Kali Linux
Security and digital forensics focused Linux distribution with over 600 pre-installed penetration testing apps.
- Free • Open Source
- Linux Distro
- Windows
- Linux
- Windows S
What is Kali Linux?
Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing, originally forked from Backtrack Linux by the Offensive Security team.
Kali Linux is preinstalled with numerous penetration-testing programs, including
Nmap (a port scanner), 
Wireshark (a packet analyzer), 
John the Ripper (a password cracker), and 
Aircrack-ng (a software suite for penetration-testing wireless LANs). Users may run Kali Linux from a hard disk, live CD, or live USB. It is a supported platform of the Metasploit Project's Metasploit Framework, a tool for developing and executing security exploits.
Kali Linux is distributed in 32- and 64-bit images for use on hosts based on the x86 instruction set, as well as an image for the ARM architecture for use on the Raspberry Pi computer and on Samsung's ARM Chromebook.
Kali Linux is preinstalled with numerous penetration-testing programs, including
Nmap (a port scanner), Wireshark (a packet analyzer), John the Ripper (a password cracker), and Aircrack-ng (a software suite for penetration-testing wireless LANs). Users may run Kali Linux from a hard disk, live CD, or live USB. It is a supported platform of the Metasploit Project's Metasploit Framework, a tool for developing and executing security exploits.Kali Linux is distributed in 32- and 64-bit images for use on hosts based on the x86 instruction set, as well as an image for the ARM architecture for use on the Raspberry Pi computer and on Samsung's ARM Chromebook.
Summary
Our users have written 6 comments and reviews about Kali Linux, and it has gotten 222 likes
- Developed by Offensive Security
- Open Source and Free product.
- Average rating of 4.4
- 17 alternatives listed
Popular alternatives
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- ofernandofilo liked Kali Linux
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- smokeytiger liked Kali Linux
Everything you need for penetration testing and vulnerability scanning Kali Linux has it. But NOT recommended for beginners, or people that are planning to switch from Windows to Linux, go with Debian or Ubuntu instead.
People who are planning to switch from Windows, choose Kali for one purpose and one purpose only -- crack Wi-Fi passwords! So, nobody, repeat, nobody is going to choose Debian or Ubuntu instead .
Reply written over 1 year ago
For all those who love network security, penetration testing and other exploitation for testing purposes, this is one linux distro that will not disappoint you. However, this is an advanced linux distro so the Kali Linux is not recommended for those who have just switched from operating system such as WIndows to Linux or those intending to. That being said, those who know their way around Linux will love this distro and will probably be their favourite if they like penetration testing, computer security and so on.
What's with all this patronising of "users from Windows"?! Huh!
And "reviews" which are just comments!
Please refrain from such, thank you.
Reply written over 1 year ago
It's great for pen-testing, however you probobly dont need it and shouldn't install it. https://www.kali.org/docs//introduction/should-i-use-kali-linux/
Even if you do want to get into penetration testing, you can start with any other linux distro that's meant as a daily driver
the article on alternatives to kali linux is so good, all information in one place, good work. Going to try them one by one, by visiting their website.
The gnome based shell, that I got so familiar with while using backtrack u, is still there. The Debian base is fast and easy to get used to, and easy to modify.
In case you have no idea what the description for Backtrack says, here's a common-language translation: It cracks WiFi passwords. That's it.