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submitted 2 days ago by Uair@autistics.life to c/linux@programming.dev

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@linux

Hello all! I recently got an old Dell laptop that had been repurposed as a Linux Mint machine. I was setting it up and fell at the first hurdle.

I tried to install ExpressVPN. The install package downloaded fine, but took two hours to extract and failed for "bad characters". I fiddled with it for a while and couldn't do better.

First, it's the VPN software for Linux desktop, since they didn't have one for laptops. Could this be the problem?

Second, do I really need a VPN if I don't torrent stuff? I just think of a VPN as a basic part of my security, but I don't really know.

And, third, speaking of basic security: do I need an antivirus on this?

Thanks for any help!

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[–] themoken@startrek.website 0 points 2 days ago

I assume you downloaded some package from their website and ran it. Don't do that, always install packages through your package manager. Not sure what that looks like on Mint these days (other than apt, I assume).

Alternatively, most VPN services will let you download a config file that can be imported into Network Manager that will get your VPN connection integrated into existing tools without needing their GUI.

"Linux desktop" usually just means it has a GUI, there is no difference for a laptop. The other option is usually Linux command line, which would be more targeted to servers / machines without graphics.

You only need VPNs for torrents if you're using them from public trackers.

You don't need antivirus on Linux.