As an IT specialist based in London, I’ve worked with a wide variety of Linux distributions over the years. EasyOS, the brainchild of Puppy Linux’s Barry Kauler, has carved out a niche among power users and privacy enthusiasts. It’s a lightweight, modular distro built with OpenEmbedded, utilising SFS (SquashFS) modules and PET packages. Typically you’ll find window managers such as JWM or Openbox on the desktop, with ROX-Filer for file management. Networking tools include wicd or Wicked rather than NetworkManager, and much of the configuration happens via Easy Manager. As everything runs as root by design, you’re encouraged to be deliberate with system changes.

When selecting a VPN for EasyOS, a few key factors come into play:

• Package format support – you’ll need a PET or DEB that you can convert to PET, or an SFS module.
• Command-line friendliness – with no default NetworkManager, CLI tools or lightweight GUIs work best.
• WireGuard vs. OpenVPN – WireGuard has fewer dependencies and is easier to compile into an SFS.
• Privacy policy and logging – critical for seasoned users who choose EasyOS for its security pedigree.

Based on those criteria, the most suitable VPNs for EasyOS are:

1. Mullvad VPN – excellent WireGuard support, CLI-first, simple SFS packaging.
2. ProtonVPN – offers both OpenVPN and WireGuard, plus a Python-based CLI.
3. NordVPN – provides a standalone Linux DEB with a minimal GUI and CLI.
4. AirVPN – includes the Eddie Qt client that can be repackaged as an SFS.
5. Private Internet Access – supports WireGuard and OpenVPN via easy scripts.

Comparison Table

1. Mullvad VPN: Installation Configuration

Mullvad’s lightweight approach is ideal for EasyOS. You can download their SFS module directly and load it at boot.

Download the SFS and move it into your local SFS directory:

wget https://mullvad.net/download/easyos/mullvad-latest.sfs -O ~/EasyOS/pup_rofs/mullvad.sfs
  

Edit /etc/fstab (via Easy Manager → System → fstab) to auto-mount:

/home/you/EasyOS/pup_rofs/mullvad.sfs /union/mullvad.sfs squashfs ro 0 0
  

Once rebooted, initialise WireGuard:

wg-quick up mullvad
  

Configure your WireGuard profile by copying the Mullvad conf file into /etc/wireguard/ and adjusting the IP address if needed.

2. ProtonVPN: Installation Configuration

ProtonVPN provides a DEB package. Convert it to PET and install with Puppy tools.

Download and convert:

wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/pool/main/p/protonvpn-cli/protonvpn-cli_3.2.0_all.deb
alien -t protonvpn-cli_3.2.0_all.deb
mv protonvpn-cli_3.2.0_all.tgz protonvpn-cli.pet
pet install protonvpn-cli.pet
  

Initial setup of the CLI:

protonvpn-cli login your.protonmail@domain.com
protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard
  

To connect automatically at each boot, add to /opt/bootlocal.sh:

protonvpn-cli c -f
  

3. NordVPN: Installation Configuration

NordVPN offers a DEB installer that you can convert for EasyOS. Their GTK frontend is optional.

Download, convert, and install:

wget https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/n/nordvpn/nordvpn_3.14.0-1_amd64.deb
alien -t nordvpn_3.14.0-1_amd64.deb
mv nordvpn_3.14.0-1_amd64.tgz nordvpn.pet
pet install nordvpn.pet
  

Log in and enable the service:

nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn connect
  

To start NordVPN at boot, append the connect command to /opt/bootlocal.sh.

Each of these VPNs can be tuned further—split tunnelling, custom DNS and so on—but this should get you started on EasyOS. Combining EasyOS’s modular SFS approach with a lean CLI-centred VPN ensures both performance and privacy without unnecessary GUI baggage.