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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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New Linux user here. Is this really how I'm supposed to install apps on Linux? (feddit.uk)

submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

260 comments fedilink hide all child comments

https://mullvad.net/en/help/install-mullvad-app-linux

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.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Can’t I just download a file and install it?

Yes, there are instructions on the page for that, the section is titled 'Installing the app without the Mullvad repository'

[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

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.

$ yay mullvad
...
2 aur/mullvad-vpn-bin 2023.6-1 (+86 1.36) 
    The Mullvad VPN client app for desktop
1 aur/mullvad-vpn 2023.6-1 (+126 2.10) 
    The Mullvad VPN client app for desktop
==> Packages to install (eg: 1 2 3, 1-3 or ^4)
==> _

And it's option 1. So easy. Type 1 and press enter and you're done.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)

I find having these options confusing and I am not a newb

[–] [email protected] 9 points 10 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

No, worst case you install actual malware. Anyone can upload to the AUR, not just trusted users.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Usually the *-bin version just means it downloads the already compiled binaries instead of compiling the program on your computer.

You should also always check the PKGBUILD for something suspicious. AUR packages are put there by users, and are not verified.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Interesting. Thanks.