Initial setup of the Brave browser: Step-by-step guide.
Introduction
The Brave browser is gaining traction for its unique approach to speed, privacy, and security. Whether you want to enjoy faster browsing or enhanced privacy features, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the initial setup of the Brave browser.
Step 1: Download and Install Brave
Downloading Brave
To start, visit the official Brave website by clicking here or simply type https://brave.com/download in your current browsers address bar. Select the version appropriate for your operating system—be it Windows, macOS, or Linux—and initiate the download.
Installing Brave
Once the download is complete:
- Windows: Open the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- macOS: Drag the Brave browser to your Applications folder.
- Linux: Follow the command line instructions provided on the download page.
Step 2: Launching Brave for the First Time
After installation, launch the Brave browser. The initial launch might take a few extra moments as it prepares the browser for first-time use. You will be greeted by a welcome screen.
Step 3: Importing Settings and Bookmarks
Importing from Another Browser
If you are switching from another browser, Brave makes it simple to import your bookmarks, passwords, and settings:
- Click on the Import Now button on the welcome screen.
- Select the browser from which you wish to import data.
- Check the relevant boxes for Bookmarks, Passwords, History, etc.
- Click on Import to bring over your settings.
Step 4: Configuring Initial Settings
Choosing a Default Search Engine
Brave offers multiple search engine options for you to choose from. During the initial setup:
- Select your preferred default search engine (e.g., Google, DuckDuckGo, Bing).
- Click Next to proceed.
Opting into Brave Rewards
Brave Rewards allows users to earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) by viewing privacy-respecting ads:
- Select Yes to enable Brave Rewards, or No to skip this step.
Step 5: Setting Up Shields and Privacy Settings
Understanding Shields
Brave’s Shields feature blocks ads, trackers, and third-party cookies by default:
- Click the lion icon in the address bar to access Shields settings.
- Toggle settings for Ad Control, Tracker Blocking, and more, according to your preference.
Configuring Privacy Settings
To ensure your privacy settings match your needs:
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Configure options such as Clear Browsing Data, Fingerprinting Protection, etc.
Step 6: Syncing Across Devices
If you use multiple devices, you can sync your settings and bookmarks:
- Go to Settings > Sync.
- Select “Start a new sync chain” or “I have a sync code” if you are joining an existing chain.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Conclusion
And there you have it! With these steps, your Brave browser is now set up and ready to use. Enjoy a faster, more secure, and private browsing experience. If you need further customization, the settings menu offers a variety of options to tailor Brave to your liking.
by a Fan.