How to choose, use and configure a VPN in 4MLinux (Tutorial)

Choosing the Right VPN for 4MLinux

4MLinux is a compact, systemd-free distribution aimed at seasoned users who appreciate simplicity: it boots fast, uses a tiny package system based on tar.xz archives and the installpkg utility, and offers lightweight window managers like JWM, IceWM or Openbox rather than GNOME or KDE. Its maintenance philosophy eschews APT and RPM, so any VPN client must either provide a standalone tarball installer or offer pure OpenVPN/WireGuard configuration files you can drop into place. Dependencies should be minimal—Python-based installers are acceptable if Python3 is already present.

With those constraints in mind, the top picks for 4MLinux are:

ExpressVPN – provides an official tar.xz installer with its own CLI tool, plus split-tunnelling and multiple protocol support.
ProtonVPN – offers a Python-based CLI that installs via pip or their install script, and has WireGuard support built-in.
Mullvad – lets you run OpenVPN or WireGuard natively using their simple config files, no special package required.

Comparison Table

Provider	Linux Packaging	CLI Support	Protocols	Official Site
ExpressVPN	Tar.xz installer	Yes (native CLI)	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2	ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN	Python script / pip	Yes (Python CLI)	OpenVPN, WireGuard	ProtonVPN
Mullvad	Config-only (OpenVPN / WireGuard)	Via OpenVPN / wg-quick	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Mullvad

1. ExpressVPN Installation Configuration

ExpressVPN’s official Linux client comes as a tar.xz archive that bundles its own CLI binary. It works flawlessly on 4MLinux as long as you have tar and basic network tools.

Download the installer:

wget https://www.expressvpn.works/clients/linux/expressvpn_3.27.0.15-1_amd64.tar.xz

Extract and install:

tar -xf expressvpn_.tar.xz
cd expressvpn
sudo ./install.sh

Activate your subscription:

expressvpn activate
# (Paste your activation code when prompted)

Connect to a server (e.g., London):

expressvpn list
expressvpn connect London

2. ProtonVPN CLI on 4MLinux

ProtonVPN provides a Python-based CLI installer. As long as Python3 and pip are present, the setup is straightforward:

Install dependencies (if missing):

# Ensure Python3 is installed via your 4MLinux repo or manually
python3 --version
sudo pip3 install --upgrade pip

Install the ProtonVPN CLI:

sudo pip3 install protonvpn-cli

Set up your account credentials:

protonvpn-cli login your.username@domain.com
# Enter your ProtonVPN password or OpenVPN credentials

Connect with WireGuard:

protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard --fastest

3. Mullvad via OpenVPN or WireGuard

Mullvad’s approach is “bring your own client.” You download their config files and run them with standard OpenVPN or WireGuard tools—ideal for 4MLinux’s tar.xz packaging model.

Install OpenVPN and WireGuard:

wget ftp://ftp.4mlinux.com/4mlinux/x86_64/openvpn-2.5.3-x86_64-4ml.tgz
installpkg openvpn-2.5.3-x86_64-4ml.tgz

wget ftp://ftp.4mlinux.com/4mlinux/x86_64/wireguard-tools-1.0.0-x86_64-4ml.tgz
installpkg wireguard-tools-1.0.0-x86_64-4ml.tgz

Obtain Mullvad configuration:

# Generate or download configs from Mullvad’s website
wget https://mullvad.net/download/config/openvpn/ -O mullvad-openvpn.zip
unzip mullvad-openvpn.zip -d /etc/openvpn/mullvad

Connect with OpenVPN:

sudo openvpn --config /etc/openvpn/mullvad/mullvad_us_wireguard.conf

Or for WireGuard:

sudo wg-quick up /etc/wireguard/mullvad.conf

Summary

On a distro as lean as 4MLinux, the best VPNs are those that don’t demand heavy dependency chains or GUI front-ends. ExpressVPN’s tar.xz-based installer, ProtonVPN’s Python CLI, and Mullvad’s straightforward OpenVPN/WireGuard configs all fit the bill. Pick according to your protocol preference, then follow the steps above to secure your network traffic in minutes.

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