Kali

Béni-Christ

Nov 21, 2025

Introduction

Why Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is a Linux distribution specialized in IT security.

Here's why we use Kali Linux:

It is preconfigured with a wide range of pentesting tools (system and network security tests).
It's open source and free, so you can use and modify it freely.
It's reliable and secure, ideal for learning about cybersecurity.
It allows you to learn how to use Linux in a test-ready environment.
It can be installed in different ways: VirtualBox, bootable USB key, or dual boot.

Installation and configuration

1. Prerequisites

Equipment required:

64-bit processor** (Intel or AMD).
8 GB RAM minimum** (4 GB may be sufficient for a light installation or VM).
50 GB free disk space** to install Kali Linux.
Internet connection** to download ISO image and updates.
A minimum 8 GB USB key** to create bootable media (if you want to install Kali on a PC or test it on Live USB).

It is important to back up your data before installing on an existing PC.

2. Download

Go to kali.org/get-kali
Select the ISO image for your application:
- Install Image** : for PC installation.
- Virtual Image**: to install Kali on VirtualBox or VMware.
Download the ISO image.

3. Create a bootable USB key

You can use several tools, such as Balena Etcher :

Download and install Balena Etcher.

Open Balena Etcher, then select the Kali ISO image.
Select USB key as destination media.
Click Flash and wait for the process to finish.

4. Installing and securing Kali Linux

4.1 Booting on the USB key

Switch off the computer.
Plug in the USB key (containing Kali Linux).
Switch on your computer. On recent PCs, the system should automatically recognize the USB boot key. If this is not the case, reboot by holding down the BIOS/UEFI access key (usually F2, F12 or Delete, depending on the brand).
- In the BIOS/UEFI menu, select your USB key as the boot device.
- Save and restart.

4.2 Launching the installation

Startup screen

When booting from the USB stick, the Kali Linux boot screen should appear. Choose between graphical installation and text installation. In this example, we've opted for graphical installation.

If you use the Live image, you'll see another mode, Live, which is also the default startup option.

Language selection

Choose your preferred language for installation and the system.

Please specify your geographical location.

Keyboard configuration

Select your keyboard layout. A test field is available to check that the keys correspond to your configuration.

Network connection

The installation will now scan your network interfaces, search for a DHCP service, then prompt you to enter a host name for your system. In the example below, we've entered "kali " as the host name.

You can optionally provide a default domain name that this system will use (values can be retrieved from DHCP or if a pre-existing operating system exists).

User accounts

Next, create the user account for the system (full name, username and a strong password).

Time zone

Select your geographical area to set the system time.

Partitioning type

The installer then scans your disks and displays several options depending on your configuration.

In this guide, we start from a blank disk, which gives four possible choices.

We're going to select Guided - use entire disk, as here we're performing a one-off installation of Kali Linux (single boot). This means that no other operating system will be retained, and the entire disk can be erased.

If your disk already contains data, an additional option Guided - use largest contiguous free space may be displayed.

This alternative allows you to install Kali Linux without deleting existing data, making it ideal for dual booting with another system.

In our case, the disk is empty, so this option does not appear.

Select the disk to be partitioned.

Depending on your needs, you can choose to keep all your files in a single partition (default behavior) or have separate partitions for one or more top-level directories.

If you're not sure what you want, choose the All files in a single partition option.

You will then have one last opportunity to check your disk configuration before the installation program makes any irreversible changes. Once you've clicked on Continue, the installation program will launch and installation will be almost complete.

Encrypted LVM

If this option was enabled in the previous step, Kali Linux will now perform a secure hard disk erase before asking you for an LVM password.

Please use a strong password, otherwise a warning about a weak passphrase will be displayed.

Proxy information

Kali Linux uses repositories to distribute applications. You'll need to enter the necessary proxy information if your environment uses one.

If you're not sure whether to use a proxy, leave blank. Entering false information will prevent connection to the repositories.

Metapets

If network access has not been configured, you will need to further configure when prompted.

If you are using the Live image, the next step will not be displayed.

You can then select the metapackages you wish to install. The default options will install a standard Kali Linux system, so you won't need to modify anything.

Start-up information

Then confirm the installation of the GRUB boot loader.

Restart

Finally, click Continue to restart on your new Kali Linux installation.

4.3 Updating and configuring Kali Linux after installation

Updating your system is an important step after a new installation. You have two options:

Option 1: Via graphical user interface (GUI)

Kali, like Debian/Ubuntu, offers an integrated graphical update manager.

Click on the main menu (top left or bottom depending on your desktop).
Open "Software Updater ".
The tool will :
- Check the packages to be updated.
- You'll see a list (with sizes and versions).
- Allows you to launch the update with a single click.
Enter your administrator password (sudo) when prompted.
Let it install and restart if necessary.

Option 2: Via terminal

Open a terminal and run :

# Mettre à jour les dépôts et le système
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y

# Nettoyage
sudo apt autoremove -y && sudo apt autoclean

It is not advisable to use the root account for day-to-day work; create a non-root user instead.

In your terminal, type these commands:

sudo adduser yourname
sudo usermod -aG sudo yourname

Log out and log back in with the new user.

Let's summarize some basic Kali Linux tasks in a table.

Basic tasks under Kali Linux

Category	Basic Task	Description / Objective	Main Method
System Navigation	Open the terminal	Access Kali's main command line	Click the terminal icon or use `Ctrl + Alt + T`
	Browse folders	Move through the system directory tree	`cd /path/to/folder`, `ls` to list files
	Create / delete a folder	Organize files	`mkdir folder_name`, `rm -r folder_name`
File Management	Copy / move a file	Manipulate files in the terminal	`cp file destination`, `mv file destination`
	Delete a file	Free up disk space	`rm file_name`
	Display content of a text file	Quickly read a file	`cat file.txt`, `less file.txt`
System Management	Update Kali Linux	Install latest versions and security patches	`sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y`
	Install software	Add a new tool or utility	`sudo apt install package_name`
	Remove software	Clean up the system	`sudo apt remove package_name`
	Clean up unnecessary dependencies	Save disk space	`sudo apt autoremove`
Network and Internet	Verify network connection	Test Internet access	`ping google.com`
	Identify IP address	Know your network configuration	`ip a` or `ifconfig`
	Change Wi-Fi network	Connect to another access point	Network icon → Select desired Wi-Fi
Accounts and Permissions	Execute an admin command	Obtain temporary root privileges	`sudo command`
	Create a new user	Add a local account	`sudo adduser username`
	Change a password	Secure an account	`passwd`
Appearance and Comfort	Change wallpaper	Personalize the desktop	Right-click on desktop → Desktop Settings
	Modify theme / icons	Improve readability and aesthetics	Settings → Appearance / Themes
Kali Tools	Open the tools menu	Explore testing and security tools	Applications → Kali Linux menu
	Launch a tool (e.g., nmap, wireshark)	Practical discovery of security utilities	`sudo nmap`, `wireshark`, etc.
Help and Documentation	Get help for a command	Understand a command before using it	`man command` or `command --help`

Conclusion

Installing Kali Linux is just the first step in discovering this powerful environment dedicated to cybersecurity. By mastering basic tasks and system management, everyone can begin to explore the built-in tools and understand the inner workings of a Linux system. Kali offers an excellent learning platform, both for reinforcing technical skills and developing a genuine culture of IT security.

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Author

This tutorial has been written by Béni-Christ

You can say thanks by tipping the professor.

Béni-Christ

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Hello! I am a frontend developer, with a curious mind and a passion for learning. Since 2024, I have been interested in finance, blockchain, and Bitcoin. Now, I want to take the next step: sharing my knowledge and contributing to projects that connect technology and education.

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