Opera Browser for Linux

If you arent averse to using closed source softwares on Ubuntu, this is something to try out. Opera for Linux has taken gigantic steps since it was first launched and as of now it really is one of the better browsers out there.

Opera browsers arent open-source although they are free for downloads. Its the interface of the browser which has won it many fans over the years. The speed dial, Opera Turbo, Widgets etc. are all part of browser history now. The Linux version of it, although with a few modifications is more or less similar to its Windows counterpart. The installation is easy and hassle free and hence in my opinion, worth a try.

How to Install:

Go to the Download page and download the installation file. I would suggest using the Debian Package for easy installation.

After the download (in case of the Debian Package), its a matter of double clicking on the file and installing it.

A few more Google Chrome extensions

Google Chrome extensions list keeps getting longer and more extensive with each passing day. I will list here some of the really cool add ons I have recently discovered.

1. Chromepad - This is a very useful extension which helps you take notes right from the comfort of your browser. So, if you find some interesting text on the web or maybe you just want to jot down a few words which came to your mind, Chromepad is the tool for you! The local storage box available from the Options menu of Chromepad lets you retrieve/view your older notes as well. Very useful.

2. Wikipedia - You may have probably guessed it. Wikipedia extension allows you to browse the mobile version of Wikipedia from its extension window. You dont need to visit the massive wikipedia page to access the articles anymore.

3. Aviary Screen Capture - This is more like a screenshot tool only with loads and loads of editing and uploading options. You can take screenshots of a particular webpage and edit it right from the comfort of your browser.

(Read another post about Google Chrome extensions : Useful Google Chrome extensions)

[Note : All extensions mentioned above also work with Chromium (the open source counterpart of Google Chrome). If you want to install Chromium, go through : Install Chromium Browser]

How to install Google Chrome

Google has finally released a proper version of Google Chrome browser (finally users of Linux OSes can have a go at Chrome and not Chromium, the development version). Mind you though Chrome is still in beta but since I've been using it for around a month now, I can safely say, its quite stable. It has both 32 bit and 64 bit versions and comes in .deb as well as .rpm packages. Which basically means that now we dont have to add Chrome to the repositories and do all sorts of weird things to get Chrome to work.

For us Ubuntu users, .deb packages are far easier to install, so I'll mention just that.

First up, go to this page and select your package depending on what type of processor and OS you have and the file you are comfortable with. I recommend going for the .deb file (be it 32 bit or 64 bit) unless of course you are comfortable with .rpm files.

Next click on "Accept and Install" and wait for the file to complete its download. Then just double click on the file and Install it. The Google Chrome browser should be located under GNOME menu > Internet.

Thats it! Enjoy the power of Chrome...