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.

  • GenderNeutralBro@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    282·
    9 months ago

    That page lists multiple installation methods, for multiple distros. There simplest one for you is just two steps.

    1. Download .deb installer

    2. Run apt install ~/Downloads/MullvadVPN-*_amd64.deb

    It’s not that complicated. That’s just confusingly written. And caters to a wide range of users.

    • where_am_i@sh.itjust.works
      412·
      9 months ago

      bad advise, OP should use a repo if they have apt

      edit: yes, I understand, one day I’ll get rooted by whoever hacked the VPN app’s servers

      • GenderNeutralBro@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
        92·
        9 months ago

        There’s nothing wrong with installing a .deb manually.

        Personally, I’d hesitate to add any third-party repos unless there is a very good reason. In this case, the only real difference is that you won’t get the updates automatically with sudo apt update; sudo apt upgrade without the repo. Either way, the desktop app will notify you when updates are available. There’s very little advantage to using the repo.

        Adding a repo is very rarely required. It has deeper consequences than simply installing an app, and requires a higher level of trust. If you don’t understand the security implications of adding a repo (and its associated key), then my advice is: just don’t.