Installing Tor Browser On Ubuntu 16.04: A Comprehensive Guide

by SLV Team 62 views

Hey everyone, let's dive into how to get the Tor Browser up and running on your Ubuntu 16.04 system. Installing the Tor Browser can sometimes throw a wrench in the works, but don't sweat it – we'll walk through the process step-by-step, and tackle those pesky "SIGNATURE VERIFICATION FAILED!" errors along the way. This guide is designed to be super user-friendly, even if you're new to the command line, so let's get started!

Understanding the Tor Browser and Why You Need It

First off, what's the big deal with the Tor Browser? Simply put, the Tor Browser is your gateway to a more private and secure internet experience. It's built on the foundation of the Tor network, which bounces your internet traffic through multiple relays, making it much harder for anyone to track your online activities. Think of it like this: instead of taking a direct route to your destination, your data takes a scenic, multi-stop tour, making it tough for anyone to pinpoint where you're coming from or what you're doing. This is super important for things like avoiding censorship, protecting your identity, and just generally keeping your browsing habits under wraps.

Why use Tor on Ubuntu 16.04? Ubuntu 16.04 is a solid operating system, but it's also one that's been around for a while. While it's a bit older, it's still widely used, and many users value its stability. The Tor Browser is available for many different operating systems. Installing Tor on Ubuntu 16.04 ensures that you can use the Tor network without the need to change the current system that you are already familiar with. The Tor Browser on Ubuntu 16.04 ensures the user's security without changing their system's usability. So, whether you're a journalist, a privacy enthusiast, or just someone who values a little extra security online, the Tor Browser is a fantastic tool to have in your arsenal.

Downloading the Tor Browser

Alright, let's get the ball rolling by downloading the Tor Browser. You can do this through the official Tor Project website, the link is https://www.torproject.org/download/.

  1. Navigate to the Download Page: Go to the Tor Project website and find the download section. Make sure you're downloading the version for Linux. Usually, it's a tar.xz archive.
  2. Save the File: Save the downloaded file to a convenient location, like your Downloads folder. Remember where you save it – you'll need it later!

Installing Tor Browser via Terminal

Now it is time to use the terminal to properly install the Tor Browser, here is how to do it, follow the steps:

  1. Open the Terminal: Launch your terminal. You can usually find it in your applications or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T.
  2. Navigate to the Download Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where you saved the downloaded Tor Browser archive. For example, if you saved it in your Downloads folder, you would type cd Downloads and hit Enter.
  3. Extract the Archive: Next, extract the archive. The command will vary slightly depending on the exact filename, but it usually looks something like this: tar -xvf tor-browser-linux64-version_number_here.tar.xz. Make sure to replace version_number_here with the actual version number of the Tor Browser you downloaded. You can usually find the version number in the filename itself.
  4. Navigate into the Extracted Directory: After extracting, you'll have a new directory with the Tor Browser files. Use the cd command again to go into this new directory. The directory name is the same as the extracted file name.
  5. Run Tor Browser: Now, run the Tor Browser! Type ./start-tor-browser.desktop in the terminal and hit Enter. This will start the Tor Browser. You might be prompted to allow it to connect to the network.

Resolving the "SIGNATURE VERIFICATION FAILED!" Error

Alright, here's where things can get a bit tricky. If you've followed the steps above, you might have encountered the dreaded "SIGNATURE VERIFICATION FAILED!" error. This usually means that the Tor Browser's signature couldn't be verified, which can happen if your system doesn't trust the signing key. But don't panic; we'll fix this! This usually happens because your system doesn't recognize the key used to sign the Tor Browser files.

Here's the fix, you'll need the GPG key to verify the download and ensure that it hasn't been tampered with. Open your terminal and run the following commands to fix this issue:

  1. Import the GPG Key: First, import the Tor Project's signing key. You can usually find the key ID on the Tor Project website, or you can use the following command, which should work: gpg --keyserver keys.gnupg.net --recv-keys A3C4F0F979E8E310. This command fetches the public key from a keyserver. If it doesn't work, try other keyservers such as hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 or pgp.mit.edu.
  2. Verify the Signature: Now, verify the signature of the downloaded Tor Browser file. Navigate to the directory where you extracted the Tor Browser, and then run the following command, replacing tor-browser-linux64-version_number_here.tar.xz with the name of the downloaded file: gpg --verify tor-browser-linux64-version_number_here.tar.xz.asc tor-browser-linux64-version_number_here.tar.xz. This checks the signature of the Tor Browser file. The .asc file is the detached signature file. The command will let you know if the verification was successful. The output should say something like "Good signature" or "Signature ok". If the signature is verified, you're good to go!

By importing the GPG key and verifying the signature, you can trust that the Tor Browser you're installing is the authentic version, and that it hasn't been tampered with.

Common Problems and Solutions

Okay, even with the steps above, you might run into a few other hiccups. Let's look at some common problems and how to solve them.

  1. Permission Issues: Sometimes, you might have permission issues. If you can't run the Tor Browser executable, try changing the permissions. Use the command chmod +x start-tor-browser.desktop in the terminal, within the Tor Browser directory, to give the file execute permissions.
  2. Network Connectivity Problems: If the Tor Browser won't connect, double-check your internet connection. Also, ensure your firewall isn't blocking the Tor Browser. If you're behind a proxy, you'll need to configure Tor to use the proxy settings. You can do this in the Tor Browser settings.
  3. Outdated Packages: Although Ubuntu 16.04 is a bit old, ensure that your system is up-to-date. Run sudo apt update and then sudo apt upgrade in the terminal to update your system's packages. This can sometimes resolve compatibility issues.
  4. Missing Dependencies: Sometimes, the Tor Browser might need specific dependencies. The Tor Browser package should have all required files, but if you run into issues, check the Tor Project website for any dependency requirements.

Configuring Tor Browser for the First Time

Alright, you've installed the Tor Browser, and it's finally running! Now it's time to configure it to your liking. The first time you launch it, you'll see the Tor Browser's setup window. You'll be prompted to configure it based on how you connect to the internet. Let's have a look!

  1. Connection Settings: You'll be presented with two options: "Connect" and "Configure".
    • Connect: Select this if you have a direct connection to the internet.
    • Configure: Select this if you need to use a proxy, a bridge, or if Tor is censored in your country. This option will let you specify your proxy settings or configure a bridge.
  2. Proxy Settings: If you're using a proxy, enter your proxy settings (address, port, username, and password) in the configuration window. Otherwise, proceed.
  3. Bridges: Bridges are used to bypass censorship. If Tor is blocked in your country, you can request a bridge from the Tor Project website, or use a pluggable transport. Select the option that applies to your situation.
  4. Start Browsing: Once you've configured the settings, the Tor Browser will connect to the Tor network. After the initial setup, the Tor Browser will start, and you're ready to browse the internet privately.

Keeping Tor Browser Up-to-Date

It's important to keep your Tor Browser updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. The Tor Project releases updates regularly, so you must keep the browser updated. Thankfully, the Tor Browser usually updates itself automatically, but it's a good idea to check for updates. If you see a prompt within the browser, download and install the update. You can also manually check by going to the Tor Project website and downloading the latest version.

Important Security Tips

To get the most out of your Tor Browser, here are some security tips:

  • Don't install additional plugins: The Tor Browser is designed to work with built-in security features. Adding plugins can create security vulnerabilities.
  • Use HTTPS Everywhere: Make sure you're using HTTPS whenever possible. This encrypts your connection to websites.
  • Be cautious of downloads: Only download files from trusted sources. Downloading malicious files can compromise your system.
  • Clear your browsing data: Regularly clear your browsing data (history, cookies, etc.) to protect your privacy.
  • Use a strong password: Protect your Tor Browser settings with a strong password.

Conclusion

So there you have it! You've successfully installed and configured the Tor Browser on your Ubuntu 16.04 system. Remember, the Tor Browser is a powerful tool for online privacy, but it's only as effective as your practices. Stay vigilant, follow these tips, and enjoy your private and secure browsing experience. If you run into any other issues, feel free to consult the Tor Project documentation or ask for help in online communities. Happy browsing, guys!