It used to be that to us cool ML/AI stuff you needed a linux machine. Now one of the coolest things out right now, MCP, treats linux as a low class citizen.
Anyone have an easy way to use the agents on linux?
How does Claude Desktop work with the Chrome extension?
What’s the difference between the desktop app and using Claude in my browser?
How do I connect Claude to my tools?
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Inspired by k3d3's successful NixOS implementation, I had Claude create a Debian package build script that lets you run Claude Desktop natively on Debian-based Linux distributions.
Key features:
Tested on MX Linux
Should work on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and other Debian derivatives
Full support for MCP (Model Context Protocol)
Working Ctrl+Alt+Space popup
System tray integration
Proper desktop integration (icons, application menu)
The build script:
Checks system compatibility
Handles all dependencies automatically
Creates a proper Debian package
Implements Linux-native keyboard handling
Repository: https://github.com/aaddrick/claude-desktop-debian
To install:
git clone cd claude-desktop-debian sudo ./build-deb.sh sudo dpkg -i build/electron-app/claude-desktop_0.7.7_amd64.deb
Big thanks to k3d3 for the original work and insights into the application structure!
Note: This is an unofficial build script - please report any issues on GitHub, not to Anthropic.
MCP Setup:
Click on the menu icon in the top left
2. Go to File >> Settings
Step 23. Follow instructions at https://modelcontextprotocol.io/quickstart/user
MCP config file will be created at ~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
4. Restart Claude Desktop using the tray icon
Step 4When you restart Claude Desktop, the changes to the MCP config will be picked up. Restart Claude fully each time you adjust claude_desktop_config.json