NordVPN has rolled out a significant update for its Linux application, introducing a much-anticipated graphical user interface (GUI). This new GUI is designed to streamline how users control, configure, and monitor their secure connections, making the service more accessible to those who may find a command-line interface (CLI) daunting.
For years, Linux users could only interact with NordVPN through an official command-line interface. The newly added GUI allows users to enjoy a visually rich experience, enabling them to connect to servers, manage their VPN settings, and monitor their connection status with just a few clicks. This update caters to a broader audience by reducing the reliance on command-line commands.
Marijus Briedis, CEO of NordVPN, expressed excitement about the update, highlighting that it brings the familiar ease-of-use seen in their Windows and macOS apps to Linux, while maintaining their brand’s reliability and security. Key features, including post-quantum encryption and the NordWhisper technology, can now be enabled through the GUI, although some advanced features like Meshnet will still require the CLI.
To use the new GUI, users must first install the NordVPN CLI app, as the GUI currently only supports DEB or RPM package formats. A Snap version is expected in the future. To install the GUI, users need to run an installation script in the terminal, which will set up the app along with the necessary dependencies.
NordVPN’s significant presence in the VPN market means that this update is particularly noteworthy for Linux users, who have a wide array of VPN options available. The advent of the GUI may enhance NordVPN’s competitive edge, especially among those seeking a user-friendly experience for their VPN needs.