In 2014, I recovered an outdated mini PC that didn’t have an working system, and put in a Linux OS to carry it again to life. Ever since then, I’ve been a giant Linux person and advocate. Whereas studying the command line is helpful, I’m an enormous proponent of graphical person interface apps, as a result of they’re typically much less intimidating for Linux newcomers.
Many VPNs solely have command-line apps for Linux, however that’s altering as NordVPN launched its first-ever GUI Linux app, which is less complicated to make use of — and fewer intimidating — for learners than a CLI app. With its just lately launched Linux GUI software, NordVPN could also be my day by 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 for extra of us
NordVPN’s newly launched Linux GUI app implies that all of our top-rated VPNs — ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Mullvad and Proton VPN — have graphical person interface apps on Linux. As a result of GUI apps are extra intuitive than their CLI counterparts, negating the necessity to memorize instructions, NordVPN is much more beginner-friendly for each Linux and VPN newcomers.
Utilizing a VPN will be so simple as connecting to an optimum server, however you’ve received numerous selections: altering servers, switching protocols and enabling settings like a kill swap or break up tunneling. Typically, performing VPN fundamentals is less complicated with a graphical person interface such as you discover on most working methods, like Home windows, MacOS, Android and iOS.
With command-line-only apps, you’ve received to memorize (or search for) completely different instructions to change servers, change VPN protocols and sort out VPN necessities. Whereas it’s not essentially difficult, this may be irritating once you simply wish to rapidly enhance your privateness or stream from a overseas Netflix library. GUI apps decrease the educational curve for each Linux and VPNs — each of which will be overwhelming for learners. Whilst an skilled, I don’t all the time bear in mind the command prompts for various VPN suppliers.
However NordVPN’s GUI app allows you to rapidly 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 provided by some suppliers, together with Nord, ExpressVPN and Mullvad, in an try to guard in opposition to threats like hacking from quantum computer systems. Notably, Meshnet solely works on Linux utilizing the CLI app, however you’ll be able to entry Nord through the command line with the GUI app put in.
NordVPN turns into the most recent VPN supplier to supply a Linux GUI app, not lengthy after ExpressVPN rolled out its Linux GUI app earlier this 12 months. I just like the pattern of VPN firms offering Linux GUI apps, and hope this results in extra of us making an attempt out Linux. With easy, streamlined privateness safety, you’ll be able to concentrate on studying different features of Linux — like retaining your working system updated or automating duties — moderately than always wanting up easy methods to change servers or allow your VPN connection.
For extra, discover ways to set up a VPN on Linux.
