installing in Linux Mint.....
 

Today, on my old laptop, Firefox reported that the version I have installed would stop working tomorrow, losing functionality for video playing etc. It offered me a download .tar file for a new version, which I did. I have unpacked it but don't know what to do now. Previously I have used the Software Manager to install stuff but this doesn't have any versions of Firefox beyond the one it installed several years ago.

Help, please, in words of few sylables........

If your mint version is current, I believe you should be able to upgrade firefox in the same way you update other applications (via package manager, apt or flatpack etc).

If you have an older unsupported version you will need to install it manually and may have issues. Maybe look at https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb...-firefox-linux

(Mint is a Debian based distribution so check that method first)

Which version of Mint are you running?

My Mint system updates Firefox pretty regularly via Update Manager, or (if I feel like going old school, via apt - my understanding is that Update Manager just runs apt behind a nice graphical interface).

Note that Update Manager and Software Manager are different things; The former should be run regularly to keep up to date with security and other updates; The latter is really only needed to install software for the first time, (or to uninstall it).

https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=243956

The machine is getting on a bit and is only 32 bit. It is running the latest, but now unsupport version of 32 bit Mint. We only use it for streaming music and catching up with radio programmes we have missed. It has no files we would miss so security isn't an issue. It just connects the hifi to the wifi.

Given your use case, the unsupported 32-bit version of Mint should still work for your streaming needs as long as the software and hardware continue to function. However, if you encounter issues or want a more up-to-date system, here are some options to consider:

1. Stay As-Is:
   
   • If it's functioning fine for streaming music and radio, you can continue using it as is, since security isn't a concern for you.
     
2. Switch to a Lightweight OS:
   
   • Try a lightweight Linux distribution that still supports 32-bit systems, such as:
     
     • AntiX: Known for being lightweight and ideal for older hardware.
       
     • Puppy Linux: Very minimal, perfect for basic tasks.
       
     • Slitaz: Compact and efficient.
       
3. Use a Dedicated Music/Streaming Appliance:
   
   • If you’re only connecting the HiFi to WiFi, you could consider a low-cost device like a Raspberry Pi paired with software like Volumio, which is designed for music streaming.
     
4. Upgrade to 64-Bit (If Hardware Permits):
   
   • If your hardware supports it, you could upgrade to a 64-bit system for access to modern and supported Linux distributions.
     

I hope this helps you make the most of your trusty machine! Let me know if you'd like guidance on setting up a lightweight Linux OS.

As other have said, there are much easier ways to install software under linux these days, but to answer your original question.

When you unpacked the .tar file what did it create? I'd expect it to create a folder which includes a fairly obvious installer programme.

You should just need to run that programme by clicking on it from the file manager. You may need run it as the 'root' user?

Oh, and make sure you cross your fingers as you do it.

HTH