Replace Firefox with Zen browser as default Linux mint browser

[ggh2e3]

Hi,

I’d like to propose to replace Firefox with Zen browser in future versions of Linux Mint

https://zen-browser.app/

what do you think?

thank you

[Secret-chest]

It has even less integration with the desktop, the UI looks much less native and it is not traditional like the rest of Linux Mint.

[Jopp-gh]

First time to hear of this project.

I see it's based on Firefox?
"
Community driven

Always on the latest version of Firefox"

Sounds cool. After all we had to endure in the past 3 years and fake going on.. we really need privacy.

[ggh2e3]

Well @Secret-chest, it might not look as traditional as Firefox, but unfortunately the latter keeps losing popularity and most of the times is used to download other browsers, if not already present in the application center.

[Secret-chest]

The best option might be a custom GTK-based browser using an existing engine.

[Fantu]

I think creating another useless fork when there are plenty of them (both of firefox and chromium), and I keep seeing new unknown ones (like for example one in this discussion), is instead a bad idea for the waste of precious resources (that could instead be used to improve other existing projects).

[Jopp-gh]

Forks are like the grafting process with real trees, so why not new projects? Forks are a competition challenge too.

Only with trying you find out what works "better". Logic is just part of a thinking process, not the final product.

I don't like that zen browser (consciously or unconsciously) advertises on their front page Google as search machine for a private oriented browser , but that's a detail you can change.

[ggh2e3]

Even vanilla Firefox defaults to Google. However, this can be changed, as you said.

[Fantu]

Many poorly maintained forks (or in many cases even abandoned after a while) in addition to the waste of resources are also a huge risk of problems and even security.

I have already had several cases of problems because of this at work (and outside of work too), modified browsers that created problems with essential sites that users needed (who then called me to solve the problems), sites that did not work, worked partially due to an outdated browser, blocked parts etc...
I have also had several cases in which modified browsers or even the most common ones filled with extensions that in addition to causing problems to that user due to large memory leaks also caused problems to all users of that terminal server (I have seen even over 10gb of ram in a few hours on a single user).
Not to mention the fact that such things are done recently mainly to obtain a semblance of privacy but in many cases you risk much more than you avoid due to malicious software or extensions, more vulnerability problems due to poorly maintained (or abandoned) or not updated software.
That then of those who say they want to obtain privacy in truth I think that less than 0.1% actually do what is necessary to come close to having it. Getting close to actually having it nowadays would require a huge effort that very few people would actually make as it would involve too many restrictions and waste of time.
It's hard to even find someone who does at least all the most essential things, be careful about what you buy or install, keep your system and software updated, do not install cracked software, limit registrations, use strong passwords and have different ones at least for the most sensitive services, be careful about where you click, where you register, be careful about deselecting certain things such as allowing you to receive advertising emails or install additional software.
And there would be much more to say but I don't have time so I just wrote a few summarized things.

[Jopp-gh]

Many poorly maintained forks (or in many cases even abandoned after a while) in addition to the waste of resources are also a huge risk of problems and even security.

A project needs to survive and grow slowly but constantly, with a healthy user base supporting the cause with feedback, critiques and bug reports.

Just downloading something without research, without to understand the goals of a project would fall in my opinion, into "consumerism".
So the user has to be aware and choose instead to follow the next, shiny thing.

Security is very technical and a guarantee to scare away the common users for its complexity.
But if we talk about web browsers, securely needs to be build-in and must be one of the main pillars on which foundation a serious browser is being developed, because a browser is the door to the internet. If developers don't have the necessary training in cyber security then publishing a browser is pointless.

So, "privacy" is more a buzzword todays and shouldn't be even mentioned for a serious browser, but common users need this info.

I have already had several cases of problems because of this at work (and outside of work too), modified browsers that created problems with essential sites that users needed (who then called me to solve the problems), sites that did not work, worked partially due to an outdated browser, blocked parts etc...

Users want machines to remove the technical burden from doing stuff manually, but in a interconnected world like today, we need to be more responsible how we use computers in general and how we use web browsers too, for our own sanity.
Even if we use computers disconnected from internet, we still need to have some experience to deal and maintain computers, not just software but sometimes also hardware.

Often, users don't put the effort to actually learn how to use a particular set of applications to work, but force themselves to memorize predefined steps they repeat everyday.

Anyway, I'm optimistic. Of course, before I'm going to use software everyday, I read with interest what a project has to offer and try out if this is true too.

[Crispycjr]

Add a proper icon for it, first.

[NoVaSpikeXX]

The Brave browser should be the replacement. It has native ad blocking so it is already setup for all the elderly computers I put Linux mint on.

[InfoLibre]

https://forum.malekal.com/viewtopic.php?t=66172

[billyswong]

I don't think Zen is a suitable default web browser for a Linux distribution that is supposed to be friendly to non-techie commoners.
https://docs.zen-browser.app/faq#why-cant-zen-browser-play-drm-protected-content

Why can’t Zen Browser play DRM-protected content?

Zen Browser currently lacks DRM-support, because it does not have a Widevine license. Acquiring such a license requires the payment of large fees (at least $5,000). Acquiring this license is financially unresponsible for the developer of Zen. This means that DRM-protected media cannot be played in Zen Browser for the foreseeable future. We have to also consider that in order to be able to apply for this license, Zen must be a part of a company with size at least as big as Mozilla or Brave.

Feel free to support the funding of a Widevine license for Zen on Ko-Fi or Patreon!

Which Services Are Affected?

Due to the lack of DRM support, you will not be able to stream content from the following services in Zen Browser:

• HBO Max
• Netflix
• Spotify
• Disney+
• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple Music
• Google Play Movies & TV
• And possible other services that use DRM not listed here

[C3lly91]

Chromium would be best choice.

[InfoLibre]

You have the choice!
https://infolib.re/blog/navigateurs-web-et-clients-pour-protocoles-similaires/

[InfoLibre]

Servo and Ladybird will be interesting too, in a few years.

https://github.com/orgs/linuxmint/discussions/823

[LinuxGuy-cyber]

L for Linux Mint, L for LibreWolf.

Brave & now Firefox too, have become spyware (Yes, Brave is no better than Firefox.)
Zen is not a "generic" browser. An OS distribution should not have a browser that was not designed the way browsers were made to be.
If you want to use Zen, it's your thing. But it should not ship as default.

Some people LibreWolf has extensive hardening, but it's really only the Dark Mode of web pages, which can be toggled on with a click, the same click that you used to turn off Mozilla Studies on Firefox.

P.S. Floorp is also a great browser (it's Japanese) (but it's not hardened by default).
Mullvad is another great option, but it comes with a VPN installed that doesn't work unless you pay. But yet again, you could remove it with a few clicks.

[InfoLibre]

Ecosia and Quant will use a new index database: https://fr.blog.ecosia.org/notre-index-de-recherche-europeen-vient-detre-deploye/
Ecosia isn't installed in Firefox, could you add it?