To install Kali Linux, you can follow these general steps:
1. **Download Kali Linux**: Go to the official Kali Linux website (https://www.kali.org/downloads/) and download the appropriate ISO image for your system. Kali Linux offers different versions, including a full version with a graphical user interface (GUI) and a lighter version for older hardware.
2. **Create a bootable USB drive**: Once the ISO image is downloaded, you need to create a bootable USB drive. You can use tools like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Windows, macOS, and Linux) to create a bootable USB drive from the downloaded ISO image. Follow the instructions provided by the tool to create the bootable USB.
3. **Prepare your computer**: Before installing Kali Linux, make sure to back up any important data from your computer, as the installation process will involve disk partitioning. You may also need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI settings if it’s enabled.
4. **Boot from USB**: Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and restart it. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (often F2, F10, or Delete). In the BIOS/UEFI settings, set the USB drive as the primary boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
5. **Install Kali Linux**: After restarting, your computer should boot from the USB drive and present you with the Kali Linux installation menu. Select the “Graphical Install” option if you want a graphical installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the installation options, including language, keyboard layout, and disk partitioning.
6. **Configure the installation**: During the installation, you’ll be prompted to set up various options such as the root password, user account, and network configuration. Provide the necessary information and proceed with the installation.
7. **Wait for the installation to complete**: The installation process may take some time depending on your system’s specifications. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer.
8. **Log in and update**: After restarting, you can log in to your newly installed Kali Linux system using the credentials you provided during the installation. Open a terminal and run the following commands to update the system:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
These commands will update the package repositories and upgrade the installed packages to their latest versions.
That’s it! You have successfully installed Kali Linux on your computer. Remember to familiarize yourself with the tools and security implications of using Kali Linux, as it is primarily designed for advanced penetration testing and security auditing purposes.