How to Download Chrome for Linux

Introduction

Google Chrome is a popular web browser known for its speed and simplicity. However, downloading and installing Chrome on Linux can be a bit different from other operating systems. This guide will walk you through how to download Chrome for Linux, focusing on Ubuntu/Debian and Fedora/RHEL systems.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Ensure your Linux system is updated to the latest version.
• Check your internet connection before attempting the download.
• Try using a different web browser if you encounter issues while downloading Chrome.

Downloading Chrome for Linux

Install Chrome on Ubuntu/Debian

To download and install Chrome on Ubuntu or Debian, you’ll need the .deb package. Follow these steps:

1. Open your current web browser and go to the Google Chrome download page.
2. Select the Download Chrome button.
3. Choose the .deb (for Debian/Ubuntu) package option and click Accept and Install.
4. Once downloaded, open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
5. Navigate to the directory where the .deb file is located using the cd command.
6. Install the package using the following command:

   sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

7. If you encounter dependency issues, run:

   sudo apt-get install -f

Install Chrome on Fedora/RHEL

For Fedora or RHEL users, you’ll need the .rpm package. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the Google Chrome download page.
2. Click on Download Chrome.
3. Select the .rpm (for Fedora/openSUSE) package and click Accept and Install.
4. After downloading, open a terminal window.
5. Navigate to the download location using the cd command.
6. Install the package with:

   sudo dnf install google-chrome-stable_current_x86_64.rpm

Adding Google Chrome Repository

Adding the Google Chrome repository ensures you receive updates automatically. Follow these steps:

For Ubuntu/Debian

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Use the following command to add the repository:

   wget -q -O - https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -

3. Add the repository to the sources list:

   echo 'deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list

4. Update your package list:

   sudo apt-get update

For Fedora/RHEL

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Use the following command to add the repository:

   sudo tee -a /etc/yum.repos.d/google-chrome.repo << EOL
   [google-chrome]
   name=google-chrome - 64-bit
   baseurl=http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/rpm/stable/x86_64
   enabled=1
   gpgcheck=1
   gpgkey=https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub
   EOL

Using Command-line Installation

Some users prefer installing applications via the command line for automation or scripting purposes. Here's how you can do it:

For Ubuntu/Debian

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Run the following command to download and install:

   wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
   sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
   sudo apt-get install -f

For Fedora/RHEL

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Execute the following command:

   wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_x86_64.rpm
   sudo dnf install google-chrome-stable_current_x86_64.rpm

Keeping Chrome Updated on Linux

To ensure you're running the latest version of Chrome on Linux, follow these steps:

For Ubuntu/Debian

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Run:

   sudo apt-get update
   sudo apt-get --only-upgrade install google-chrome-stable

For Fedora/RHEL

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Use the command:

   sudo dnf upgrade google-chrome-stable

Conclusion

Downloading and installing Google Chrome on Linux can be straightforward with the right instructions. Whether you are using Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, or RHEL, following these steps will help you get Chrome running smoothly. Ensure to keep your browser updated for the latest features and security updates.