NordVPN Linux Setup Guide for Beginners

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Setting up NordVPN on Linux can seem daunting at first, but don't worry, it's actually quite straightforward.

To get started, you'll need to install the NordVPN Linux package, which can be done using the package manager of your choice, such as apt or yum.

First, update your package list to ensure you have the latest packages available. This is an important step to ensure you're installing the latest version of NordVPN.

The NordVPN Linux package is available for download from the official NordVPN website, but it's recommended to use the package manager to ensure you get the latest version and to avoid any potential issues with dependencies.

Logging In and Settings

Logging in to NordVPN on a Linux device is straightforward. You can log in using the command "nordvpn login".

If you're using a Linux device with a graphical user interface, you can log in and connect to a NordVPN server with the following commands:

  1. nordvpn login
  2. nordvpn connect

To connect to a specific server, you can use a command like "nordvpn connect uk715".

Account and Settings

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Once you're logged in to your NordVPN account, you can start managing your settings. You can connect to a specific server by using the command "nordvpn connect uk715", for example.

To disconnect from the VPN, use the command "nordvpn disconnect". This will immediately end your VPN connection.

To see your account information, simply use the command "nordvpn login" and you'll be taken to your account dashboard. From there, you can view your account details.

If you need to register a new user account, you'll need to follow NordVPN's registration process. This can be done through their website or mobile app.

The current settings can be viewed by using the command "nordvpn settings". This will show you the current configuration of your VPN connection.

To set a configuration option, you can use the command "nordvpn settings" followed by the specific option you want to change. For example, if you want to change the protocol to TCP, you would use the command "nordvpn settings protocol tcp".

Here are the main account and settings commands:

Auto Connect at Startup

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To set up auto connect at startup, you'll need to run a command in the terminal. This command will enable NordVPN to connect automatically to their servers when your Ubuntu device boots.

The command is: `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y && sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn-gnome -y`. Running this command will update your system and install the necessary packages for NordVPN to work.

After running the command, you'll see a message indicating that the feature has been successfully enabled. This means you'll be connected to NordVPN's servers as soon as your device boots up.

You can verify that auto connect is enabled by looking for the toggle under the VPN section in the Network Manager. If it's enabled, the toggle switch will turn green once connected.

Additional reading: Nord Vpn Update

Features and Configurations

You can customize your NordVPN experience on Linux by tweaking its features and configurations. To start, you can enable or disable Threat Protection to suit your needs.

Credit: youtube.com, How to set up the NordVPN app on Linux

To manage your VPN connections, you can enable or disable the Kill Switch, which prevents your internet traffic from being exposed if the VPN connection drops. You can also set a specific server for automatic connection using the "nordvpn set autoconnect on us2435" command.

Notifications can be enabled or disabled, and you can even set custom DNS settings by adding spaces between multiple DNS addresses.

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Features and Configurations

You can customize your NordVPN experience by tweaking its features and configurations.

To enable or disable Threat Protection, simply toggle the switch in the settings.

Kill Switch is another feature that can be turned on or off, giving you more control over your online security.

If you want to automatically connect to a VPN server, you can set it up to do so with a specific server of your choice. For example, you can set autoconnect to a server like us2435.

Notifications can be enabled or disabled, depending on your preference.

Related reading: Nordvpn India Server

Credit: youtube.com, Going in Depth with The Configure Feature Table

You can also set custom DNS settings, which can be a single DNS or two, just by adding spaces in between.

Switching between UDP and TCP protocols is another option available in the settings.

Obfuscated servers can be enabled or disabled, allowing you to choose how you want to mask your internet traffic.

You can choose between OpenVPN and NordLynx as your connection technology.

To add an extra layer of security, you can enable post-quantum protection in NordVPN.

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Lan Discovery and Allowlists

Lan discovery can be enabled or disabled, and you can get more information on how it works by running the command nordvpn set lan-discovery --help.

To allowlist a specific incoming port, you can add a rule using the nordvpn command. For example, you can allowlist multiple ports by separating their numbers with a space.

You can get help on how to add or remove a rule from the allowlist by running the command nordvpn set lan-discovery --help.

Connecting to VPN

Credit: youtube.com, How to use NordVPN on Linux | Easy NordVPN tutorial on Ubuntu

You can connect to NordVPN on Linux using the NordVPN application or the Linux Network Manager.

The NordVPN Linux application version 3.18.4 blocks network traffic from the LAN through a VPN-connected computer by default. To unblock LAN traffic, turn LAN discovery ON or add to the allowlist any subnet or IP traffic to be forwarded.

To connect to NordVPN using the Linux Network Manager, you'll need to download the OpenVPN Configuration File Package and extract them into a folder of your choice.

Here's a step-by-step guide to connect to NordVPN using the Linux Network Manager:

1. Download the OpenVPN Configuration File Package and extract them into a folder of your choice.

2. Run the command `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y && sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn-gnome -y` to make sure that you have installed all of the available updates on your device system and OpenVPN network manager.

3. Click on the network selection button in the upper-right corner of the screen, press VPN off, and select VPN settings from the drop-down menu.

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Credit: youtube.com, Connecting to NordVPN on Linux over Network Manager

4. A configuration window will open. Press the + icon next to VPN.

5. You will be prompted to choose a connection type. Select Import from file…

6. You will be asked to select a file you would like to import. Navigate to the folder where you have extracted the configuration files, select one of the files from the list, and click Open.

7. In the pop-up window, enter your NordVPN service username and password. Press Add.

8. Now click on the toggle under the VPN section to connect to a NordVPN server. The toggle switch will turn green once connected.

Alternatively, you can connect to the nearest NordVPN server by following these steps:

  • Run the command `nordvpn connect` to connect to the nearest server.
  • The NordVPN application will automatically detect the closest server and connect to it.

If you want to connect to a specific NordVPN server, you can use the `nordvpn connect` command followed by the name of the city or country where the server is located. For example, `nordvpn connect AU` will connect you to the nearest server in Australia.

Ubuntu Client Setup

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Setting up the NordVPN client on Ubuntu involves a few steps, but don't worry, it's easy.

First, you'll need to add the NordVPN repository to your system. This can be done using the following command.

You can also use the Snap package method, which is a convenient way to install apps on Linux. If you choose this route, you'll need to have Snap pre-installed on your system.

Once you've added the repository, you can install the NordVPN client using a simple command.

After installing NordVPN, you'll need to add your current user to the NordVPN group. This will allow you to use the client without elevating to superuser.

To do this, you'll need to log out and back in after changing your user's groups.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps:

  • Add the NordVPN repository
  • Install the NordVPN client
  • Add your user to the NordVPN group
  • Log out and back in

By following these steps, you'll be able to set up the NordVPN client on your Ubuntu system and start using it to secure your internet connection.

Advanced Features

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You can enable or disable Threat Protection with just a few clicks, giving you total control over your online security.

To connect to a server, you can set a specific server for automatic connection, such as nordvpn set autoconnect on us2435.

If you prefer to stay connected, you can enable auto-connect to ensure a seamless online experience.

To customize your notifications, simply enable or disable them to suit your needs.

You can also switch between UDP and TCP protocols, allowing you to choose the best protocol for your specific needs.

To add an extra layer of security, you can enable or disable obfuscated servers, making it harder for anyone to track your online activity.

NordVPN offers two connection technologies: OpenVPN and NordLynx, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

To ensure your online security remains robust, you can enable or disable post-quantum protection in NordVPN.

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Disconnecting and Troubleshooting

Disconnecting and troubleshooting your NordVPN connection on Linux is a breeze.

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To disconnect from the VPN, simply open a terminal and use the following command: you can disconnect by using the following command within the terminal.

After you've completed the disconnection process, you'll see a message confirming that you're no longer connected to the VPN: When the disconnection process has been completed, you will see the following message displayed within the terminal.

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