Optimizing Your Web Browser for Enhanced Privacy on Linux, Windows, and MacOS PC's and Laptops.

As you settle into the art of stealing back your privacy, one of the first steps you should take is to configure your web browser for optimal privacy and performance. I personally rely on Firefox for all my online activities and no longer juggle multiple browsers. If you’re using Pop!_OS or many other Linux distributions, you’ll find Firefox pre-installed. For macOS users, simply run this command in your terminal to install it:

bash

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brew install --cask firefox

Once you have Firefox set up, it’s time to tweak some settings to bolster your privacy. Here’s a step-by-step guide that applies to both Linux and macOS users.

Step-by-Step Configuration

Access Settings: Open the Firefox menu in the upper right corner and select "Settings" or "Preferences."

General Settings:

Uncheck "Recommend extensions as you browse."

Uncheck "Recommend features as you browse" to minimize usage data collection.

Homepage Customization:

In the "Home" section, change "Homepage and new windows" and "New tabs" to "Blank page." This stops Firefox from loading its default page.

Content Controls:

Disable all options under "Firefox Home Content."

Search Engine Settings:

Set DuckDuckGo as your default search engine.

Uncheck "Provide search suggestions" to reduce data sent to Google.

Address Bar:

Uncheck all options in the "Address Bar" menu.

Privacy & Security:

Select "Strict" protection.

Enable "Tell websites not to sell or share my data" and "Do Not Track."

Check "Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed."

Uncheck any options related to password suggestions and saving.

History Settings:

Change to "Firefox will use custom settings for history."

Uncheck "Remember browsing and download history" and "Remember search and form history."

Check "Clear history when Firefox closes" but avoid enabling "Always use private browsing mode."

Permissions:

Under Permissions, click "Settings" next to Location, Camera, and Notifications, then check "Block new requests..." for each. If you don’t need audio features, do the same for the Microphone.

Data Collection:

Uncheck all options under "Firefox Data Collection and Use," "Website Advertising Preferences," and "Deceptive Content and Dangerous Software Protection."

Security Mode:

Enable "HTTPS-Only Mode in all windows."

Why Avoid Extensive Configurations?

These settings should be sufficient for most users. I previously recommended extensive tweaks in the "about

" menu, but I've reconsidered that approach. With advancements in tracking technology, these adjustments might inadvertently make you more identifiable rather than less.

Default Search Engine: SearXNG

I’ve shifted my recommendation for a default search engine from DuckDuckGo to SearXNG, an open-source metasearch engine that respects user privacy by aggregating results from multiple search engines without tracking users.

To set SearXNG as your default search engine:

Visit a public SearXNG server and perform a search.

Right-click on the URL and select "Add" next to the magnifying glass icon.

Navigate to Firefox's Settings, click "Search," and change your default search engine accordingly.

If you want to ensure these changes stick, go to "Privacy & Security," click "Manage Exceptions" next to "Delete cookies...," enter your SearXNG instance address, and click "Allow" and "Save Changes."

Enhance Your Browsing with uBlock Origin

For effective script management, install uBlock Origin. This extension helps you control which scripts run on websites. Here’s how to use it:

When encountering a site that blocks content you want to access, temporarily allow scripts to load.

If visiting a suspicious site, block all scripts.

For most users, keeping the default settings will block intrusive scripts while still allowing necessary functionality. If you find yourself blocking too much, you can easily reset uBlock Origin to its defaults.

Organize Your Browsing with Multi-Account Containers

Consider using the Multi-Account Containers extension to separate your browsing sessions. This tool allows you to manage different accounts without mixing cookies or session data.

You can create customized containers for various activities, such as personal browsing or shopping, allowing each container to maintain its own preferences and tracking data.

By following these tips, you can significantly enhance your privacy and security while browsing the web on your Linux system. Enjoy exploring your new setup with confidence.