How To Install Pale Moon Browser on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In the ever-evolving landscape of web browsers, Pale Moon stands out as a unique and powerful alternative, especially for users who value customization and efficiency. As Ubuntu 24.04 LTS continues to be a popular choice among Linux enthusiasts, installing Pale Moon on this platform can significantly enhance your browsing experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of installing Pale Moon Browser on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensuring you can enjoy its benefits with minimal hassle.

What is Pale Moon Browser?

Pale Moon is an open-source web browser that originated as a fork of Mozilla Firefox. Developed by Moonchild Productions, it aims to provide a balance between modern web technologies and a traditional user interface. Unlike its progenitor, Pale Moon focuses on maintaining a customizable and efficient browsing experience without sacrificing performance or functionality.

Key features of Pale Moon include:

• A highly customizable user interface
• Support for legacy add-ons and extensions
• Enhanced privacy and security options
• Optimized performance on various hardware configurations
• Regular updates and community-driven development

Compared to Firefox and other mainstream browsers, Pale Moon offers a more traditional browsing experience, appealing to users who prefer a classic interface and extensive customization options. Its lightweight nature makes it an excellent choice for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users looking to maximize their system’s performance.

System Requirements

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system meets the following requirements:

• A 64-bit processor (x86-64)
• At least 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
• 100 MB of free disk space
• A stable internet connection

Pale Moon is compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and should run smoothly on most modern hardware configurations. However, for optimal performance, a multi-core processor and additional RAM are recommended, especially if you tend to keep multiple tabs open simultaneously.

Preparing Your System

Before installing Pale Moon, it’s crucial to prepare your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth installation process:

1. Update your system:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install necessary dependencies:

   sudo apt install wget gpg software-properties-common apt-transport-https -y

3. Back up important data:While installing Pale Moon shouldn’t affect your personal files, it’s always a good practice to back up important data before making system changes.

Installation Methods

There are three primary methods to install Pale Moon on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: using a Personal Package Archive (PPA), using a tarball, or via command-line installation. We’ll explore each method in detail.

A. Using PPA (Personal Package Archive)

The PPA method is often the most straightforward for Ubuntu users. Follow these steps:

1. Add the Pale Moon PPA repository:

   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonchild-technologies/pale-moon -y

2. Update the package list:

   sudo apt update

3. Install Pale Moon:

   sudo apt install palemoon -y

This method ensures you receive automatic updates through Ubuntu’s package manager, keeping Pale Moon up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

B. Using Tarball

For users who prefer a more manual approach or want to run Pale Moon without system-wide installation, the tarball method is ideal:

1. Download the latest Pale Moon tarball from the official website:

   wget https://www.palemoon.org/download.php?mirror=eu&bits=64&type=linux -O palemoon.tar.bz2

2. Extract the tarball:

   tar xjf palemoon.tar.bz2

3. Move the extracted folder to a suitable location:

   sudo mv palemoon /opt/

4. Create a desktop shortcut:

   echo "[Desktop Entry]
   Name=Pale Moon
   Comment=Browse the World Wide Web
   GenericName=Web Browser
   X-GNOME-FullName=Pale Moon Web Browser
   Exec=/opt/palemoon/palemoon %u
   Terminal=false
   X-MultipleArgs=false
   Type=Application
   Icon=/opt/palemoon/browser/chrome/icons/default/default128.png
   Categories=Network;WebBrowser;
   MimeType=text/html;text/xml;application/xhtml+xml;application/xml;application/vnd.mozilla.xul+xml;application/rss+xml;application/rdf+xml;image/gif;image/jpeg;image/png;x-scheme-handler/http;x-scheme-handler/https;
   StartupWMClass=Pale moon
   StartupNotify=true" | sudo tee /usr/share/applications/palemoon.desktop

This method allows for easy version control and the ability to run multiple Pale Moon installations side by side.

C. Command-Line Installation

For advanced users comfortable with the terminal, a direct command-line installation is possible:

wget https://linux.palemoon.org/datastore/release/palemoon-latest.linux-x86_64.tar.xz
tar xf palemoon-latest.linux-x86_64.tar.xz
sudo mv palemoon /opt/
sudo ln -s /opt/palemoon/palemoon /usr/bin/palemoon

This method provides a quick installation but requires manual updates and doesn’t create desktop shortcuts automatically.

Post-Installation Setup

After installing Pale Moon, follow these steps for optimal setup:

1. Launch Pale Moon from the Applications menu or using the command palemoon in the terminal.
2. Import bookmarks and settings:
   • Go to Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks
   • Click on Import and Backup > Import Data from Another Browser
3. Customize preferences:
   • Access Settings through the menu or by typing about:preferences in the address bar
   • Adjust privacy, security, and performance settings to your liking

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Pale Moon generally runs smoothly on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

• Dependency Issues: If you encounter dependency problems, try running sudo apt --fix-broken install.
• Launch Errors: Ensure you have the necessary permissions. Run chmod +x /opt/palemoon/palemoon if using the tarball method.
• Performance Issues: Disable hardware acceleration in Pale Moon’s settings if you experience graphical glitches or slow performance.

Updating Pale Moon

Keeping Pale Moon updated is crucial for security and performance:

• PPA Method: Updates will be available through Ubuntu’s regular update process.
• Tarball Method: Check for updates manually on the Pale Moon website and replace the existing installation with the new version.
• In-Browser Updates: Pale Moon will notify you of available updates. Click on the notification to update.

Uninstalling Pale Moon

If you need to remove Pale Moon from your system:

• PPA Method: Run sudo apt remove palemoon && sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:moonchild-technologies/pale-moon
• Tarball Method: Simply delete the Pale Moon folder and desktop shortcut:

  sudo rm -rf /opt/palemoon
  sudo rm /usr/share/applications/palemoon.desktop

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Pale Moon. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Pale Moon web browser on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Pale Moon website.