OpenVPN from Linux

Note: these instructions are for VPN setup on your personal device. Do NOT attempt to do this on your desktop at the institute (it won't work, and if it would, it would only slow down and limit your network access).

For Linux the installation of the OpenVPN client is very straight forward. First you download the openvpn clients using the normal package manager for your OS. For Ubuntu that is:

sudo apt-get install openvpn

and for Fedora that is:

sudo dnf install openvpn

The you have to obtain a .ovpn file by mailing the helpdesk@strw.leidenuniv.nl or support@lorentz.leidenuniv.nl. Once you have the .ovpn file you simply type:

sudo openvpn --config /path/to/config.ovpn

to start the VPN connection.

It is also possible to use your graphical winodw manager to control the openvpn connections. This can be done by installing the following package, for ubuntu:

sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn-gnome

or for fedora:

sudo dnf install NetworkManager-openvpn-gnome

When that is installed you can access the openvpn tool from the Network Manager. Go to Network Settings and add an OpenVPN connection: and import the .ovpn file you obtained earlier. Once the import completes you will have a VPN Connection option in your Network Settings.Select that open to start the connection.

See also

• general VPN page with some addditional tips & tricks