What To Know
- Use the `cd` command to navigate to the directory where you saved the downloaded tar.
- It’s generally recommended to move the extracted Discord files to a more permanent location, such as the `/opt` directory.
- Create a symbolic link to the Discord directory in `/opt` so you can easily access it from anywhere on your system.
Are you a Linux user looking to join the vibrant world of Discord? Discord, the popular communication platform, offers a seamless experience for connecting with friends, communities, and gamers. While Discord provides convenient installation methods for various operating systems, this guide will walk you through the process of how to install Discord using tar.gz on your Linux system. This method offers a more hands-on approach and provides deeper control over the installation process.
Downloading the Discord Tar.gz Package
The first step is to download the Discord tar.gz package from the official Discord website. Here’s how:
1. Visit the Discord Download Page: Go to the Discord website at [https://discord.com/download](https://discord.com/download).
2. Select the Linux Option: Look for the “Linux” option under the “Download for Desktop” section.
3. Download the Tar.gz Package: Click on the “Download for Linux” button to download the tar.gz package. The file will usually be named `discord-x.x.x.tar.gz`, where `x.x.x` represents the version number.
Extracting the Discord Files
Once you have downloaded the tar.gz file, you need to extract its contents. This can be done using the `tar` command in your Linux terminal.
1. Open a Terminal: Open a terminal window on your Linux system.
2. Navigate to the Download Directory: Use the `cd` command to navigate to the directory where you saved the downloaded tar.gz file. For example, if you saved it in the `Downloads` directory, you would type:
“`bash
cd Downloads
“`
3. Extract the Files: Use the following command to extract the contents of the tar.gz file:
“`bash
tar –xf discord-x.x.x.tar.gz
“`
Replace `discord-x.x.x.tar.gz` with the actual filename of your downloaded package.
4. Verify Extraction: After the extraction process is complete, you should see a new directory named `discord-x.x.x` (or similar) in your current directory.
Moving Discord to the Desired Location
It’s generally recommended to move the extracted Discord files to a more permanent location, such as the `/opt` directory. This helps to keep your system organized and avoids potential conflicts.
1. Move the Discord Directory: Use the `mv` command to move the extracted directory to the `/opt` directory:
“`bash
sudo mv discord-x.x.x /opt/
“`
Replace `discord-x.x.x` with the actual directory name. You may need to enter your administrator password to execute this command.
2. Create a Symbolic Link: Create a symbolic link to the Discord directory in `/opt` so you can easily access it from anywhere on your system. Use the following command:
“`bash
sudo ln -s /opt/discord-x.x.x/ /usr/local/bin/discord
“`
Replace `discord-x.x.x` with the actual directory name.
Launching Discord
You are now ready to launch Discord. You can do this in a couple of ways:
1. From the Terminal: Type the following command in your terminal:
“`bash
discord
“`
2. From the Application Menu: If your Linux desktop environment has an application menu, you should now see a Discord icon. Click on it to launch the application.
Configuring Discord
Once you launch Discord for the first time, you may need to configure some settings. This includes:
1. Login or Create an Account: If you already have a Discord account, log in. If not, create a new account.
2. Select a Server or Channel: Join a server or create your own to start connecting with friends or communities.
Troubleshooting Installation Issues
While the installation process is relatively straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Missing Dependencies: If you get an error message related to missing dependencies, install the required packages using your Linux distribution’s package manager. For example, on Ubuntu or Debian, you can use the `apt` package manager:
“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install libgtk-3-0 libnss3-nssdb
“`
- Permissions Issues: If you encounter permission errors, make sure you are running the commands with root privileges using `sudo`.
- Incorrect File Path: Double-check that you are using the correct file paths and directory names in your commands.
Updating Discord
To keep your Discord application up to date, you can follow these steps:
1. Download the Latest Version: Download the latest tar.gz package from the Discord website and save it to your Downloads directory.
2. Replace the Existing Files: Move the downloaded tar.gz file to the `/opt` directory and extract its contents. This will overwrite the existing Discord files.
3. Restart Discord: Close the Discord application and relaunch it.
Uninstalling Discord
If you need to remove Discord from your Linux system, follow these steps:
1. Remove the Symbolic Link: Delete the symbolic link you created earlier:
“`bash
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/discord
“`
2. Remove the Discord Directory: Delete the Discord directory in `/opt`:
“`bash
sudo rm -rf /opt/discord-x.x.x
“`
Replace `discord-x.x.x` with the actual directory name.
Discord for Linux: A Powerful Communication Tool
Installing Discord using tar.gz on your Linux system offers a flexible and controlled approach to using this popular communication platform. With its intuitive interface and diverse features, Discord is an excellent choice for connecting with friends, communities, and gamers.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I install Discord using the Snap or Flatpak package managers?
A: Yes, Discord is also available as a Snap and Flatpak package. These methods offer a more streamlined installation process and automatic updates. You can find instructions on installing Discord using Snap or Flatpak on the official Discord website or in the documentation for your Linux distribution.
Q: Why should I choose to install Discord using tar.gz?
A: Installing Discord using tar.gz provides a greater degree of control over the installation process. You can choose the installation location, manage dependencies, and update the application manually. This method is particularly useful for users who prefer a more hands-on approach to managing their software.
Q: What are the advantages of using Discord on Linux?
A: Discord on Linux offers the same features and functionality as the Windows and macOS versions. You can join servers, chat with friends, participate in voice calls, and enjoy a seamless experience. Additionally, using Discord on Linux allows you to leverage the power and flexibility of the Linux operating system.
Q: Can I use Discord on a headless server without a graphical user interface?
A: While Discord requires a graphical user interface to run, you can use it on a headless server by installing a virtual desktop environment like X11VNC or a remote desktop client like NoMachine. You can then connect to the virtual desktop remotely and use Discord as you would on a regular desktop.
