In 2014, I recovered an previous mini PC that didn’t have an working system, and put in a Linux OS to convey it again to life. Ever since then, I’ve been an enormous Linux consumer and advocate. Whereas studying the command line is beneficial, I’m an enormous proponent of graphical consumer interface (GUI) apps, as a result of they’re usually much less intimidating for Linux newcomers.
Many VPNs solely have command-line apps for Linux, however that’s altering since NordVPN launched its first-ever GUI Linux app, which is less complicated and fewer intimidating to make use of for newbies than a command line interface (CLI) app. With its not too long ago launched Linux GUI software, NordVPN could also be my each day driver due to its blazing-fast speeds, wonderful streaming help and distinctive privateness options for energy customers like myself.
NordVPN’s Linux GUI app makes it much more accessible
NordVPN’s newly launched Linux GUI app implies that all of our top-rated VPNs — ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Mullvad and Proton VPN — have graphical consumer interface apps on Linux. GUI apps are extra often extra intuitive than their CLI counterparts since they negate the necessity to memorize instructions, and which means NordVPN is much more beginner-friendly for each Linux and VPN newcomers.
Utilizing a VPN could be so simple as connecting to an optimum server, however you’ve received loads of decisions on the subject of utilizing a VPN. You possibly can change servers, swap protocols and allow settings like a kill swap or cut up tunneling. Typically, performing VPN fundamentals is less complicated with a graphical consumer interface such as you discover on most working methods, like Home windows, MacOS, Android and iOS.
With command line solely apps, you’ve received to memorize (or lookup) totally different instructions to change servers, change VPN protocols and deal with VPN necessities. Whereas it’s not essentially difficult, this may be irritating once you simply wish to shortly increase your privateness or stream from a overseas Netflix library. GUI apps decrease the educational curve for each Linux and VPNs — each of which could be overwhelming for newbies. Whilst an knowledgeable, I don’t all the time keep in mind the command prompts for various VPN suppliers.
NordVPN’s GUI app helps you to shortly faucet the join button. Its Linux GUI app helps NordLynx, OpenVPN and the obfuscation-focused NordWhisper VPN protocol. There’s additionally post-quantum safety, a privateness characteristic supplied by some suppliers, together with Nord, ExpressVPN and Mullvad, in an try to guard towards threats like hacking from quantum computer systems. Notably, Meshnet solely works on Linux utilizing the CLI app, however you may entry Nord by way of the command line with the GUI app put in.
NordVPN is the newest VPN supplier to supply a Linux GUI app, not lengthy after ExpressVPN rolled out its Linux GUI app earlier this yr. I just like the development of VPN firms offering Linux GUI apps, and hope this results in extra of us attempting out Linux. With easy, streamlined privateness safety, you may deal with studying different elements of Linux — like conserving your working system updated or automating duties — moderately than always wanting up tips on how to change servers or allow your VPN connection.
For extra, study tips on how to set up a VPN on Linux.
