How to choose, use and configure a VPN in LliureX (Tutorial)

Choosing the Right VPN for LliureX

LliureX, the Valencian Community’s Debian-based distro designed for schools and educational centres, has some unique traits. It relies on APT for package management, offers lightweight desktops like Xfce or MATE to run smoothly on older hardware, and comes with systemd, LightDM and custom network settings tuned for local LANs. Users tend to be students, teachers or administrators who value stability, simplicity and robust security.

Given those factors, the best VPNs for LliureX are those that:

Provide a Debian/Ubuntu-compatible APT repository or a .deb package.
Offer CLI tools or lightweight GUIs that integrate well with Xfce/MATE.
Include modern protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN) and systemd service files.
Have clear documentation for non-expert users.

Based on those criteria, the most suitable VPN services are:

ProtonVPN – official CLI tool, WireGuard support, clear docs.
Mullvad – strong privacy focus, .deb installer, supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN.
NordVPN – easy APT repository, systemd units, choice of GUI or CLI.

Comparison Table

Service	Protocol Support	Installation Method	CLI / GUI	Documentation
ProtonVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	APT repo apt install protonvpn-cli	CLI	Linux Guide
Mullvad	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Download .deb or add repo	CLI GUI	Mullvad Docs
NordVPN	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	APT repo apt install nordvpn	CLI GUI	Support Centre

Installing and Configuring the Top Picks

1. ProtonVPN (CLI)

ProtonVPN’s CLI is perfect for LliureX’s APT workflow and light desktops.

Step 1: Add the ProtonVPN repository and install

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y wget gnupg
wget -qO - https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c echo deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y protonvpn-cli

Step 2: Initialize and log in

protonvpn-cli login your_username
# Follow prompts to enter password or use OpenVPN credentials.
protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard

Step 3: Auto-connect on boot (systemd)

sudo systemctl enable protonvpn.service
# Edit /etc/systemd/system/protonvpn.service if you need custom options.

2. Mullvad (WireGuard OpenVPN)

Mullvad provides a .deb package and a simple GTK GUI that works well under Xfce or MATE.

Step 1: Download and install the .deb

wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/deb/latest -O mullvad.deb
sudo apt install -y ./mullvad.deb
sudo apt update

Step 2: Log in and choose protocol

mullvad account login your_mullvad_account_number
# For WireGuard
sudo mullvad tunnel wireguard
# For OpenVPN
sudo mullvad relay set auto openvpn
sudo mullvad relay set auto openvpn-protocol udp
sudo mullvad tunnel openvpn

Step 3: Enable the GUI (optional for students/teachers)

mullvad gui 
# Or create a desktop entry under /home/username/.local/share/applications/

3. NordVPN (CLI GUI)

NordVPN’s official package drops in cleanly via APT.

Step 1: Add NordVPN’s repo and install

Step 2: Log in, connect

nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology NordLynx
nordvpn connect

Step 3: Integration with the desktop

NordVPN adds a simple GTK tray icon which sits happily in Xfce’s panel. To autostart:

mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
cp /usr/share/applications/nordvpn.desktop ~/.config/autostart/

Conclusion

On LliureX, stability and ease of use are paramount. ProtonVPN’s CLI tool integrates seamlessly with APT and systemd, Mullvad’s .deb and GUI feel home in Xfce/MATE, and NordVPN offers both a polished GUI and command-line for power users. Any of these will secure school networks, protect student privacy and respect LliureX’s lightweight ethos.

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