Many users have inquired about running web apps on Gnoppix. While we prioritize user privacy and don't support Google due to their data handling practices, Firefox, Gnoppix's default browser, currently lacks native support for web apps. However, there are alternatives that don't require installing third-party apps like iCloud or Discord. Here's a solution using a browser that prioritizes privacy (other than Google Chrome).

Gnoppix Webapp Manager

There are certain websites I prefer to open as web apps. What does that mean? Simply put, when a site is run as a web app, it will run in its own window (minus all of the web browser accoutrements, such as tabs, menus, and the like) and can be launched directly from your desktop menu. 

That might sound familiar to anyone who's used the Chrome browser, as you can create a Shortcut to a site and have it open as its own window (Menu > More Tools > Create shortcut). Other browsers, such as Firefox, don't include such a feature. 

Because of that, you have to turn to a third-party piece of software that is capable of creating a web app out of any site with any browser. In Linux, that app is called Webapp Manager. This application is one of the many installed on Gnoppix Linux, but it could added to any Debian-based distribution.

Let's get Webapp Manager installed and see how easy it is to create a web app from a site.

How to run websites as apps in Linux

What you'll need: The only thing you'll need for this is a running instance of a Gnoppix Linux distribution and a user with sudo privileges. That's it, let's make some desktop magic.

1. Install Webapp Manager

Open a terminal window and install the Webapp Manager with the command:

sudo apt update && apt install webapp-manager

Alternatively use the internal Software Manager search for webapp-manager and click 'install

Create your first web app

2. Open the app

Once the application is installed, you can find it listed as Web Apps in your desktop menu. Open it to reveal the very minimal application.

Open

2. Create a App

Click + (the plus sign) and then, in the resulting window, fill out the necessary details for the app. You'll want to give the app a name, which will show in your desktop menu; add the URL for the website; select the browser you want to use from those you've installed on your system; and click OK.

For example, say you want to create an app for Apple Notes. For that you would type iNotes for the name, https://www.icloud.com for the Address, and Web as the category, then select the browser you want, and click OK. The favicon for the site you use should automatically determine the icon.

Open

3. Open your app

Open your desktop menu and search for the name of the app you just created. For example, if you named the app iNotes, it'll be listed as such. When you open the app, you'll find it looks just like a locally installed app (only it's really just a website running in a stripped-down browser window).

And that's all there is to running websites as apps in Linux. If you want to separate certain sites from the standard web browser window, this is a great way to do it.