Librewolf

Custom version of Firefox, focused on privacy, security and freedom

LibreWolf is a free and open source web browser descended from the Mozilla Application Suite. It is small, fast and easy to use, and offers many advanced features

o Popup Blocking o Tabbed Browsing o Live Bookmarks ie. RSS o Extensions o Themes o FastFind o Improved Security

First, allow me to introduce LibreWolf port. If you’re not yet familiar with it, LibreWolf is an independent fork of Mozilla’s Firefox browser with the primary goals of privacy, security, and user freedom. It is the go-to solution when looking for a browser with robust security features without sacrificing speed. As a www category port on FreeBSD, LibreWolf provides all the power of Firefox with additional privacy and freedom-focused changes.

Why LibreWolf?

The internet has become part of our day-to-day life, and an essential component of the online experience is the web browser. The software we use for surfing the web, more often than not, has a deep impact on our overall internet experience. Unfortunately, commercial web browsers, such as Google Chrome, tend to overlook certain aspects such as user privacy and data tracking. This is where LibreWolf comes in, offering a more private browsing experience, free from third-party trackers, enhanced with additional security features.

Installing LibreWolf on FreeBSD

For an experienced FreeBSD user, installing LibreWolf is pretty straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide

cd /usr/ports/www/librewolf/
make install clean

This will compile LibreWolf from source and install it on your FreeBSD system. Remember to navigate to the librewolf directory first and then perform the make install clean command. FreeBSD ports system automates the process of fetching, compiling, and installing the software, making it a breeze for users.

For those who wish to install LibreWolf without having to compile, you can take advantage of FreeBSD’s precompiled packages

pkg install librewolf

By executing this command, you’ll instruct the pkg management tool to fetch precompiled packages from FreeBSD repositories and install them on your system.

Configuration and User Experience

After installing LibreWolf, it’s time to get things set up. As LibreWolf is a Firefox fork, you will notice a very familiar interface when opening LibreWolf for the first time. Your bookmarks, history, passwords, and other data can be directly imported from your Firefox profile, providing a seamless transition.

LibreWolf also supports extensions as Firefox does. This means you can utilize your favorite Firefox extensions on LibreWolf, from web development tools to productivity-oriented add-ons.

For some, the default LibreWolf configurations may be a bit aggressive. You can alter these settings in the aboutconfig page to suit your personal preferences. For instance, while JavaScript is disabled by default for security reasons, you can enable it if necessary.

Extra tip to boost your LibreWolf on FreeBSD experience

To truly leverage the power of FreeBSD and LibreWolf, you may want to check out some other FreeBSD ports. For instance, nmap, found here [nmap port link]https//freebsdsoftware.org/security/nmap.html, can be a great addition to your IT security suite.

In conclusion, LibreWolf offers a powerful, privacy-centric Firefox alternative for FreeBSD users. The effort developers have put into enhancing privacy features and empowering user freedom shows in the daily experience of using this browser. Whether you have been on FreeBSD for a long or short time, LibreWolf is a worthy addition to your toolbox.

Hopefully, this post has provided a practical guide on how to use the LibreWolf port, providing critical insights into its benefits and installation process. Explore and experience the true freedom and privacy of browsing with LibreWolf on FreeBSD.