How To Install Google Chrome on CentOS Stream 10

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers globally, known for its speed, security, and user-friendly interface. For users of CentOS Stream 10, installing Google Chrome can enhance your browsing experience significantly. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Google Chrome on CentOS Stream 10, ensuring you have the latest features and security updates at your fingertips.

Understanding CentOS Stream 10

CentOS Stream serves as a rolling-release distribution that provides a preview of what the next minor release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) will look like. Unlike traditional CentOS versions, which are stable and fixed, CentOS Stream allows users to experience updates and features before they are officially released in RHEL. This makes it an excellent choice for developers and those who want to stay on the cutting edge of software development.

Choosing CentOS Stream for your server or desktop environment means you benefit from a more dynamic system that receives updates more frequently. However, this also means that users need to be cautious about stability and compatibility with certain applications, including web browsers like Google Chrome.

Prerequisites for Installation

System Requirements

• A 64-bit version of CentOS Stream 10 is required.
• Minimum hardware requirements include at least 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of free disk space.

Software Requirements

• You will need access to the terminal with superuser privileges.
• Ensure that your system is updated to the latest packages to avoid compatibility issues.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Update System Packages

Before installing any new software, it is essential to ensure that your system packages are up-to-date. This helps prevent any potential conflicts during the installation process.

sudo dnf update

This command will refresh your package manager’s list and install any available updates. Once completed, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Downloading Google Chrome RPM Package

The next step is to download the Google Chrome RPM package directly from Google’s official repository. You can do this using the `wget` command in your terminal:

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

If you prefer using a graphical interface, you can also visit the Google Chrome website and download the RPM file manually. Ensure you save it in a location where you can easily find it later.

Step 3: Installing Dependencies

Google Chrome requires certain dependencies to function correctly on CentOS Stream. Before proceeding with the installation, check if you have all necessary dependencies installed:

sudo dnf install lsb

This command installs the Linux Standard Base (LSB) package, which is essential for running various applications on Linux distributions. If prompted, confirm the installation by typing ‘y’ and hitting Enter.

Step 4: Installing Google Chrome

With all prerequisites in place, you can now install Google Chrome using the following command:

sudo dnf localinstall google-chrome-stable_current_x86_64.rpm

This command tells DNF to install the downloaded RPM package while resolving any dependencies automatically. During the installation process, DNF may prompt you to confirm additional installations; simply type ‘y’ when asked.

Once the installation completes successfully, Google Chrome will be added to your applications menu.

Step 5: Launching Google Chrome

You can launch Google Chrome either from the terminal or through your desktop environment’s application menu. To start it from the terminal, type:

google-chrome

If you’re using a graphical interface, look for “Google Chrome” in your applications menu and click on it to open. Upon first launch, you may be prompted to set up initial configurations such as importing bookmarks or signing into your Google account.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation Errors

• If you encounter an error stating that dependencies are missing during installation, ensure you’ve installed all required packages as mentioned in Step 3.
• If the RPM package fails to install due to corruption or incomplete download, try downloading it again using `wget` or through a web browser.

Dependency Issues

If there are issues related to missing dependencies after running Google Chrome, you can resolve them by running:

sudo dnf install -f

This command forces DNF to attempt to fix broken dependencies automatically.

Performance Issues

• If Google Chrome runs slowly or crashes frequently, consider disabling unnecessary extensions or clearing cached data from your browser settings.
• You may also want to monitor system resources using tools like `top` or `htop` in the terminal to check if there are other processes consuming excessive CPU or memory resources.

Keeping Google Chrome Updated

One of the benefits of installing Google Chrome via DNF is that it automatically adds a repository for future updates. To check for updates specifically for Google Chrome, run:

sudo dnf check-update google-chrome-stable

This command will inform you if there are any updates available for your installed version of Google Chrome. To update it along with other system packages, simply run:

sudo dnf upgrade

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Google Chrome. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Google Chrome browser on your CentOS Stream 10 system. For additional or useful information, we recommend you check the official Chrome website.