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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] 10 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

If you go to: https://mullvad.net/en/download/vpn/linux

And click the "download .deb" button (It says underneath "Works on Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+ (64bit only)". As long as your Ubuntu is up-to-date, this will work fine)

you get a file ("MullvadVPN-2023.6_amd64.deb") you can run just like on Windows (similar to MullvadVPN-2023.6.exe)

opening the file should open a GUI for installing the file

Keep in mind, to update Mullvad VPN, you would need to download a newer .deb file (after an update is released). It shows the latest version above the download buttons, below the "Mullvad VPN for Linux text" This is the same as how it is on Windows

Edit: This is not intended as good advice, just a simple way to install Mullvad VPN. The smartest solution would be to add the repo.

2nd Edit: While this is how Mullvad provides their software, it is never ideal to install random .deb packages or add third party repos without being sure that the ones who provided the package/repo is trustworthy.

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

No, you don't. Bad advise. Use repos.

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

And please explain how using the .deb from Mullvad, is worse than using a repo (also from Mullvad) which provides you that same .deb??

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

Only thing I can think of is by adding the repo you get updates with your system. This makes it more secure by having patched software.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

You'd be right, but this program has an auto-update mechanism anyways.

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

It might not be good advice, but that was not what OP asked for.

My comment was meant as a beginner-friendly way to install Mullvad VPN on Ubuntu, and not unsolicited advice telling them to learn something that should not be needed for daily computer usage. And while adding the repo might be the better solution, that would require the use of the terminal, and as multiple people have proven to me, that wouldn't be a friendly way to introduce Linux to someone just starting out.

You don't teach someone to swim, by dropping them in the middle of the pacific.