Choosing the Right VPN for Kwort Linux
In a London office where I help power users wrangle minimal distros such as Kwort Linux, VPN selection isn’t a mere checkbox. Kwort is a Slackware-inspired distribution, managed via its kb package manager and supervised by the runit init system—no systemd in sight. It appeals to seasoned admins who favour lean builds, often running XFCE or Openbox with manually curated dotfiles. That means any VPN solution must:
- Install cleanly via
kbor straightforward scripts - Work without systemd services (Runit-friendly)
- Offer CLI or light GUI which doesn’t drag in bulky Qt/GTK toolchains
- Provide OpenVPN configs or a self-contained client
Based on those criteria, the standout candidates are:
- Mullvad – OpenVPN config files, privacy-focused, no-daemon install
- ProtonVPN – Official CLI, Python-based, no systemd dependency
- ExpressVPN – Generic Linux installer, offers a .tar run script and OpenVPN configs
Quick Comparison
| Service | Protocol Support | Client Type | Package Format | Systemd-free? | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | OpenVPN, WireGuard | Config files community scripts | ZIP (configs), standalone scripts | Yes | Mullvad Linux |
| ProtonVPN | OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Python CLI | pip | Yes | ProtonVPN CLI |
| ExpressVPN | Lightway, OpenVPN | Shell script installer client binary | tar.gz | Yes | ExpressVPN Linux |
1. Installing Mullvad via OpenVPN
Mullvad’s official client is systemd-centric, but you can run it simply with OpenVPN. First, pull OpenVPN from the Kwort repo:
# kb update # kb install openvpn unzip
Next, download and extract Mullvad’s OpenVPN ZIP bundle:
wget https://mullvad.net/download/openvpn-config.zip unzip openvpn-config.zip -d ~/mullvad-config
Connect using your account number (replace ACCOUNTID and choose a server file, e.g., us-sea.conf):
# openvpn --config ~/mullvad-config/us-sea.conf
--auth-user-pass
That’s it—no extra daemons, purely OpenVPN under runit.
2. Installing ProtonVPN CLI
ProtonVPN provides a Python CLI which sits nicely on Kwort. You won’t need systemd the client uses simple subprocess calls. First, install Python and pip:
# kb update
# kb install python3 python3-pip
Then install the ProtonVPN CLI:
# pip3 install protonvpn-cli
Initialize and log in (you’ll be prompted for your ProtonVPN credentials):
protonvpn-cli --init
# protonvpn-cli login your_protonvpn_username
To connect:
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest
Manage sessions easily with protonvpn-cli disconnect and protonvpn-cli status.
3. Installing ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN publishes a generic Linux tarball that works without systemd. Grab the installer:
wget https://www.expressvpn.works/clients/linux/expressvpn_latest.tar.gz
tar xzf expressvpn_latest.tar.gz
# cd expressvpn
# ./install.sh
Authenticate and connect:
# expressvpn activate
# expressvpn connect
ExpressVPN also provides expressvpn disconnect and expressvpn list for server selection.
Final Thoughts
Kwort Linux isn’t a one-click distro, so any VPN you pick must operate cleanly without systemd and avoid heavyweight GUI dependencies. In my experience, leveraging OpenVPN configs (Mullvad) or Python-based CLI tools (ProtonVPN) delivers the most reliable, jargon-free results. For a commercial client with an easy installer, ExpressVPN also holds up—just ensure you run it under runit.
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