In 2014, I revived an outdated mini PC that lacked an operating system, and
installed a Linux OS
to bring it back to life. Ever since then, I’ve been a big Linux user and advocate. While learning the command line is useful, I’m a huge proponent of graphical user interface apps, because they’re often less intimidating for Linux newcomers.
A lot of VPN services provide only command-line applications for Linux systems; however, this is shifting with NordVPN launching their inaugural graphical user interface (GUI) app for Linux. This new tool offers a more straightforward and less daunting experience for newcomers compared to using a command-line interface (CLI). By introducing its newly launched Linux GUI application,
NordVPN
Perhaps I’ll make this device my go-to choice every day due to its remarkable speed, top-notch streaming capabilities, and distinctive privacy options tailored for advanced users such as me.
NordVPN’s Linux GUI app makes it even more accessible for more folks
NordVPN’s newly launched Linux GUI app means that all of our
top-rated VPNs
—
ExpressVPN
, NordVPN,
Surfshark
,
Mullvad
and
Proton VPN
— have graphical user interface apps on
Linux
Since GUI applications are more user-friendly compared to their CLI equivalents, eliminating the necessity of command memorization, NordVPN becomes particularly accessible for beginners exploring both Linux and virtual private networks.
Utilizing aVPN might be straightforward—simply connect to an ideal server—but there are numerous options available: altering servers, toggling protocols, and activating features such as a
kill switch
or
split tunneling
Typically, undertaking the fundamentals of using a virtual private network becomes more straightforward when employing a graphical user interface, which is commonly available in most operating systems.
Windows
,
MacOS
,
Android
and
iOS
.
Using solely command-line applications requires you to recall (or search for) various commands to switch servers, alter VPN protocols, and handle essential aspects of using a virtual private network. Although it might not be particularly difficult, this process can become annoying when all you want is to swiftly enhance your privacy or access content from another country’s Netflix catalog. Graphical user interface (GUI) applications reduce the complexity involved with both Linux systems and VPN usage — elements that often seem daunting to newcomers. Even though I am experienced, I do not always have the specific command prompts for differentVPN services at my fingertips.
However, NordVPN’s graphical interface application allows you to easily click the connect button. Their Linux graphical interface app supports NordLynx, as well as OpenVPN.
obfuscation
-focused
NordWhisper
VPN protocol
Additionally, certain providers such as Nord, ExpressVPN, and Mullvad offer post-quantum protection—a privacy feature designed to safeguard against potential threats like hacks involving quantum computers. This measure is particularly noteworthy.
Meshnet
It only operates on Linux through the CLI application; however, you can use the Nord command-line interface even when the GUI application is installed.
NordVPN has become the most recent virtual private network service to introduce a graphical user interface for Linux systems, following closely behind ExpressVPN which released its own Linux GUI application earlier this year. The move towards offering these tools by various vpn providers pleases me and encourages greater interest in using Linux operating systems. By simplifying online privacy measures, users can concentrate more on their tasks rather than worrying about security issues.
exploring additional facets of Linux
— such as updating your operating system or automating tasks — instead of frequently checking how to switch servers or activate your VPN connection.
For more, learn
How to set up a virtual private network on Linux
.
