====== 🐱💻 Installing Kali Linux on Desktop or Laptop ======
Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution designed for penetration testing, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. It comes preloaded with hundreds of security tools and is maintained by Offensive Security.
===== 🧰 System Requirements =====
^ Component ^ Minimum ^ Recommended ^
| CPU | 1 GHz | 2+ GHz multi-core |
| RAM | 2 GB | 8 GB or more |
| Storage | 20 GB | 50 GB SSD/NVMe |
| GPU | Any | Modern GPU for GPU-based tools |
| Internet | Optional | Recommended for updates and tool sync |
===== 🌐 Download Kali Linux =====
Visit the official Kali Linux website:
<code>
https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
</code>
Choose the appropriate ISO:
* Installer ISO (for full installation)
* Live ISO (for testing without installing)
* NetInstaller (minimal install with online packages)
===== 🔧 Prepare Installation Media =====
Use a USB flashing tool:
* 🧊 Balena Etcher
* 🛠️ Rufus (Windows)
* 🧰 GNOME Disks (Linux)
Flash the ISO to a USB stick (at least 8 GB).
===== ⚙️ BIOS/UEFI Setup =====
Before booting:
* Disable **Secure Boot**
* Enable **UEFI Boot Mode**
* Set USB as first boot device
===== 💻 Install Kali Linux =====
==== 1. Boot from USB ====
Insert the USB stick and reboot. Select **Graphical Install** or **Install**.
==== 2. Configure Installer ====
Follow the guided steps:
* Select language, region, and keyboard
* Configure network (optional)
* Set hostname and domain (optional)
* Create user and password
==== 3. Partition Disks ====
Choose:
* **Guided – use entire disk** (recommended for beginners)
* **Manual** (for dual-boot or custom setups)
==== 4. Select Software ====
Choose desktop environment:
* XFCE (default)
* GNOME, KDE, etc.
Select additional tools or install full Kali suite.
==== 5. Install GRUB Bootloader ====
Install GRUB to your primary disk to enable booting Kali.
==== 6. Finish and Reboot ====
Remove USB stick and reboot into Kali Linux.
===== 🛠️ Post-Install Tips =====
* Update system: `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y`
* Launch tools from **Applications → Kali Linux**
* Use `kali-linux-headless` for server setups
===== 📚 Resources =====
* 🐱👤 [[https://www.kali.org/docs/|Kali Linux Documentation]]
* 🧪 [[https://tools.kali.org/tools-listing|Kali Tools Listing]]
* 💬 [[https://forums.kali.org/|Kali Linux Community Forum]]
* 🎓 [[https://www.offensive-security.com/|Offensive Security Training]]