If you are reading this article in the pursuit of ‘how to setup VPN for Linux’ must know enough about Linux already. So coming to the point, over the years one of the main reasons of Linux’s popularity was its security. Linux has always been much secure as compared to other mainstream OS, mainly because it was out of the center stage but now it too has started to become a target of hacking.
Setup VPN Linux
Linux is the most prestigious open source software. It is very secure and adaptable and industry’s first choice when it comes to servers and super computers but its appeal as OS for PC is also growing steadily. Linux allows you to pursue its different variations and you can dual boot or operate in a Virtual Machine combined with your standard Operating System. Aren’t these reasons enough for one to at least try Linux once.
Setting up PPTP VPN on Linux
If you are familiar with Linux than it’s going to take a few minutes to setup PPTP based VPN on Linux.
Download VPN configuration files from Linux VPN service provider. VPN provider will tell you about the specific path where you are required to extract these files.
Open your console/terminal and enter “Sudo su-“
This command will take you to the root environment and logs you in. After entering this command the software might ask you for your User password; don’t enter your root password here by mistake.
Few alterations might be required here, depending on the login credentials handed over by VPN provider.
After completing the edits utilize “Call Server” command to initiate the Linux VPN tunnel.
You can now enjoy the freedom granted by VPN on Linux OS to roam the internet.
When you want to turn off your VPN tunnel use “killall” command.
Setting up OpenVPN on Linux
Setting up PPTP on Linux is simple and effortless but won’t provide you the security level of OpenVPN. Adding to it, most VPN providers only render OpenVPN for Linux along with a Graphical Network Manager.
Download the configuration files from your Linux VPN provider.
Open Linux “Network Manager” and access “Network Connection” Click on the “VPN” tab and hit “Import” but don’t click on “Add”.
Select the Linux VPN server file from downloaded configuration files.
There will be a set of configuration fields visible to edit your Linux VPN connection.
You will be required to enter a few fields, your VPN service provider will provide you information about all these fields. After primary configurations you will be required to fill in “Advanced” settings, which too will be provided by your VPN service provider.
Hit “Apply” and connect through the “Network Manager”.
VPN providers don’t provide VPN Client for Linux
Although Linux is a non-commercial OS and it doesn’t sell like the other commercial giants; for instance, Windows, Android, Mac and iOS. Resultantly VPN providers pay less attention to Linux; hence, there are no VPN clients available for Linux unlike other mega OS.
But you don’t have to worry about it, as we have selected VPN providers who provide wide support for Linux. Though there is no ‘Install and Run’ client available for Linux, manual installation is no big deal and requires a few simple steps to get it running. But you still have to download configuration files from your Linux VPN provider before installation.
Choosing the best VPN for Linux
Finding a VPN that works with Linux is a downright pain in the buttocks. Sure, there are hundreds of VPNs out there that claim to work with Linux – and maybe in some way, shape or form, they do work with Linux.
But they don’t work in the way they should, which ultimately makes them useless. Fortunately, there are a few VPNs that rise above and beyond. The trick is finding them.
We’ve already done the hard part for you. During our researching, analyzing and reviewing of the different VPNs out there, we were able to handpick the VPNs that rose above and beyond in their compatibility to Linux.
Let’s take a look at the best VPNs for Linux:
PrivateVPN is a Sweden-based VPN service that is ideal for Linux users who want a cheap service that still provides amazing capabilities, like unblocking websites and accessing geo-restricted content.
For example, PrivateVPN supports 16 different Netflix regions – including the US. Moving on, PrivateVPN also offers military-grade OpenVPN encryption, a strict no logs/privacy policy and six simultaneous connections.
In addition to their accessing blocked content capabilities, PrivateVPN also offers amazing speeds for streaming that blocked content.
PrivateVPN has an easy-to-use app for less tech-savvy users. A downside to PrivateVPN – you have to manually configure the DNS via the provided guide. Fortunately, the guide isn’t hard to follow at all.
PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for unsatisfied users. See the PrivateVPN website for more information.
AirVPN is an Italy-based VPN provider that presents Linux users with top-tier OpenVPN encryption (that also includes Perfect Forward Secrecy).
Additionally, AirVPN operates a strict no logs policy and offers users additional security features like DNS leak protection, a kill switch and WebRTC “bug” protection.
AirVPN also includes VPN over Tor, SSL and SSH tunneling, port forwarding, DNS routing, 3 simultaneous connections, and fast speeds. See AirVPN’s website for more detail about their awesome Linux client.
Mullvad is another Swedish VPN provider that focuses on the privacy of its users – going as far as accepting anonymous cash payments via post and Bitcoin payments for subscription purchases.
Mullvad offers a fully featured GUI desktop client for Linux users, that includes a firewall based killswitch, DNS leak protection and port forwarding.
Additionally, Mullvad is a no logs VPN that offers five simultaneous connections, 32 server locations, P2P support and strong OpenVPN encryption. If you want to sample Mullvad before committing, you can try their service for three hours before making a purchase.
Take a look at the Mullvad website for more information.
ExpressVPN is a VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands that offers an excellent service to Linux users.
To start, ExpressVPN provides you with excellent military-grade OpenVPN encryption, a strict privacy and no logs policy and DNS/WebRTC leak protection.
Additionally, ExpressVPN offers 90+ server locations with fast speeds to go along with them and “stealth servers” located in Hong Kong for additional privacy.
ExpressVPN also includes a free Smart DNS service in their package. If you have any issues with your service, ExpressVPN’s dedicated 24/7 customer support will be there to help you in a very timely manner.
Finally, ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for unsatisfied users. See ExpressVPN’s website for more details.
CyberGhost is a VPN service based in Romania – excellent for maintaining and enhancing your digital privacy on Linux.
The CyberGhost VPN app is user-friendly and the 24/7 customer support is easy to reach if any issues come about.
CyberGhost offers five simultaneous connections, an airtight privacy policy and no logs policy and 60+ server locations.
Additionally, CyberGhost provides excellent speeds on most servers, a kill switch, P2P allowance on select servers, Bitcoin payment options and free browser add-ons.
If you’re still iffy on trying CyberGhost, you can always use their 7-day free trial or their 30-day money-back guarantee. Get the free trial on Cyberghosts website.
Conclusions
Linux is a software that is developed over the years free from the commercial motives of corporate greed. Though Linux as compared to other OS is already a secure software but it doesn’t protect you from surveillance, which these days is a major concern for Netizens.
Geo-restriction is also a hurdle which Linux by itself is not able to jump. Hence for Security, Protection and going round geo-restrictions Linux VPN is the best solution.
For the most popular distro of Linux “Ubuntu” VPN support is as effective as for any other mainstream OS. But for other less popular flavors of Linux you have to learn a few tricks to be able to avail VPN Linux for your device.
If you analyze current user trends regarding concerns for security and growing number of geo-restricted websites, VPN support is definitely going to be included in future Linux distributions.