How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Namib GNU/Linux (Comparison)

Introduction to VPNs on Namib GNU/Linux

Namib GNU/Linux is a lean, Arch-inspired distribution maintained by a small but passionate community. It uses pacman as its package manager, employs runit for init and service supervision, and typically ships with lightweight desktops such as Xfce, i3 or MATE. Aimed at power users, it avoids systemd in favour of a modular, fast-booting approach. When selecting a VPN for Namib, you want a provider that:

Offers an official or well-maintained community package in pacman/AUR format
Supports init systems beyond systemd (i.e. runit)
Has a minimal daemon footprint and clear CLI tooling
Maintains a strict no-logs policy and modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN)

Most Suitable VPNs for Namib

Based on Namib’s emphasis on simplicity, speed and runit compatibility, the top contenders are:

Mullvad VPN – Brilliant CLI app, WireGuard-first and community AUR support.
ProtonVPN – Official Arch package, systemd-free runit service file available, excellent privacy focus.
NordVPN – Widely used, offers OpenVPN and NordLynx, AUR package maintained by community.

Comparison Table

VPN Provider	Protocols	runit Support	No-Logs Policy	GUI/CLI	Link
Mullvad VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Community runit service	Audited no-logs	CLI, GTK frontend	mullvad.net
ProtonVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Official runit unit file	Strict no-logs	CLI (ncurses), Gtk	protonvpn.com
NordVPN	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	Community runit scripts	Certified no-logs	CLI only	nordvpn.com
Surfshark	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Community runit	No-logs	CLI	surfshark.com
IVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Manual runit setup	No-logs	CLI	ivpn.net

Installation Configuration

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s Linux client is available as an AUR package, complete with a runit service script contributed by the community.

Steps to install:

# Ensure base-devel and git are installed
sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git

# Clone the AUR repository and build
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/mullvad-vpn.git
cd mullvad-vpn
makepkg -si

Enable and start the runit service:

# Link the service directory into /var/service
sudo ln -s /etc/sv/mullvad-vpn /var/service/

# Check status
mullvad status

# Connect to the nearest server
mullvad connect

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN provides an official community-endorsed Arch package and runit service file in its GitHub repository.

Install via pacman:

# Add the ProtonVPN repo to /etc/pacman.conf:
# [protonvpn]
# Server = https://repo.protonvpn.com/arch/

sudo pacman -Sy protonvpn

# Verify installation
protonvpn version

Create a runit service directory and enable it:

# Clone the service scripts
sudo mkdir -p /etc/sv/protonvpn
sudo git clone https://github.com/YourUser/protonvpn-runit-service.git /etc/sv/protonvpn

# Enable
sudo ln -s /etc/sv/protonvpn /var/service/

# Login and connect
protonvpn login your-email@example.com
protonvpn connect --fastest

NordVPN

NordVPN offers a binary package in AUR. You can integrate a simple runit wrapper or manage it manually using the CLI.

Installation via AUR:

# Build and install nordvpn-bin
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/nordvpn-bin.git
cd nordvpn-bin
makepkg -si

Set up auto-start (example runit script):

# Create service directory sudo mkdir -p /etc/sv/nordvpn # Copy a simple run script cat

With the above options, Namib GNU/Linux users can enjoy rock-solid privacy, lightning-fast WireGuard tunnels and effortless integration into their runit-powered setup. Tinker with configuration files in /etc/mullvad-vpn or /etc/protonvpn for advanced routing, and you’re all set.

Happy, secure browsing!

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