Choosing a VPN for Slax

Slax is a lean, modular Linux distribution originally born from Slackware but now based on Debian in its recent releases. It boots entirely into RAM, loading applications as compressed modules (.lzm or .sb), and offers both KDE Plasma and Fluxbox desktops by default. It’s popular among power users who want a portable OS on USB drives, minimal disk writes, and a blazing-fast experience. Under the hood, Slax uses the apt/dpkg toolchain (for Slax 11 ) or Slackware’s installpkg (for older versions), but you’ll typically manage software in Debian style once you enable persistence.

When selecting a VPN for Slax, consider:

• Package format: .deb packages install easily via dpkg, which you can then snapshot as a module.
• Dependencies: stick to VPNs with minimal library demands to avoid bulky modules.
• CLI tools: a command-line interface works better on a distro that often lacks a full fat desktop environment.
• Kernel compatibility: Slax uses a recent 5.x kernel, so WireGuard support is built-in.

Recommended VPNs for Slax

• ExpressVPN – Official .deb, straightforward CLI, supports OpenVPN and Lightway.
• NordVPN – Official .deb, robust CLI, nice integration with Linux network manager.
• Mullvad – .deb and portable binary, WireGuard-first approach ideal for kernel support.
• ProtonVPN – Python-based CLI client installable via pip, integrates WireGuard and OpenVPN.
• Private Internet Access – Official .deb, CLI GUI, OpenVPN and WireGuard support.

Comparison Table

Installing Configuring Top Picks

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides an official Debian package and a polished CLI. After downloading the .deb, you can install it, log in and connect.

Steps:

1. Download the .deb from the official site:

wget https://www.expressvpn.com/download/client/linux/deb/expressvpn_latest_amd64.deb
    

2. Install with dpkg and fix dependencies:

sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_latest_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get install -f
    

3. Activate your subscription (you’ll need the activation code):

expressvpn activate YOUR_ACTIVATION_CODE
    

4. Connect to a server:

expressvpn connect
    

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s Debian package includes its own CLI tool. The process is similar to ExpressVPN.

1. Download and install the repo package:

wget https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/n/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb
sudo dpkg -i nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb
sudo apt-get update
    

2. Install the client:

sudo apt-get install nordvpn
    

3. Log in and connect:

nordvpn login
nordvpn connect
    

3. Mullvad

Mullvad is lightweight and puts WireGuard first, which plays nicely with Slax’s modern kernel. You can grab the .deb or the static binary.

1. Download the .deb:

wget https://github.com/mullvad/mullvad-vpn-app/releases/download/v2023.7/mullvad-vpn_2023.7-1_amd64.deb
    

2. Install and resolve deps:

sudo dpkg -i mullvad-vpn_2023.7-1_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get install -f
    

3. Start the daemon and log in:

sudo mullvad-daemon 
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
    

4. Bring up a WireGuard tunnel:

mullvad tunnel up
    

Each of these VPNs can be converted into a Slax module (using dir2lzm or lzm2dir) so you can carry them on a USB stick. Happy browsing, and stay secure!