The Ultimate Guide to How to Download Chrome Using Terminal

Are you tired of the graphical user interface (GUI) and want to explore the power of the terminal? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for a more efficient way to install Chrome on your Linux machine. Regardless of your reason, this guide will walk you through the process of how to download Chrome using terminal, empowering you to navigate the world of command-line installations.

Understanding the Process

Downloading Chrome using the terminal involves a few key steps:

1. Identifying the Right Download Link: Chrome’s official website provides download links for various operating systems, including Linux. You’ll need to find the correct link for your distribution.
2. Using `wget` or `curl`: These powerful command-line tools enable you to fetch files from the internet. They are essential for downloading Chrome‘s installation package.
3. Extracting the Package: The downloaded file will be in a compressed format (usually .tar.gz). You’ll need to extract its contents using the `tar` command.
4. Moving the Chrome Files: Finally, you’ll need to move the extracted Chrome files to the appropriate directory for your system.

Prerequisites

Before embarking on this journey, make sure you have the following:

• A Linux Distribution: This guide assumes you’re using a Linux operating system (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.).
• Terminal Access: You’ll need to open a terminal window.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading Chrome.
• Basic Terminal Knowledge: Familiarity with basic terminal commands like `cd`, `ls`, and `mkdir` will be helpful.

Finding the Right Download Link

The first step is to locate the correct Chrome download link for your Linux distribution. Head over to the official Chrome download page: [https://www.google.com/chrome/](https://www.google.com/chrome/)

1. Scroll down to the “Download Chrome” section.
2. Click on the “Linux” tab.
3. You’ll see a list of supported distributions. Find the one that matches your system.
4. Click on the download link for your distribution.

You’ll be presented with a link to a .deb or .rpm file, depending on your distribution. This file contains the necessary installation packages for Chrome.

Using `wget` or `curl` for Downloading

Now that you have the download link, let’s use `wget` or `curl` to fetch the Chrome installation file.

Using `wget`:

“`bash
wget [download_link]
“`

Replace `[download_link]` with the actual link you copied from the Chrome download page.

Using `curl`:

“`bash
curl -O [download_link]
“`

Replace `[download_link]` with the actual link.

Both commands will download the Chrome installation file to your current directory.

Extracting the Downloaded Package

The downloaded file will be in a compressed format, usually .tar.gz. To access the actual Chrome files, you need to extract them.

“`bash
tar -xvf [downloaded_file_name.tar.gz]
“`

Replace `[downloaded_file_name.tar.gz]` with the name of the file you just downloaded.

This command will extract the contents of the archive into a new folder named after the file (e.g., google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb).

Moving Chrome Files to the Appropriate Directory

The final step is to move the extracted Chrome files to the correct location. The exact directory may vary depending on your Linux distribution.

For most distributions:

1. Navigate to the extracted folder using `cd`:

“`bash
cd google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
“`

2. Move the Chrome files to `/opt/google/chrome` using `mv`:

“`bash
sudo mv * /opt/google/chrome
“`

This command moves all files within the extracted directory to the `/opt/google/chrome` location.

Important Note: You may need to create the `/opt/google/chrome` directory if it doesn’t exist. Use `sudo mkdir /opt/google/chrome` to create it.

Launching Chrome from the Terminal

After moving the Chrome files, you can launch Chrome from the terminal using the following command:

“`bash
/opt/google/chrome/google-chrome
“`

This command will open a new Chrome window.

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

For easier access, you can create a desktop shortcut to launch Chrome.

1. Create a new text file on your desktop:

“`bash
gedit chrome.desktop
“`

2. Paste the following code into the file:

“`
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Google Chrome
Exec=/opt/google/chrome/google-chrome
Icon=/opt/google/chrome/google-chrome-stable/icons/default/128×128.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
“`

3. Save the file and close the editor.
4. Make the file executable:

“`bash
chmod +x chrome.desktop
“`

5. You should now see a Chrome shortcut on your desktop.

Wrapping Up: Beyond the Terminal

Congratulations! You’ve successfully downloaded and installed Chrome using the terminal. This command-line approach offers a powerful alternative to traditional GUI installations, allowing you to fine-tune the installation process and gain a deeper understanding of your system.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use the terminal to update Chrome?

A: Yes, you can use the terminal to update Chrome. However, it’s generally recommended to use the built-in update mechanism provided by your distribution’s package manager.

Q: What if I have trouble downloading Chrome using the terminal?

A: If you encounter issues, ensure you have a stable internet connection and that the download link is correct. If the problem persists, check for any error messages and search online for solutions specific to your issue.

Q: Can I uninstall Chrome using the terminal?

A: Yes, you can uninstall Chrome using the terminal. The specific commands will vary depending on your distribution’s package manager (e.g., `apt` for Ubuntu, `yum` for Fedora).

Q: Are there any other benefits to using the terminal for software installation?

A: Using the terminal for software installation offers greater control and flexibility compared to GUI methods. It allows you to customize installation paths, manage dependencies, and access advanced options not available through graphical interfaces.