I’ve been tinkering with my Ubuntu system lately and got a bit nostalgic for an earlier version of the Chromium browser. I’ve been using the latest version for a while now, but I heard that some of the features I loved in the old release are no longer available. Plus, I’ve read that the performance for my specific use-cases might even be better with an earlier version. I want to explore the changes and see if it improves my browsing experience.
So, here’s the issue: I really have no clue how to go about installing a version of Chromium that’s not the latest. I checked the official website, and yeah, I couldn’t find any options for earlier versions available for download. Then I thought about checking out the repos, but I’m not too sure if I need to add a PPA or if there’s some sort of repository that archives older versions. I’ve never really messed with that kind of stuff before, so it’s a bit intimidating.
I found some posts online about how to install different versions, but they all seem so technical, and honestly, I’m a bit overwhelmed. A lot of them were talking about downloading files, unpacking them, and I really don’t want to mess up my system. The last thing I want is to run into dependency issues or break my current installation.
If anyone has gone through this process and has some tips or a step-by-step guide, that would be amazing! I’m looking for something clear and not too technical. Also, are there any specific versions that are better than others, or should I just grab the latest available older version? Would love to hear your experiences! What should I keep in mind to avoid any pitfalls while installing an old Chromium release on Ubuntu? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
To install an older version of the Chromium browser on your Ubuntu system, you’ll need to follow a few straightforward steps. First, you can check out the Chromium versions archive by Woolyss, which offers a variety of past builds. You can download a specific version that you are nostalgic for from there. Once you have downloaded the `.deb` file for your desired version, open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved the file. You can use the following command to install it:
sudo dpkg -i filename.deb
, replacingfilename.deb
with the actual file name. It’s essential to also resolve any potential dependency issues by runningsudo apt-get install -f
afterward.As for which version to choose, it often depends on the features you miss and the performance enhancements you’re seeking for your specific use case. It might be best to opt for the latest version of the older builds available as they usually contain the most bug fixes and stability improvements while still supporting the desired features. While installing an older version should generally not mess with your current Chromium installation, it’s a good practice to create a backup of your current configuration and data. This way, you can easily revert back if you encounter any issues. In case of any unforeseen problems, you can also use
apt-get
to remove the older version by runningsudo apt-get remove chromium-browser
to clean up and then reinstall the latest version from your repositories if needed.How to Install an Older Version of Chromium on Ubuntu
If you’re feeling nostalgic for an earlier version of Chromium, you’re not alone! Here’s a simple guide to help you install an older version without breaking your system.
Step 1: Check Your Current Version
Before you dive into installing an older version, it’s good to know what version you currently have. You can check this by opening Chromium and going to Settings > Help > About Chromium. Keep this in mind for later.
Step 2: Remove the Current Version
You’ll need to uninstall the current version. Open a terminal and run:
This command removes the current installation but leaves your data intact.
Step 3: Finding an Older Version
There are a couple of ways to find older versions:
Step 4: Downloading and Installing
Once you find the version you want, download the .deb file. After downloading, navigate to the directory in the terminal where you downloaded the file:
Then install it using:
If you run into dependency issues, you can fix them by running:
This command will take care of any missing requirements.
Step 5: Pinning the Version
To prevent Ubuntu from automatically updating Chromium to the latest version, you can hold the package at its current version. Run:
This way, you can enjoy your chosen version without interruptions!
Things to Keep in Mind
Final Thoughts
Don’t hesitate to experiment, but if something feels wrong, you can always go back to the latest version. If you have specific features you loved, consider checking the version history to find the one with those features!
Good luck, and happy browsing!