Tor browser linux installation

How to Install Tor Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 | 20.04

The Tor Browser is a powerful tool for those who value privacy, anonymity, and the ability to access restricted content online. It offers a unique browsing experience by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a network of volunteer-operated servers, known as the Tor network. This process keeps your online activities private and secure while allowing you to bypass censorship and access content that might be unavailable in your region. However, there are some downsides to using the Tor Browser, such as encountering challenges like CAPTCHAs on popular websites or facing blocks from services like Cloudflare.

Key features and differences of the Tor Browser include:

• Enhanced Privacy: The Tor network encrypts your data multiple times and passes it through several relays, effectively masking your IP address and location.
• Censorship Circumvention: Tor enables users to bypass internet censorship, granting access to blocked websites and services in oppressed regions.
• Anonymity: Tor Browser helps protect your identity, making it difficult for websites and third parties to track your online activity.
• Slower Browsing Speeds: Due to the multiple layers of encryption and relays, browsing speeds on Tor can be slower than on traditional browsers.
• Blocked or Challenged Access: Some websites and services block or challenge Tor users with CAPTCHAs, which can be a nuisance.

If you’re interested in using the Tor Browser on your Ubuntu system, this guide will demonstrate how to install it on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa using various methods.

What is Tor Onion Service?

Before delving into the guide, newcomers to Tor might be interested in understanding Tor Onion Services. A Tor Onion Service (previously referred to as Hidden Service) is a distinct characteristic of the Tor network, created to enable anonymous, secure, and resistant-to-censorship communication for both the service provider and the user. Operating within the Tor network, these services let users visit websites, utilize chat services, and access various applications without disclosing their IP addresses or jeopardizing their privacy.

Key features of Tor Onion Services include:

1. Anonymity: Both the service provider and user remain anonymous, as their IP addresses are concealed from each other and from any external observer. This anonymity ensures that the service provider can’t be tracked down, and the user’s browsing activity remains private.
2. .onion domain: Onion Services utilize a unique .onion domain, which is generated based on the public key of the service. These domains are not accessible through regular web browsers, and can only be reached via the Tor network using the Tor Browser or other Tor-enabled tools.
3. End-to-end encryption: Communication between the user and the Onion Service is encrypted end-to-end, meaning that all data transmitted between them is secured from potential eavesdroppers. This ensures that sensitive information remains private and protected.
4. Censorship resistance: Since Onion Services are hosted within the Tor network, they are inherently resistant to censorship. This allows service providers to host content that might otherwise be blocked or restricted in certain regions or by certain internet service providers.
5. Decentralized architecture: Tor Onion Services are not reliant on any central authority or server. Instead, they are hosted and distributed across the Tor network, making it difficult for any single entity to take down or control the service.

Tor Onion Services are widely used for various purposes, such as whistleblowing platforms, privacy-focused email services, secure chat applications, and even online marketplaces. These services offer more privacy and security to providers and users, making them an essential component of the Tor ecosystem.

Method 1: Install Tor Browser with Ubuntu Repository

Before starting the installation process, it’s important to update your system to ensure all existing packages are current and avoid potential conflicts. To do this, open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The most straightforward and efficient method to install and maintain the Tor Browser up-to-date, as outlined in this tutorial, is to install it from the default repository of Ubuntu. To accomplish this, enter the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt install tor torbrowser-launcher

Using this method, you can be confident that your Tor Browser installation will be seamlessly integrated with your Ubuntu system, allowing easy updates and management.

Method 2: Install Tor Browser with Flatpak and Flathub

Another option for installing the Tor Browser is utilizing the Flatpak package manager combined with Flathub. Flatpak is a widely used alternative to Snapcraft, which comes pre-installed on Ubuntu and is supported by many other Linux distributions as the default third-party package manager for supplementary applications.

Note: If Flatpak isn’t already installed on your system, please refer to “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu with the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.” This guide offers step-by-step instructions for acquiring the most recent supported version using the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.

To begin, enable Flatpak on your system by executing the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Once Flatpak is enabled, you can proceed to install the Tor Browser with the following command:

flatpak install flathub com.github.micahflee.torbrowser-launcher -y

Using Flatpak and Flathub, you’ll access a vast library of applications, including the Tor Browser, which can be easily installed and maintained on your Ubuntu system.

Step 3: Install Tor Browser Manual Method

The final installation method involves downloading the latest archive from the Tor Browser’s official download page. This approach ensures that you receive the most recent version of the browser. However, keep in mind that you may need to repeat this process for significant updates, although the browser should mostly self-update.

To begin, use the wget command to download the latest .tar.xz file, as shown below:

wget https://www.torproject.org/dist/torbrowser//tor-browser-linux64-_en-US.tar.xz

Note: The above command is for illustration purposes only. Make sure to verify and use the most recent version available.

After downloading the installation archive, extract its contents with the following command:

tar -xvJf tor-browser-linux64-_en-US.tar.xz

Next, navigate to the extracted directory:

To start the Tor Browser and initiate the configuration process, run the following command:

Remember that this command launches the Tor Browser but won’t add it to your Show Applications menu. To install the Tor Browser icon and make it accessible from the menu, append —register-app to the previous command:

./start-tor-browser.desktop --register-app

Launching './Browser/start-tor-browser --detach --register-app'. Tor Browser has been registered as a desktop app for this user in ~/.local/share/applications/ 

Step 4: Launch the Tor Browser

With the Tor Browser installed on your system, there are several ways to launch it, depending on your chosen installation method.

For Ubuntu Repository and Manual Method users:

To launch the Tor Browser from the terminal, enter:

For Flatpak users:

To start the Tor Browser from the terminal, use the following command:

flatpak run com.github.micahflee.torbrowser-launcher

Alternatively, you can also access the Tor Browser through the applications menu:

Activities > Show Applications > Tor Browser

Example of Tor Browser launcher on Ubuntu desktop:

Upon the initial launch, you will encounter a window with two buttons: “Connect” and “Configure Connection…”

Example of default Tor browser window to connect or configure settings:

The majority of users will opt for the default “Connect” option. However, for those in countries with strict restrictions or seeking enhanced privacy, “Tor Network Settings” allows for proxy settings configuration. Additionally, Tor can set up bridges for users desiring better connections or experiencing difficulties accessing specific websites.

Example of Tor settings window on Ubuntu:

After clicking “Connect,” the connection process will take anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds, depending on your location and the destination you are connecting to.

Example of connecting to Tor network on Ubuntu:

Once connected, you will be directed to Tor’s default landing page, which employs DuckDuckGo as its search engine.

Example of Tor Browser new to Tor setup run through to Ubuntu:

Step 5: Getting Started with Tor Browser

After successfully installing the Tor Browser on your Ubuntu desktop, it’s time to make the most of its features and enhance your browsing experience. This section will cover general tips, customizations, and other helpful suggestions.

1. General Tips

• Stay updated: To maintain the highest level of security and privacy, always keep your Tor Browser up to date. Updates often include crucial patches and improvements.
• Avoid browser extensions: While browser extensions can be useful, they may introduce privacy risks or compromise your anonymity. Stick to the recommended Tor Browser settings for optimal privacy.
• Use HTTPS: Whenever possible, opt for HTTPS connections to further secure your browsing experience.

2. Customizations

• Security Level: Tor Browser allows you to choose from three security levels: Standard, Safer, and Safest. Each level provides a different balance between security and functionality. To change the security level, click on the shield icon next to the URL bar and select “Advanced Security Settings.”
• Tor Circuit: Tor Browser enables you to view and modify the Tor circuit for the current site. Click the shield icon next to the URL bar and select “Tor Circuit for this site” to see the current circuit. You can request a new circuit by clicking “New Circuit for this Site.”
• New Identity: If you want to start a fresh browsing session without closing the Tor Browser, you can request a new identity. Click on the hamburger menu in the top right corner, then select “New Identity.”

3. Other Tips

• NoScript: NoScript is a built-in extension that blocks potentially harmful scripts. By default, it’s set to the most secure settings. However, if you encounter a site that requires scripts to function properly, you can temporarily allow them by clicking the NoScript icon in the toolbar and adjusting the settings.
• Bookmark Management: If you want to save websites for future visits, Tor Browser allows you to create and manage bookmarks. Click on the star icon in the URL bar to bookmark a page, or use the bookmarks toolbar for quick access.

Following these tips and customizations, you can maximize your Tor Browser experience on Ubuntu while ensuring optimal privacy and security.

Additional Tips

How to Update Tor Browser

The Tor Browser generally updates itself within the browser. However, for any additional updates, you can use the standard update command that corresponds to your installation method:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

How to Remove (Uninstall) Tor Browser

If you no longer need the Tor Browser, use the appropriate command based on your original installation method:

sudo apt autoremove tor torbrowser-launcher --purge -y

flatpak remove --delete-data com.github.micahflee.torbrowser-launcher

After removing the Tor Browser, ensure that you clean up any leftover files. For Flatpak users, you can use the following command:

Conclusion

Installing the Tor Browser on Ubuntu provides users a secure and anonymous browsing experience. With various installation methods available, including APT, Flatpak, and manual installation, users can easily choose the one that best suits their needs. By following the instructions in this guide, you can easily install and use the Tor Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa.

Additional Resources and Links

To help you get the most out of your Tor Browser experience on Ubuntu, we’ve gathered some useful resources and links from official sources:

• Tor Project Official Website: The primary source for information on Tor, its mission, and its projects. https://www.torproject.org/
• Tor Browser User Manual: An official guide to help you understand the features and settings of the Tor Browser. https://tb-manual.torproject.org/
• Tor Project Blog: Stay updated with the latest news, updates, and announcements from the Tor Project. https://blog.torproject.org/
• Tor Support Portal: Access FAQs, guides, and troubleshooting tips for Tor Browser and the Tor network. https://support.torproject.org/

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