In this tutorial we will teach you how to set up an OpenVPN server on Ubuntu 12.04 server edition. The first step is to purchase a Ubuntu server from our website. Talk to our sales team about any special offers we may have before purchasing and we will definitely look after you.

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is an open source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It uses a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls. It was written by James Yonan and is published under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

Source: Wikipedia

In plain English, OpenVPN acts as a gateway between your computer and the Internet. All of your traffic is routed through the VPN before accessing the Internet. This is useful if you are in Turkey and wish to access Twitter. Or if you’re in the US and wish to use the UK BBC iPlayer.

Installation Process

First: Log into your server with SSH, (ssh root@YOUR.IP) then enter your password.

Then you’ll be presented with the following:

Welcome to Ubuntu 12.04.1 LTS (GNU/Linux 2.6.32-042stab075.2 x86_64)

* Documentation:  https://help.ubuntu.com/

The programs included with the Ubuntu system are free software;
the exact distribution terms for each program are described in the
individual files in /usr/share/doc/*/copyright.

Ubuntu comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent permitted by
applicable law.

root@server:~#

Now let’s download and install the Access Client. Simply paste in the code below.

sudo wget http://swupdate.openvpn.org/as/openvpn-as-1.8.4-Ubuntu10.amd_64.deb

dpkg -i openvpn-as-1.8.4-Ubuntu10.amd_64.deb

When OpenVPN installs it creates a user on the server named ‘openvpn’ for which we need to set a password.

sudo passwd openvpn

Then simply type a strong password!

That’s it! Now let’s set up the options and download the client.

Admin URL: http://YOUR.IP:943/admin

Client URL: http://YOUR.IP:943

Simply log into the admin area and set your options.

To set up the OpenVPN client simply visit the client URL and download and install the OpenVPN app on your Mac or PC.

You’ll notice the OpenVPN menu bar/tray icon, click this and click the ‘Connect to YOUR.IP’ and you’ll see a box pop up asking for your password.

You’ll need the password we set earlier to log in.

To test that OpenVPN is up and running simply visit http://www.whatismyip.com/ whilst you are connected to the VPN and you should see the IP of your VPS rather than the IP of your local network.