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

Why These VPNs Suit Zenwalk Linux

Zenwalk Linux (formerly Minislack) is a Slackware-derived, lightweight distribution optimised for speed and simplicity. It uses the classic pkgtool package manager alongside community helpers like slapt-get or slpkg, and typically ships with Xfce as its flagship desktop (though many users opt for IceWM, Fluxbox or LXDE). Zenwalk users are comfortable at the console, expect minimal dependencies, and prize static or self-contained binaries over bulky GUI suites.

When choosing a VPN for Zenwalk, keep in mind:

Minimal dependencies: Avoid VPNs that rely on heavy QT or GTK stacks.
Static or portable binaries: Slackware’s philosophy favours tarballs and self-contained installers.
CLI-first tools: Xfce/Fluxbox users will appreciate command-line control.
Protocol flexibility: OpenVPN or WireGuard support is essential.

Comparison of Top VPN Providers for Zenwalk

VPN	Encryption	Protocols	Zenwalk Packaging	Key Features
ProtonVPN	AES-256-GCM	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Official .tar.gz pip installer for CLI tool	Zero-logs, strong privacy, free tier available
Mullvad	ChaCha20-Poly1305	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Official tarball (static) minimal dependencies	Anonymous account system, port-forwarding, bridge relays
NordVPN	AES-256-GCM	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	.rpm/.deb only—requires conversion (rpm2tgz or debtap)	Obfuscated servers, double VPN, large server fleet
Private Internet Access	AES-128-GCM / AES-256-GCM	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Generic .tar.gz with GUI CLI scripts	MACE ad-blocker, SOCKS5 proxy, PIA MIMO

Installing and Configuring ProtonVPN on Zenwalk

ProtonVPN provides a Python-based CLI installer and a static tarball. We’ll use the CLI tool for speed.

Ensure you have Python 3 and pip:

# slapt-get --update
# slapt-get --install python3 python3-pip

Install the official ProtonVPN CLI:

# pip3 install protonvpn-cli

Initialize and log in:

 protonvpn-cli login your_protonvpn_username

Connect to the fastest server:

 protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

To disconnect:

 protonvpn-cli disconnect

Installing and Configuring Mullvad on Zenwalk

Mullvad distributes a portable, static CLI client that works brilliantly on Slackware-style systems.

Download the latest Linux CLI tarball:

 wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/linux/latest/mullvad-cli__x86_64.tar.gz

Extract and move to /usr/local/bin:

 tar xzf mullvad-cli__x86_64.tar.gz
 chmod  x mullvad
# mv mullvad /usr/local/bin/

Generate or supply your Mullvad account number:

 mullvad account create

Connect with WireGuard:

# mullvad connect wireguard

Check status:

 mullvad status

Disconnect:

# mullvad disconnect

Conclusion

For Zenwalk’s no-frills, speed-oriented environment, both ProtonVPN and Mullvad shine with minimal dependencies, strong security and CLI-first workflows. NordVPN and PIA are viable but require extra steps (converting .rpm/.deb packages or dragging in a GUI stack). Pick the solution that best fits your comfort with the command line, and you’ll have rock-solid privacy on your Zenwalk desktop or laptop.

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