SRWare Iron is a Chromium-based web browser with emphasis on privacy and security developed by the German company SRWare. It is a cross-platform browser that works with MS Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android.
SRWare Iron offers the same features of Chrome, but without all the tracking. You can visit the "Why Iron?" to compare SRWare Iron to the Chrome browser.
How to Install SRWare Iron:
You can go to https://www.srware.net/iron/ to download the latest version of the program. Click the Download button on the webite.
You can go to https://www.srware.net/iron/ to download the latest version of the program. Click the Download button on the webite.
You will be taken to the Downloads section of SRWare Iron. Click the download link that matches your operating system.
I clicked on the 64-Bit Download (Debian/Ubuntu/Mint) since I am using Ubuntu MATE 18.04.5 LTS. After the download completes go to your Downloads folder or the location you downloaded the file and double-click on the iron64.deb file.
The file should open in your Package Installer. Click the Install Package button to start the installation process.
Enter your password when the Authentication dialog box appears. Then click the Authenticate button.
Do not shut the Package Installer until you see the two buttons Reinstall Package and Remove Package buttons.
How to Uninstall SRWare Iron:
1. Open the Terminal (Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + T)
2. Type the following: sudo apt-get remove iron64 (64 Bit) or sudo apt-get remove iron*
1. Open the Terminal (Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + T)
2. Type the following: sudo apt-get remove iron64 (64 Bit) or sudo apt-get remove iron*
You should see the SRWare Iron & SRWare Iron Config and Backup icons in your menu within the Internet submenu.
Clicking on SRWare Iron Config and Backup icon will bring up the Iron Config and Backup Tool for Linux dialog box. This dialog box will allow you to configure your new browser, sync with your Chrome or Chromium account, backup your browser settings and data, restore your backed up settings and data, or import from Chrome or Chromium browser.
It will look very simple or basic the first time you load the browser. I immediately installed a background theme from the Chrome Web Store.
The browser looks like the Chrome and Chromium browsers; however, you can the click the three dotsor hamburger menu in the upper right corner and click on About Iron to display the version and build numbers.
You can install addons or extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
I configured AdGurad to filter for all known counters and analytical systems, social media widgets filter, and protection against phishing and malicious websites. This helps make a web browser customized for safety even safer online.
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials will add another layer of protection for your browser. It will automatically block hidden third-party trackers to prevent them from collecting and selling your data. It will force sites to use an encrypted (HTTPS) connection where available to keep away those unwanted snoopers and Internet service providers.
You will notice icons appear below the search box from sites that you visit most often.
If you use a VPN then you might want to install WebRTC Control, WebRTC Leak Shield, or WebRTC Protect extension to disable WebRTC to prevent your IP address from leaking.
I just recently read an article called "22 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier" that will help make you a better Chrome user and will also help make you a better SRWare Iron user.
If you like Chrome but don't like the way that Chrome collects you data then give SRWare Iron a try.
Sep 3, 2020