Trying to install VPN and these are the instructions Mullvad is giving me. This is ridiculous. There must be a more simple way. I know how to follow the instructions but I have no idea what I’m doing here. Can’t I just download a file and install it? I’m on Ubuntu.
Also note that Mullvad has a pretty technical user base and target audience, and thus their documentation is likely geared towards them. You could also consider using Mozilla VPN, which offers pretty much the same advantages (they use Mullvad’s servers), at the same price if you pay annually, and is easier to use.
Oh actually, looking at the Ubuntu installation docs, that doesn’t really seem to be much easier - that’s a disappointment :/
Although if you don’t mind running one terminal command (specifically, sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mozillacorp/mozillavpn), I think after that you should just be able to use the Ubuntu App Center to install software - which usually is the way to install software in Ubuntu, and works similar to app stores on phones.
it’s just a fuckin step by step guide on how to add their repo to the sources.list
What’s so technical about it? It’s how you install everything on Ubuntu.
No knowing how apt works, is equivalent to not understanding why grandma_pics.zip.exe is probably a virus. If you’re that uninformed, we can’t help you.
Self-updating apps aren’t a big thing on Linux, so the Windows way isn’t an option…
The signing key is important for security reasons, so you definitely need to add that. After adding the repo you can just use Synaptic or whatever app store thingy Ubuntu uses.
Most of the time you shouldn’t need to fiddle with the command line and the apps you will need are available through the Software Centre and the entire process will work like on Windows.
For me, Linux was the first operating system I used that had an app store or software centre and I was pretty glad to not need to…
Hello new Linux user! So yes, your correct when installing apps on Linux sometimes you might need to do it via command line other times you’ll get a nice install file you can double click. It’s really down too the software manufacturers on how they choose to package it.
In general with Linux you’ll find there’s still a lot of command line usage compared to Windows or osx. On those platforms for most users they would barely touch a terminal except in some kind of bug fixing emergency.
Some distros come with their own app store built in (like the windows or osx app store) and allow you to install a bunch of apps via the gui.
What version of Linux did you go for out of interest? Some are much more beginner and use friendly than others.
There indeed is an app store from where I installed few apps before. I need to check if they have Mullvad there. I do much prefer installing apps thru a GUI. While I know how to follow instructions and copy & paste these commands into terminal, it’s frustrating as I have no idea what any of these does. I might just aswell be unknowingly installing a keylogger or something.
I have no idea what any of these does. I might just aswell be unknowingly installing a keylogger or something.
This actually applies to windows GUI installers just the same. You really don’t know what you’re installing either, although you do usually give it administrator permission to make changes to the system. In some way it’s even worse, it’s “running commands” and hiding it from you.
That is a good mindset and you should hold on to it. Of course a gui can install a keylogger for you just as easily if not more so.
Trusted install sources, usually called repositories, are the way. Chances of malware exist, but they would require some spectacular shenanigans or conspiracies to set up.
With a GUI you also don’t know what it does. Its the same situation, you just click a button that runs the code instead of copying and pasting the code in the terminal. (And I would say the latter is safer because it is more transparent (for those who want to figure it out)).
Yeah no, generally you just copypaste the software website’s instructions. Many programs can be installed through the app store (or equivalent install commands) but a lot of aoftware you just gotta copypaste the code. Many also just provide an inataller.
The meme about linux software being much easier to install is true in some cases, but mostly bullshit. even if its just sudo apt install vlc you generally still want to check the website to make sure its the best way, or you end ip with an out of date version.
Updating software on linux is better pretty much automatic without annoying popups most of the time though.
Yeah, well, linux is great, but people seem to rarely give the full disclaimer. So people end up disappointed, go back to windows and end up thinking you need to be hackerman to be able to use it. Or they do end up learning everything, think they’re hackerman and tell everyone in the world how linux is just sooo much better and easier because theyve been using it since 1969 or whatever.
My view: Your grandma could comfortably work on linux. It’s when you need stuff beyond the most basic aoftware that there’s a much steeper learning curve than windows. You fuck up, your system implodes. Once you’re balls deep into computers, lets say software development, linux becomes easier and more useful again. Its that middle group of average users who have the hardest time.
As a side note, dealing with adding repos and keys and all that is something I will never miss from apt. I use Arch and installing things is usually as simple as… well let me check.
<span style="color:#323232;">$ yay mullvad
</span><span style="color:#323232;">...
</span><span style="color:#323232;">2 aur/mullvad-vpn-bin 2023.6-1 (+86 1.36)
</span><span style="color:#323232;"> The Mullvad VPN client app for desktop
</span><span style="color:#323232;">1 aur/mullvad-vpn 2023.6-1 (+126 2.10)
</span><span style="color:#323232;"> The Mullvad VPN client app for desktop
</span><span style="color:#323232;">==> Packages to install (eg: 1 2 3, 1-3 or ^4)
</span><span style="color:#323232;">==> _
</span>
And it’s option 1. So easy. Type 1 and press enter and you’re done.
Both options will install the Mullvad client from the AUR. (If you use an arch derivative, that already tells you some things. If you don't, then you are missing some context.) The first option will install from binary, the second will compile from source. Which you choose is up to you.
If you blindly chose one over the other because you didn't know, worst case you end up being impatient if it takes awhile to compile from source.
That is simple. About as simple as it gets. The more complex method involves figuring out what VPN software Mullvad really uses, figuring out your keying material, fighting with NetworkManager…
For better or for worse, the widespread methods are not at all similar to the methods sometimes used in Linux. It’s just a fact that most people are accustomed to different ways
Yeah, how Ubuntu is supposed to be noob friendly and continues to be recommended blows my mind. Seems like every stupid app you want to install needs you to add a ppa that is almost guaranteed to break on the next major update. And ugh snaps …
Not specific to Mullvad, but you can use flatpak or your distro’s package manager (probably apt) to install programs, On Ubuntu, you can open the software program and search the programs to install it, that should be the first thing to do when you want to install something rather than going to the website.
My advice is get zorin or popos and see if there is installer in their software store. I am a new user like you are well and this sense to be common, i resroted to keep it on old laptop ,as server so in install and thin necessary things and then dinner user it at all. Linux Community on Lemmy is humbug, they will downvote as soon as you say Linux is not for regular person
I know you're on ubuntu, but installing programs depends on your distribution. Some programs are in your software library, some aren't. But there will always be a way to get the program. For instance, I use Gentoo and Mullvad. The way I set it up is with Wireguard so I control it through the terminal, this is because Gentoo has no mullvad app. Otherwise, you can often add new libraries to your system. Again, on Gentoo Steam is not in my repository by default. So, I added the steam repository to my system so I could get it. For Mullvad, I'm pretty sure they offer a deb package, which Ubuntu can use. Otherwise, some other distributions offer a mullvad app in their repository by default. Try other distributions and see what clicks. A lot of linux is experimentation. I personally prefer doing a lot of things fairly manully, so I use Gentoo with essentially only a terminal for control. Linux Mint, Devian, Arch, Void, Nix, Gentoo; there's tons of choices so there's going to be something that you click with.
If Mullvad is not available as a Snap or Flatpak (2 ways of installing self-sufficient auto-updateable packages without dependencies on other packages) then youre probably stuck with either adding this 3rd party repository (something which isn’t always recommendable either) which gives you automatic updates or using a .deb installation file like you would probably prefer and then manually retrieving updates when needed.
Anyways, others have told you as much already anyways. What I’d like to add is that it is definitely worth it to learn to work the terminal. I get that there are many people looking for an alternative to Windows or just an open approach to computing in general without looking for added complexity. Who wants complexity right? Whether such an experience exists in the Linux world is probably subjective. Ubuntu has definitely been a safe bet for the flattest learning curve required since its inception in 2004. But its still a niche thing that won’t experience user-friendly support from everyone (ie Mullvad).
So one could conclude that in order to truly be “free” (as in Free Software freedom) one needs to claim that freedom. You will fuck things up. You will learn from your mistakes. You will regroup and you will grow as a user and dare I say PC-curious person.
Change your distribution to MX Linux and use MX Package Installer there. Select Mullvad VPN from "Popular Apps" tab there and MXPI will do all these steps for you.
It’s copy and pasting 5 lines into the terminal and hitting enter. It’s not that hard. If it’s not worth the 15 seconds of ‘work’ you probably don’t need the software that badly.
And it’s not the default. Usually you shouldn’t add random software sources and download software from some websites. Your Linux package manager should be the source for software. (Software Manager / Store / Synaptics, … whatever Ubuntu calls it) It installs software with one or two clicks with the mouse, the software there is tested and tied into the rest of the systems and tens of thousands of packages are available. No malware guaranteed, and updates are handled automatically.
And with other Operating systems it’s also ridiculous: You need to find the website of some software, avoid malware and copycats that advertise similar software with ads, click download, click ‘yes’ I accept a download with a harmful extension. Then you need to open the file manager and double click on it. Then a window opens and you need to click ‘next’. Accept the terms. Give permission to install and maybe remove a few ticks and choose a location. I’d say it’s about the same amount of work and the downside is it doesn’t necessarily handle updates and security fixes.
I think Ubuntu doesn’t have Mullvad available in their own repository. I took another approach and imported their settings/profile into the VPN/network manager that is available per default on many Linux distributions. No install required at all. But importing the settings isn’t easier, so YMMV here. And I think you have to create a profile for each and every country/endpoint which is a bit cumbersome, depending on what you’re trying to do with the VPN.
It’s copy and pasting 5 lines into the terminal and hitting enter. It’s not that hard. If it’s not worth the 15 seconds of ‘work’ you probably don’t need the software that badly.
Telling people to just run random code they found on the internet and don’t understand is really bad advice.
But how do you think you install software on Windows? You download a random installer from the internet and double-click it. The installer is an executable file and runs some code on your computer to set up the software. I’d argue it’s exactly the same.
In the one instance you copy and paste code and run it. In the other instance you execute an installer that also contains the random code. And you can’t even have a look what happens.
The real issue is: You have to trust the vendor. If you don’t trust Mullvad, don’t run their 5 lines of code. But you then also shouldn’t install their software and not run their windows installer. I don’t see a way around this ‘trust’ issue.
The proper way of course would be a standardised process that also confines the software into containers with minimal permissions. Something like Android Apps. In theory you could add a default update process so the vendor just needs to define an update server in the (apk) installer file. Google didn’t do this, but they want people to use their Play Store. And I don’t think we have a permission system that is actively used on any of the major desktop operating systems, anyways.
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