How to choose, use and configure a VPN in OB2D Linux (formerly B2D Linux) (My opinion)

Choosing the Right VPN for OB2D Linux

OB2D Linux (formerly B2D Linux) is a Debian-based distribution tailored to intermediate and advanced users who value privacy, performance and stability. It uses the APT package manager (apt, dpkg) out of the box, and by default ships with Xfce or Cinnamon desktop environments (with community spins offering i3, Sway or MATE). Under the hood you’ll find systemd for init, systemd-resolved for DNS management and netplan for network abstraction—so any VPN solution must play nicely with those components.

Given OB2D’s target audience—network-savvy technicians, privacy enthusiasts and developers—a VPN with a native Debian repo or a first-class CLI and systemd integration is essential. You also want:

Automatic DNS leak protection via systemd-resolved or custom hooks.
Support for WireGuard (or NordLynx) for low-latency performance with modern kernels.
Debian packages or a streamlined install script to avoid source-compiling OpenVPN or WireGuard manually.
Optional GUI front-ends for Xfce/Cinnamon sessions.

The VPNs best suited for OB2D Linux meet those criteria:

Mullvad – official Debian repo, first-class WireGuard support, mullvad-vpn CLI.
ProtonVPN – native protonvpn-cli package, OpenVPN amp WireGuard, GUI for GNOME/Cinnamon.
NordVPN – Debian repo, NordLynx (WireGuard variant), dedicated nordvpn client.
ExpressVPN – install script that sets up a DEB, works with systemd, GUI and CLI.

Comparison Table

Provider	Protocols	Debian Repo / Client	CLI Tool	Desktop GUI	Systemd Integration	Learn More
Mullvad	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Official apt repo	mullvad-vpn	No (CLI-only)	Automatic service units	Mullvad site
ProtonVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Official apt repo	protonvpn-cli	Yes (GTK3)	systemd-resolved hooks	ProtonVPN site
NordVPN	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	Official apt repo	nordvpn	Yes (Qt)	Built-in units amp timers	NordVPN site
ExpressVPN	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2	Install script → DEB	expressvpn	Yes (Electron)	Custom service files	ExpressVPN site

Installation amp Configuration

Mullvad VPN

The Mullvad CLI is lean, auto-configures systemd units and handles WireGuard keys for you.

1. Add Mullvad’s GPG key amp repo:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y apt-transport-https gnupg
curl -fsSL https://mullvad.net/media/deb/mullvad-vpn_signing_key.asc  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-archive-keyring.gpg
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-archive-keyring.gpg] https://mullvad.net/media/deb/ (lsb_release -cs) main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list
sudo apt update

2. Install and authenticate:

sudo apt install -y mullvad-vpn
# Retrieve your Mullvad account number from https://mullvad.net
mullvad login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER

3. Connecting:

# List all servers
mullvad relay list
# Connect to a specific country (e.g. us) via WireGuard
mullvad connect wireguard us
# Check status
mullvad status

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official CLI package supports WireGuard plus OpenVPN, and sets up DNS leak protection via systemd-resolved hooks.

1. Add the repo amp key:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y apt-transport-https gnupg2
curl -fsSL https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/protonvpn-archive-keyring.gpg
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/protonvpn-archive-keyring.gpg] https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list
sudo apt update

2. Install amp login:

sudo apt install -y protonvpn-cli
protonvpn-cli login you@your-email.com

3. Connect to a server:

# Quick connect (fastest available)
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest
# Or specify a country code
protonvpn-cli connect --cc US
# To use WireGuard by default
protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard

NordVPN

NordVPN offers the NordLynx protocol for performance and a polished Qt GUI for desktop users.

1. Add NordVPN’s repository:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y curl gnupg
curl -fsSL https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc  sudo gpg --dearmor 
  -o /usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg] 
  https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list
sudo apt update

2. Install amp initialize:

sudo apt install -y nordvpn
nordvpn login
# Enable NordLynx
nordvpn set technology NordLynx

3. Usage examples:

nordvpn connect US
nordvpn status
nordvpn disconnect

Each of these VPNs integrates cleanly with OB2D’s systemd-based networking, ensures DNS leaks are prevented via systemd-resolved or custom hooks, and gives you a choice of CLI or GUI depending on your workflow. Whether you stick to the command line in Xfce or prefer a graphical interface in Cinnamon, these providers have you covered on OB2D Linux.

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