Setting Up Kali Linux: A Hacker’s Swiss Army

The software that allows users to operate a computer is called an Operating System (OS). Common examples of OS for computers are Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS, as well as mobile systems like Android and iOS.

Today our focus is Kali Linux. Kali is considered the best beginner-friendly distro, and it’s based on the Debian OS. Other Linux examples include Ubuntu, BackBox, Parrot Security OS, and BlackArch Linux, just to name a few.

You can run Kali Linux on your computer without removing your current OS by using virtualization, dual-booting, or a USB. I’ll explain how to instruct your computer to boot off a USB with your chosen OS.

Kali Linux

To use Kali Linux, first visit their website to download the ISO file. If you use the provided link, you’ll go directly to the live boot section. If you navigate the site, scroll down to find the live boot section.

Before downloading the recommended choice, choose the right processor for your computer. If you’re unsure whether your computer uses a 64-bit or 32-bit processor, follow these steps.

On Windows:

1. Go to “Settings”.
2. Click on “System” in the left side.
3. Scroll down to “About”.
4. Under “Device Specifications” you will find your processor next to “System Type”.

On Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner.
2. Select “About This Mac”.
3. Note the chip used. In my case, “Apple M2” is a 64-bit processor.

This next step is optional. If you want to verify the authenticity of the file you downloaded you can compare the checksum of the ISO file. If you do not know how to do this you can refer back to my previous post.

Booting Off a USB:

Now that we have downloaded the ISO file to our computers, we can use it to create a bootable media. After creating a bootable media you need to instruct your computer to boot from it.

First, you will need to plug in your USB device. Then, to open the boot menu, you will need to start your computer and press the F12 key repetitively until you see the menu. If the computer is already on, you could just click on restart and then press the F12 key repetitively.

Be aware that your computer might use a different key to access the boot menu. If F12 doesn’t work with your computer, you could try F10, F11, or Delete.

After pressing the appropriate key you should get to a screen that looks like the one below.

Click on “Use a Device” and find your USB drive. This should take you to the Operating System boot menu and you can select “Live System” to start using it.

Alternatively, you could also go to the BIOS menu, navigate to “Boot” or “Boot Order”. Select USB drive as the first boot in the priority list. Lastly, save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will now reboot into your chosen Operating System from the USB drive.

If you want to learn how to use Kali to start your cybersecurity journey, stay tuned. In a future post, I will share in detail how to effectively use some of the powerful tools available within Kali Linux, including practical examples and step-by-step instructions.