How to choose, use and configure a VPN in openmamba GNU/Linux (Tutorial)

Choosing the Right VPN for openmamba GNU/Linux

openmamba GNU/Linux is a lean, RPM-based distro built around the Mamba package manager and a classic SysV init system rather than systemd. It’s popular with advanced Linux users who favour lightweight desktop environments such as EDE (the Enlightenment Development Environment), Xfce or KDE Plasma—environments where every megabyte and CPU cycle counts. When selecting a VPN for openmamba, you’ll want one that offers:

Native RPM or generic Linux packages (to integrate smoothly with mamba or rpm).
A command-line interface (GUI clients often depend on systemd or GTK libraries you may not have).
Support for OpenVPN or WireGuard (both compile cleanly on openmamba’s toolchain).
Minimal background services (so you can monitor and control processes with classic SysV runlevels).

Most Suitable VPNs for openmamba

After testing various providers against those criteria, the following stand out:

NordVPN – provides an .rpm repo, solid CLI, supports OpenVPN amp NordLynx (WireGuard).
ProtonVPN – official RPM package for SUSE/Fedora works fine, full CLI tool, OpenVPN amp WireGuard.
Mullvad – offers generic Linux binaries plus an RPM excellent WireGuard support and minimal dependencies.
ExpressVPN – ships an .rpm, GUI optional, CLI works standalone, OpenVPN amp Lightway.
Surfshark – generic Linux tarball or RPM CLI only, WireGuard amp OpenVPN.

Comparison Table

VPN	Protocols	Linux Support	Native RPM	CLI Tool	GUI App
NordVPN	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)	Fedora, OpenSUSE RPMs	Yes	Yes	Yes (GTK)
ProtonVPN	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Fedora, OpenSUSE RPMs	Yes	Yes	No (CLI only)
Mullvad	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Generic Linux, RPM	Yes	Yes	No (GTK optional via Flatpak)
ExpressVPN	OpenVPN, Lightway	Fedora RPM	Yes	Yes	Yes (Electron)
Surfshark	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Generic Linux tarball, RPM	Yes	Yes	No (CLI only)

Installation and Configuration Guides

NordVPN

NordVPN’s RPM repository integrates nicely with mamba. This CLI-first approach avoids any systemd dependencies.

# 1. Import NordVPN GPG key amp add repo
sudo rpm --import https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc
sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/nordvpn.repo ltlt EOF
[nordvpn]
name=NordVPN Stable
baseurl=https://repo.nordvpn.com/yum/nordvpn/linux
enabled=1
gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc
EOF

# 2. Refresh package database amp install
sudo mamba refresh
sudo mamba install nordvpn

# 3. Log in amp connect
nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology NordLynx
nordvpn connect

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN publishes a Fedora/OpenSUSE RPM that installs its Python-based CLI tool. It works smoothly without systemd services.

# 1. Download the official RPM
wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/fedora/ProtonVPN-stable.repo -O /etc/yum.repos.d/ProtonVPN.repo
sudo rpm --import https://repo.protonvpn.com/fedora/pool/Release.key

# 2. Refresh amp install
sudo mamba refresh
sudo mamba install protonvpn-cli

# 3. Initialize amp connect
protonvpn-cli login YOUR_PROTONMAIL_EMAIL
protonvpn-cli c --fastest
# Or select a country: protonvpn-cli c --cc US

Mullvad

Mullvad provides an RPM of its CLI/downloader and strong WireGuard support. After installing, use your Mullvad account number to authenticate.

# 1. Fetch the latest RPM
wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/rpm/latest -O mullvad.rpm

# 2. Install with rpm (resolves deps via mamba)
sudo rpm -Uvh mullvad.rpm

# 3. Authenticate and connect
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
mullvad wireguard generate
mullvad connect

All three solutions play well with openmamba’s lightweight stack, giving you strong encryption, easy command-line control and the ability to run without the overhead of systemd services or heavyweight desktop integrations.

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