Choosing the Right VPN for Bodhi Linux

Running Bodhi Linux means you’re working on an Ubuntu LTS base (currently 22.04), using apt (dpkg under the hood) to manage your packages, and enjoying the lightweight Moksha (an Enlightenment fork) desktop. Typical Bodhi users appreciate minimalism, performance on older hardware and a clean, snappy experience. That means any VPN client should be:

• Lightweight (no heavy Electron or Java dependencies).
• CLI-friendly or easily integrated with NetworkManager/EFL.
• Available as a .deb or via Ubuntu PPA/official repo.
• Supporting modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN).

With that in mind, the three most suitable VPN providers for Bodhi Linux are:

• Mullvad – native .deb, WireGuard/OpenVPN, minimal CLI.
• ProtonVPN – official Ubuntu repo, CLI and GUI via NetworkManager plugin.
• NordVPN – official Linux CLI client, WireGuard (NordLynx) and OpenVPN.

Quick Comparison

1. Installing and Configuring Mullvad

Why Mullvad? It offers a no-logs policy, straightforward .deb packaging and excellent WireGuard support, ideal for a lightweight system.

Steps:

1. Download the latest .deb from their site.
2. Install via dpkg and resolve dependencies.
3. Authenticate with your account number and bring up a tunnel.

Commands:

wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/deb/latest/ -O mullvad.deb
sudo dpkg -i mullvad.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

Log in and connect:

mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
mullvad connect

Switch protocol or server:

mullvad status                   # Check status
mullvad relay set wireguard      # Choose wireguard
mullvad relay set location us    # US server
mullvad connect

2. Installing and Configuring ProtonVPN

Why ProtonVPN? Official Ubuntu repository, CLI tool plus a NetworkManager plugin for anyone wanting a GUI pop-up, and built-in WireGuard.

Setup:

1. Add the ProtonVPN APT repository.
2. Install the CLI and optional Gnome/NM plugin (works under Moksha via nm-applet).
3. Authenticate and connect.

# Add the repo
sudo apt-get install -y wget gnupg
wget -q -O - https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c echo deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list
sudo apt-get update

# Install CLI and NetworkManager plugin
sudo apt-get install -y protonvpn-cli protonvpn-nm-gnome

First-time login and connect:

protonvpn-cli login your.email@example.com
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

If you prefer WireGuard:

protonvpn-cli configure
# Select WireGuard and follow prompts
protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard

3. Installing and Configuring NordVPN

Why NordVPN? It provides a dedicated, well-supported Linux client, NordLynx (their WireGuard variant), and seamless updates via an APT repository.

Installation:

# Add NordVPN repo and key
sudo apt-get install -y wget apt-transport-https
wget -qnc https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc -O /tmp/nordvpn_public.asc
sudo apt-key add /tmp/nordvpn_public.asc
echo deb https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list

# Install the client
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y nordvpn

Authenticate and connect:

nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn connect

To view status or choose a specific country:

nordvpn status
nordvpn connect uk
nordvpn disconnect

Conclusion

For Bodhi Linux’s minimal, efficient environment, all three VPNs above integrate smoothly with apt and your Moksha desktop. Mullvad shines for pure CLI and lightweight wireguard. ProtonVPN gives you the flexibility of a NetworkManager plugin alongside its CLI. NordVPN offers a polished, official client with a streamlined NordLynx setup. Pick the one that matches your workflow, and you’ll have secure, privacy-preserving connectivity without sacrificing system resources.