RPi Chromium

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Adding Chromium web browser to a Raspberry Pi

=What does it do?=

This guide shows you how to install a Chromium web browser, which should be faster than the standard Debian web browser.

These instructions will show you how to install a software from the command line. This is a very important skill if you wish to progress further with Linux.

=What do you need?=


 * A Raspberry Pi, model B.
 * A Debian SD card for the Raspberry Pi.
 * A network connection (Ethernet or WiFi).

=What skill level is required?=

Suitable for absolute beginners. No Linux knowledge is needed.

It is assumed that you have used a computer before, for example a Windows PC.

=Overview of this project= You need to
 * Install Chromium software on the Raspberry Pi
 * Start the Chromium web browser

Optionally, you might wish to remove the Chromium browser from your Raspberry Pi.

If you are really scared of entering commands, there are alternative instructions at the end. This shows you how to install the software without using any commands. Note that it is MUCH easier to use the command line, but you may find it useful to see the two methods described.

=Installing the software= Insert a Debian SD card in the Raspberry Pi.

Connect the Ethernet cable from your Raspberry Pi to a modem or other internet service. You may also use a WiFi device, but you may need help to get this working.

Connect the power cable. Log in with your username and password.

To check if your internet connection is working, enter the following command and press enter at the end. host www.raspberrypi.org

If your internet connection is working, you should see a response like the following www.raspberrypi.org has address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

If you get an error message instead, you have a problem with your internet connection. You must ask somebody to help fix this problem before you can proceed.

Enter the following command and press enter at the end. sudo apt-get install chromium-browser You will be asked for your password. Enter your password and press enter. Note that you will not be able to see your password.

You will be asked for permission (yes/no) to install new software. Press the 'y' key and enter to continue.

Wait for the installation to complete.

=Opening the Chromium web browser= Enter the following command and press enter at the end. startx Wait for the desktop to finish loading.

Click on the LXDE icon (the strange X) in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Move your mouse to point to "Internet".

Click on "Chromium Web Browser".

The Chromium web browser will open.



=Removing the software= Use these instructions if you wish to remove the software.

Follow the instructions above to install the software, but use this command instead. sudo apt-get remove chromium-browser

=Alternative method: Installing the software without using commands= ''This part of the guide shows how to install the software without using commands. Users who are new to Linux may find this more comfortable. However, note how much trouble is needed to avoid entering the simple command "sudo apt-get install chromium-browser".''

Insert a Debian SD card in the Raspberry Pi.

Connect the Ethernet cable from your Raspberry Pi to a modem or other internet service. You may also use a WiFi device, but you may need help to get this working.

Connect the power cable. Log in with your username and password.

Enter the following command and press enter at the end. startx Wait for the desktop to finish loading.

Click on the LXDE icon (the strange X) in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Move your mouse to point to "Other".

Click on "Synaptic Package Manager". Note entries are in alphabetic order.

The Synaptic Package Manager will open.

In the box near the top marked "Quick search" type in the word "chromium".

You should see the list of software change to show only software with the word "chromium" in the name. One entry in the list should be named "chromium-browser".

Click on the box to the left of the entry named "chromium-browser".

Click on "Mark for Installation".

You will see a warning box entitled "Mark additional required changes?". Click on the "Mark" button.

Click on the "Apply" button above the list of software.

You will see a warning box entitled "Apply the following changes?". Click on the "Apply" button.

You will see a progress bar named "Downloading package files". Wait for this to finish.

You will see a progress bar named "Applying changes". Wait for this to finish.

You will see a message "Changes applied". Click on "Close".

To close the Synaptic Package manager, click on the menu item "File" and then on "Quit".

You can now open the Chromium web browser as described above.