openvpn-install is a shell script that automates OpenVPN server setup for road warrior configurations on Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CentOS, and Fedora.
The tool solves the problem of complex VPN server configuration by providing an interactive installer that guides users through the entire setup process. It handles the installation and configuration of OpenVPN with minimal user intervention, designed to complete in approximately one minute. The script can be run repeatedly to manage users—adding new ones, removing existing ones, or completely uninstalling OpenVPN—making it suitable for both initial deployment and ongoing administration.
This tool is best suited for users who want to deploy a personal VPN server without deep OpenVPN expertise. It works well for small-scale deployments where simplicity and speed matter more than advanced customization. The project explicitly acknowledges that users may not have existing server infrastructure by providing guidance on obtaining affordable VPS hosting. The README mentions that a separate tool, wireguard-install, is also available, suggesting users should evaluate both options depending on their protocol preference.
The project shows consistent maintenance with regular updates addressing compatibility across multiple Linux distributions. The codebase remains focused and straightforward, reflecting a philosophy of keeping the tool unobtrusive and universal rather than adding extensive features. The maintainer actively accepts contributions and maintains responsiveness to issues, indicating ongoing stewardship of the project.
