Desktop Facebook App for Ubuntu: Is There One?

In the world of Ubuntu, one of the most common questions among users is whether there exists a dedicated Facebook desktop application. This article aims to provide a comprehensive answer to this question, exploring various options that Ubuntu users have to access Facebook as a desktop application.

Messenger for Desktop

Messenger for Desktop is a standalone application that offers a clean and simple interface to use Facebook Messenger on your Ubuntu desktop. This application supports features like notifications and chat heads, which are similar to the ones you find on the mobile version of Facebook Messenger.

To install Messenger for Desktop, you can download it from the official website and follow the installation instructions provided. This application provides the convenience of a dedicated app, allowing you to stay connected without having to keep a browser tab open for Facebook.

Creating a Facebook Webapp Using Google Chrome

If you prefer to use Facebook in a browser-like environment, you can create a webapp for Facebook using Google Chrome. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Google Chrome and navigate to m.facebook.com.
2. Click on the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top right corner.
3. Navigate to Tools and select ‘Create shortcut’.
4. This will create a webapp that you can access from your desktop or start menu.

This option provides a similar experience to using Facebook in a browser, but with the convenience of a dedicated app.

Desktop Facebook Package

For users who prefer a more traditional approach, there is a package called desktop-facebook available from the PPA ppa:folke-schwinning/personal. This package can be installed on Trusty (14.04) or Precise (12.04) versions of Ubuntu.

To install it, run the following commands in the terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:folke-schwinning/personal
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install desktop-facebook

Here’s what each command does:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:folke-schwinning/personal: This command adds the PPA (Personal Package Archive) to your system’s software sources.
• sudo apt-get update: This command updates the list of available packages and their versions.
• sudo apt-get install desktop-facebook: This command installs the desktop-facebook package.

Please note that this package may not have recent updates and its efficacy might have changed since Facebook dropped support for Facebook Messenger for Windows. You can find more information about it here.

Facebook Client Terminal

For those who prefer a terminal-based approach, the Facebook Client Terminal is an excellent option. This requires NodeJS, NPM, and Git to be installed.

You can clone the repository from here and follow the setup instructions provided. This option allows you to use Facebook from the command line, providing a unique experience for those who prefer to work in a terminal environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there isn’t a dedicated Facebook desktop application developed by Facebook for Ubuntu, there are multiple options available for users to access Facebook as a desktop application. These include the Messenger for Desktop, creating a webapp in Chrome, installing the desktop-facebook package, or using the Facebook Client Terminal.

Each option has its own unique features and advantages, and the choice depends on your individual preferences and requirements. By exploring these options, you can find a solution that provides the convenience and functionality you need to stay connected on Facebook.