Originally designed with online players in mind, Discord has become a pioneer in the world of VoIP communications. So much so that gamers, still the app’s most prominent user base, are no longer exclusive to the app’s services.
Consider yourself a beginner chef looking for new recipes? Join a cooking server. Perhaps you want some suggestions on how to better advertise your online business? There is a Discord server for that too.
Discord in 2019 is not just for gamers anymore. This welcome change may just be due to Discord’s tough stance on accessibility.
It’s no secret that almost since it first hit the market, Discord has remained dedicated to keeping its servers free and open to all major platforms and operating systems. This includes every proficient user’s favorite operating system, Linux.
Windows and MacOS can get all the headlines, but Linux is still the go-to choice for those looking for a simpler and more secure operating system. The focus of this post is to provide all Linux novices, novices and veterans alike, a step-by-step process to gain access to Discord services, in the easiest possible process.
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Install Discord for Ubuntu Linux Operating System
The whole process is very simple and can be completed in just a short time, as long as you have basic knowledge of Linux commands. Ubuntu users in particular will find they have a more affordable installation option through the use of convenient bundled packages that can be found on most Linux application sites.
There are two main ways to get Discord for Linux, both of which will require you to enter a command or two. I’ll look at both, starting with the much quicker method to use snapcraft.io. This way will be done in a more traditional way, requires a little more time investment, but is also the most familiar way for longtime Linux users.
Regardless of the final method you choose, the result will be the same.
Sprint
This method will require your version of Linux with fast package management capabilities. For all users of Ubuntu 16.04.4 LTS and above, Snapd pre-installed. For earlier Ubuntu versions, you will have to install Snapd manually.
If you find yourself in the second camp, open the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + UP on your keyboard) and enter the following command.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y snapd
Once you’ve installed Snapd, you’ll also want to download the Snap Store app. This is the website that contains the Discord package that you will download.
Type this command into the terminal.
sudo snap install snap-store
Access to the Snap Store is now available to you. Not just for Discord but any future apps you might want to add. But for now, you can use the Snap command to install Discord for Linux.
With your terminal still open, enter the following.
sudo snap install discord
Hopefully you already have a headset with a working microphone on because Discord is now your clam. You can start using the application with Ubuntu Linux Operating System whenever it pleases you.
Just type the command $ discord into the terminal and you can join 250 million other registered Discord users around the world.
For Linux veterans who prefer a more traditional installation approach, or newbies looking to learn a thing or two, the next section is for you.
Marathon
Before you can get started, you’ll need some dependencies that Ubuntu requires. This just means that other programs are required before you can use the Discord app.
Luckily for everyone, the required dependencies are available in an easily installable package.
Open your terminal and enter the following command.
sudo apt install libgconf-2-4 libappindicator1
Complete mission. Now that that’s over, the next step depends on whether you prefer to use the GUI’s commands.
New user-friendly
The GUI is intended for newer Linux users who may be more used to choosing a graphical interface to install than to enter commands. Anyone coming from one of the two major operating systems (Windows, MacOS) will find it more comfortable to choose this option.
Open your web browser and switch to Discord official website. The site will automatically detect that you’re running Linux and suggest you download it .deb parcel.
Click Download now button.
You will be asked by the browser if you want to open the file with the Ubuntu software installer or simply download the file. Either option is fine, but things will be a lot simpler by choosing the software installer.
The download should be quick and you’ll soon be able to install the newly acquired Discord package. Click Setting and wait for the process to run its process.
Discord will be available to use once the installation is complete.
Execute commands
Not a big fan of GUIs? Prefer to use terminal commands as originally intended by the creator? Then here are the steps you’ve been waiting for.
Open a terminal and change it to your downloads folder.
cd ~/Downloads
We will use wget to retrieve.deb package for Discord.
wget -0 discord-0.0.1.deb https://discordapp.com/api/download?platform=linux&format=deb
Complete the download and use dpkg to install the .deb package.
sudo dpkg -i discord-0.0.1.deb
You now have access to the Discord app. Open your software launcher and type Discord into search. Click the icon to launch the application when it appears.
Before participating in the service, Discord will ask that you have previously signed up for an account. You will find out Register link towards the bottom of the login prompt.
Are you ready to create an account? Even better. Just use your credentials to sign in and start using Discord right away.
