaldi’s Distinct Advantages Over Firefox ESR:

• Tailored Experience: Vivaldi’s extensive customization capabilities, from themes to toolbars, offer a personalized browsing experience, contrasting with Firefox ESR’s more rigid setup.
• Enhanced Tab Management: Features like tab stacking, hibernation, and split-screen views in Vivaldi provide users with superior tab organization and navigation, a step up from Firefox ESR’s basic tab functionalities.
• Integrated Utilities: Vivaldi equips users with built-in tools such as note-taking, image capture, and a handy sidebar. In contrast, Firefox ESR necessitates additional extensions for similar features.
• Optimized Performance: Vivaldi’s adaptive interface and background tab hibernation ensure efficient resource usage, making it preferable for systems with constrained resources.
• Robust Privacy Measures: Vivaldi’s commitment to user privacy is evident in its non-tracking stance and integrated ad and tracker blockers. While Firefox ESR also champions privacy, Vivaldi’s approach resonates with many users.
• Regular Updates: Vivaldi’s rapid release cycle ensures users always have access to the latest features, contrasting with Firefox ESR’s less frequent update schedule.

Given its myriad features and user-centric approach, Vivaldi is a top choice for Debian users seeking a modern and customizable browsing experience. Now, let’s install the browser on your desktop.

Update Debian Before Vivaldi Installation

Before starting the installation process, update your Debian system to ensure all existing packages are up to date. This will minimize potential conflicts during the installation. Execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install Vivaldi Initial Required Packages

To complete the installation, you will need to install specific software packages. These packages are commonly found on most Linux distributions and are necessary for installation. Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl ca-certificates -y

Running this command will only install packages not already present on your system.

Import Vivaldi APT Repo

First, download the GPG key, which is used to verify the authenticity of the packages you are downloading and installing. Run the following command in your terminal:

curl -fsSL https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/linux_signing_key.pub | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg > /dev/null

Next, add the Vivaldi repository by executing the following command:

echo deb [arch=amd64,armhf signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg] https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/deb/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vivaldi.list

Refresh APT Index Cache

After importing the repository, update your repository list to reflect the changes in the new repository. Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update

Finalize Vivaldi Browser Installation

You can now install the stable or snapshot (nightly) version of the Vivaldi Browser. Note that you can install both versions simultaneously.

Install Vivaldi Browser

Option 1: Install Stable Vivaldi Browser (Recommended)

Run the following command to install the stable version of Vivaldi Browser:

sudo apt install vivaldi-stable

Option 2: Install Vivaldi Browser Snapshot (Development-build)

For users or developers who want to test Vivaldi’s development version, run the following command:

sudo apt install vivaldi-snapshot

Verify Vivaldi Browser Installation

Confirm the version and build of the Vivaldi Browser installed on your operating system using the appropriate command:

For the stable version:

vivaldi-snapshot --version

The snapshot (nightly) version:

vivaldi-snapshot --version

Keep in mind that the stable version is recommended for daily browsing. The development version should not be used for any serious browsing or transactions.

Launch Vivaldi Browser

After successfully installing the Vivaldi Browser, you can launch it from the command line or via the graphical interface.

CLI Commands to Launch Vivaldi Browser

To launch the Vivaldi Browser directly from the terminal, use the appropriate command for the version you have installed:

For the stable version:

vivaldi

Snapshot (nightly) version:

vivaldi-snapshot

Running these commands will open the Vivaldi Browser immediately from your command terminal.

GUI Method to Launch Vivaldi Browser

For most desktop users, you can launch the Vivaldi Browser through the graphical user interface (GUI) by following these steps:

1. Open the Activities menu (usually in the screen’s top-left corner).
2. Click on Show Applications (represented by a grid of dots icon).
3. Search for “Vivaldi” in the search bar, or scroll through the list of installed applications.
4. Click on the Vivaldi icon corresponding to the version you want to launch (either Vivaldi for the stable version or Vivaldi Snapshot for the nightly version).

Additional Commands For Vivaldi Browser

This section will cover how to update and remove the Vivaldi Browser on your Debian system using terminal commands. We will also discuss removing the Vivaldi repository and GPG key if you no longer plan to use the Vivaldi Browser on your system.

Update Vivaldi Browser

Although most desktop users rely on automatic updates or auto-update notifications, you can also update the Vivaldi Browser manually using terminal commands. This method allows you to check for updates for your entire system.

To check for updates, run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update

If an update is available, you can upgrade the Vivaldi Browser by executing the following command:

sudo apt upgrade

Note this will update all packages that require updating, making it simple to check and keep Vivaldi and your entire system updated.

Remove Vivaldi Browser From Debian

If you decide to uninstall the Vivaldi Browser, use the following command that matches your installation method of stable or snapshot:

sudo apt remove vivaldi-stable

sudo apt remove vivaldi-snapshot

Remove Vivaldi Repository and GPG Key

If you no longer plan to use or install the Vivaldi Browser on your system, follow these steps to remove the Vivaldi repository and GPG key:

Step 1: Delete the Vivaldi Repository

To remove the Vivaldi repository, run the following command:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vivaldi.list

Step 2: Delete the GPG Key

Finally, delete the GPG key by executing this command:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg

Following these steps, you can keep your Vivaldi Browser up to date, remove it if necessary, and delete the Vivaldi repository and GPG key if you no longer plan to use the browser on your Debian system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing the Vivaldi Browser on Debian Linux is a straightforward process that provides a powerful and customizable alternative to the default Firefox ESR browser. Vivaldi offers many features, such as Quick Commands, Web Panels, and Mouse Gestures, and advanced customization options like themes, tab management, and toolbar adjustments. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install, update, and remove the Vivaldi Browser on your Debian system, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience.