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

VPN Considerations for paldo GNU/Linux

paldo GNU/Linux is a rolling-release, semi-source distribution that uses the Upkg package manager (with packages in .pisi format). It’s aimed at advanced users who appreciate build-time optimisations, flexibility and lightweight desktop setups (you’ll often find XFCE, KDE Plasma, GNOME or LXDE running atop a SysV-style init). Network configuration is usually handled via NetworkManager, and most core networking components—like openvpn—are available in the official repos.

Because paldo doesn’t provide out-of-the-box packages for many commercial VPN clients, the ideal providers are those that either:

Offer standard .ovpn configuration bundles (usable with openvpn or NetworkManager).
Publish a generic Linux AppImage or tarball that runs on any distro.
Provide a standalone Python-based CLI installer (pip-installable).

Recommended VPN Providers for paldo

VPN	Linux Support	Protocols	Package / Repo	Client Type
Mullvad VPN	OpenVPN configs amp generic tarball	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Download tar.gz from website	CLI, GUI via NetworkManager
ProtonVPN	Python CLI (pip install)	OpenVPN, WireGuard	pip	CLI
IVPN	Linux AppImage	OpenVPN, WireGuard	AppImage download	GUI CLI

Deep Dive: Installation Configuration

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad is ideal if you want straightforward .ovpn support or a self-contained tarball. You can either import configs into NetworkManager or use the command line with openvpn.

1. Install prerequisites:

sudo upkg install openvpn network-manager-openvpn network-manager-openvpn-gnome unzip wget

2. Download and extract Mullvad’s OpenVPN configs:

wget https://mullvad.net/download/openvpn-config -O mullvad-config.zip
unzip mullvad-config.zip -d ~/mullvad-configs

3. Copy configs into /etc/openvpn/client/ (for systemd-managed OpenVPN) or import via NetworkManager GUI:

sudo cp ~/mullvad-configs/.ovpn /etc/openvpn/client/
sudo systemctl start openvpn-client@se-Stockholm.conf

Alternatively, launch an OpenVPN session directly:

sudo openvpn --config ~/mullvad-configs/se-seed1-wireguard.ovpn

ProtonVPN (CLI)

ProtonVPN’s Python CLI is perfect when you want terminal control without relying on distro-specific packages.

1. Install pip and dependencies:

sudo upkg install python3 python3-pip

2. Install the official CLI tool:

pip3 install --user protonvpn-cli

3. Initialise and log in:

~/.local/bin/protonvpn-cli --init
# follow prompts to enter ProtonVPN credentials and default settings
~/.local/bin/protonvpn-cli c --fastest

IVPN (AppImage)

IVPN provides an AppImage that runs on paldo without extra dependencies, offering both GUI and CLI controls.

cd ~/Downloads
wget https://www.ivpn.net/release/ivpn.AppImage
chmod  x ivpn.AppImage
# Run the GUI directly:
./ivpn.AppImage
# Or install for system-wide use:
./ivpn.AppImage --install
sudo ln -s /usr/local/bin/ivpn /usr/bin/ivpn
ivpn login
ivpn connect

After connecting, verify your new IP:

curl https://ifconfig.me

Conclusion

On paldo GNU/Linux, flexibility and minimalism are key. By choosing a VPN that provides standard .ovpn bundles, a generic Linux AppImage or a pip-installable CLI, you avoid the pitfalls of distro-locked installers. Mullvad, ProtonVPN and IVPN tick all the boxes—select the one whose workflow best matches your paldo setup and enjoy secure, private browsing.

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