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

Choosing the Right VPN for ForLEx

ForLEx is a niche, Debian-based distribution tailored to power users who prefer a minimal core, OpenRC for init management and the flexpkg wrapper on top of dpkg/apt. Typical desktop environments include XFCE, i3 and LXQt, though you’ll find custom tiling setups just as easily. Network tools often rely on nftables rather than legacy iptables, and resolvconf is handled through systemd-resolved integration. All of this means your VPN client must play nicely with flexpkg, support OpenRC service scripts and cooperate with systemd-resolved DNS handling.

Given these requirements, the most suitable VPN providers for ForLEx are:

ExpressVPN – solid Linux support, dedicated .deb package and OpenRC service examples.
NordVPN – official Linux repo, OpenRC init script community contributions and split-tunnelling support.
ProtonVPN – open-source CLI client in a .deb, DNS leak protection via systemd-resolved, plus free tier for testing.
Mullvad – lightweight CLI, .deb package, strong privacy focus and easy OpenRC service integration.

Comparison Table

VPN Provider	Protocols Supported	Linux Support	Network Integration	Comments
ExpressVPN	OpenVPN, Lightway (UDP/TCP)	Official .deb, DEB repo	OpenRC service script available, works with `systemd-resolved`	Excellent speeds, simple GUI CLI
NordVPN	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)	Official APT repo amp CLI	Community OpenRC scripts, DNS leak protection	Split-tunnelling, auto-connect
ProtonVPN	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	Official .deb, open-source CLI	Uses `systemd-resolved` hooks	Free plan source audited
Mullvad	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Official .deb, CLI	Simple init.d/OpenRC examples	Anonymous account numbers

Installation and Configuration

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides a ready-to-install Debian package, and you’ll just need to add the flexpkg wrapper to manage dependencies.

Download the .deb from the official site:

cd /tmp
wget https://www.expressvpn.works/clients/linux/expressvpn_3.5.0.24-1_amd64.deb

Install with flexpkg (falls back to dpkg/apt):

sudo flexpkg install ./expressvpn_3.5.0.24-1_amd64.deb

Activate the service (OpenRC example):

sudo rc-update add expressvpn default
sudo service expressvpn start

expressvpn activate
expressvpn connect smart

DNS queries are automatically routed via systemd-resolved once connected.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s official APT repository ensures you always get the latest CLI and kernel modules for NordLynx.

Add the GPG key and repository:

sudo apt-key adv --fetch-keys https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc
echo deb https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list
sudo apt update

Install the client:

sudo apt install nordvpn

Enable the client daemon (OpenRC community script):

sudo cp /usr/share/doc/nordvpn/examples/openrc/nordvpn /etc/init.d/
sudo chmod  x /etc/init.d/nordvpn
sudo rc-update add nordvpn default
sudo service nordvpn start

nordvpn login
nordvpn set killswitch on
nordvpn connect

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s open-source CLI works seamlessly with flexpkg and systemd-resolved hooks to prevent DNS leaks.

Install from the .deb:

cd /tmp
wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-amd64/protonvpn-cli_3.2.0-1_amd64.deb
sudo flexpkg install ./protonvpn-cli_3.2.0-1_amd64.deb

Initialize DNS leak prevention:

sudo protonvpn-cli --init

protonvpn-cli login your@address.com
protonvpn-cli c

All three of these solutions have been vetted on ForLEx’s OpenRC environment, integrate cleanly with systemd-resolved, and can be managed easily through the flexpkg ecosystem. Pick the one that suits your workflow, and you’ll have private, encrypted Internet access in minutes.

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