Linux: Set up OpenVPN - how it works
OpenVPN can be set up in Linux in just a few steps. Among other things, it helps to protect yourself against eavesdroppers, which is particularly important in a public WLAN. We show you how you can protect yourself in our practical tip.
OpenVPN under Linux: select VPN provider
Before you can set up OpenVPN under Linux, you need a VPN provider that gives you access. You should pay attention to these points when choosing your provider:
- Price: A good VPN provider may cost a little more than a very cheap provider. Make sure that the price is appropriate for your needs.
- OpenVPN support: Not all providers support the OpenVPN protocol. If you are dependent on OpenVPN, ask the provider if in doubt. Other VPN protocols can also be used under Linux, eg Cisco VPN with vpnc.
- Data protection: If data protection is important to you, you should take a closer look at the corresponding points in the terms and conditions. A VPN provider potentially has access to all of your traffic. However, the provider cannot easily access encrypted connections such as online banking. Still, you have to trust your VPN provider.
- Speed: Pay attention to a reasonable speed. If you want to transfer large amounts of data, you also need the corresponding throughput rate. If only emails are sent and text is sent, a slow connection is sufficient. If necessary, use free trial periods to try out VPN performance.
- Location of the VPN: Many VPN providers have IP addresses in different countries. You should pay attention to this if you want to surf via a VPN with an IP address from a specific country. If you also want to use your VPN when traveling, the country selection is also crucial.
Linux: Install OpenVPN
OpenVPN is not installed by default on all Linux systems. To do this, use the tools of your Linux distribution. If you need help with this, you should check the documentation for your distro.
- Start your package manager.
- Install the OpenVPN package.
- If necessary, install packages to integrate OpenVPN with your network manager. Under Linux Mint this is for example the network-manager-openvpn package for the network manager under Cinnamon and Gnome.
- To avoid problems, restart the system.
Linux: Set up OpenVPN
When all the preparations are done, you can set up OpenVPN on Linux. These instructions refer to the standard network manager (network manager with nm applet) under Linux Mint. Note: The exact configuration may differ depending on the VPN provider. Some providers such as NordVPN, for example, provide config files that you can easily integrate in the network manager via "File" -> "Import VPN".
- Make sure that you already have a working internet connection.
- Click on the network icon in the task bar and select "Network Connections" from the menu.
- Click on "Add".
- Select "OpenVPN" as the connection type.
- In the settings window you now have to enter the data that your VPN provider provides.
- Note: With some providers, you use different user data for the VPN connection than for logging into the web interface.
- If possible, use CA authentication. To do this, you need to download the provider's certificate and select it in the dialog. Be sure to save the file in a location where you don't accidentally delete it.
- In the top field you can freely choose the connection name.
Start and end the OpenVPN connection
Once OpenVPN is set up, you can easily connect and disconnect on Linux.
- Click the network icon again.
- A category VPN now appears under the wired and wireless network connections.
- Click on the desired VPN network.
- If everything is set up correctly, you will receive a system message that the connection has been successfully established.
- As long as the connection is established, a lock appears next to the network symbol, which indicates the VPN connection.
- To disconnect, simply click the network icon again and then click the on / off switch next to the "VPN connections" heading.
In the next practical tip, we will explain what a VPN connection is all about: What is a VPN connection?