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Linux is one of the popular operating systems that has opened its place in the hearts of many users of other operating systems due to its free and open source. Many Windows users want access to the Linux operating system in addition to Windows. It is a happy place for Windows and Linux users that such a possibility has been provided for them; Kali Linux is one of the most popular versions of Linux, and many enthusiasts like to experience working with this operating system alongside Windows.

Maybe you have a question, what is Kali Linux, and why is it used in penetration testing and hacking? Due to its open-source nature, Linux has many extensions and versions, each designed and developed for a specific purpose. One of these versions, which has a special ability and application in hacking and security and is considered a powerful operating system in this field, is the Kali Linux operating system. In this article, the method of installing the version of Kali Linux alongside Windows is taught. In addition, you will also learn about installing VM Ware and VirtualBox virtualizers.

What is Linux?

Linux was originally a kernel for code sharing between programmers, not an operating system. In 1993, the first version of the Linux operating system was released on the market. It can be said that one of the main reasons for the popularity of the Linux operating system is that it is free. In the sense that everyone has access to its core and can develop it. On the other hand, since Linux is a free operating system, it has a special advantage compared to Macintosh and Windows, which must be paid for.

What is Kali Linux, and why is it popular?

So far, hundreds of different distributions for Linux have been provided by different companies and individuals, each of which has its characteristics. Kali Linux is a distribution of Linux based on Debian, designed and developed to perform penetration testing and identify the vulnerable points of various computer systems. This powerful operating system has a very high penetrating ability, and all those who are active in the field of security and hacking should be fully familiar with this operating system and its installation methods.

Installing Kali Linux on VMWare virtual machine

If you decide to have Kali Linux alongside your Windows, you need to take steps. The first step in installing Kali Linux is downloading and installing VM Ware software. After the installation is done, run the program. Then follow the steps below.

• Select the new Virtual machine option from the file menu and create the desired VPS.
• After the new window opens, you have two choices; Typical and Custom modes are your two choices. Typical has the necessary defaults to installing this operating system, but you can also continue the process of creating a virtual machine from the Custom section. Here we choose the Typical mode.
• To install the new operating system, we need its disk or Image file, which is in ISO format. Suppose the required file is downloaded in ISO format; Therefore, in the next step, we select the Installer disk Image file ISO option.
  • In the specified section, we determine the location of the required file and click on the next option. Now it’s time to choose a name for the virtual machine. In this step, we choose a name for the new virtual machine. It should be noted that it is possible to determine the installation location of the virtual machine on the disk, which can be installed according to the amount of free space in each drive or even flash (side memory). One of the advantages of VM Ware is the ability to change the location of the installed machine.
• The next step is the Specify Disk Capacity step. This step determines the size of the virtual disk that will be created in your operating system by VM Ware. Another option in this section is the layout type of virtual disk files, which is more appropriate to choose the default option. Because by choosing the default option or splitting the virtual disk into multiple files, it will be much easier to move the installed machine.
• If you have selected Custom, you will be asked for the type of operating system and its distribution. In the Typical mode section, Debian7 is automatically recognized, and the created machine profile is displayed for verification.
• Finally, select the Finish option and celebrate the installation of Kali Linux on VMWare!

What is VirtualBox?

VirtualBox is open-source software that performs virtualization on computers with X86 architecture. With the help of this software, you can have several operating systems together in one computer. When configuring the virtual machine, you can determine the number of resources you give to the virtual machine. These resources can include the amount of RAM, hard drive space, and the number of processor cores.

How to install VirtualBox on Windows?

To install VirtualBox on the Windows operating system, you must first download and install this software from the VirtualBox website. After completing the software download, click on the installation file and select the next option. In this step, do not change the active option by default and select the next option. Now VirtualBox is ready to install. Click on the Install option. The installation process takes at least a few minutes. After this time, click Finish and enter the virtualization environment.

How to create a virtual machine for Kali Linux?

After downloading the ISO file, you need to add Kali Linux as an operating system in the VirtualBox software. Run the VirtualBox software and then click on the new icon.

• In the next step, name the operating system Kali Linux and select the type of operating system. Linux operating system and Debian-64 version are used here. To choose the amount of virtual machine RAM, it is better to start with two gigs.
• In the step related to the hard disk, do not change the default settings and select the Create a virtual Hard disk option.
• Do not change the default option at this stage, and then click next.
• The storage on the hard disk section has two options in the new window. The first option is Dynamically Allocated, and the second option is Fixed size. The first option is the best choice for you; Because it fills much less space on your hard drive.
• In the next step, the amount of space should be specified, the default option is 8 GB, but it is better to set it to 20 GB so that you do not encounter errors while doing the work.
• Congratulations! You were able to add the virtual machine to the VirtualBox software. Now it’s time to boot the Kali ISO you downloaded.
• To do this, first, go to the setting section and then enter storage.
• Now you have to start your work from the storage device section. Click on the Empty option. Then click on the option with the number 2 written next to it. After that, select the Choose from a disk file.
• Well, now you have nothing to do with virtualization and have to turn on the VM.
• Wait until the boot comes up. Then select the Graphic Install option and then select your desired language. It is better that the language remains the same as English and does not change. Also, do not change your region. Because both repos become very slow and the date changes daily. Be careful not to change the keyboard configuration section because this is not your keyboard.
• In the network section, you must choose a name for Hostname, which you should let remain the same. Do not change the domain name from the default.
• Now you have reached the password stage. In this step, you must match your password.
• Next, you must choose a username. Your username must be without spaces and underscores (_).
• To configure the clock, select the country.
• After performing the above steps, you will reach the Partition disks step. This step is very important. At this stage, stick to the defaults and do not change the default option of Use Entire Disk LVM.
• Select the desired disk in the Select disk partition section.
• Now you reach the stage of the partitioning method. If you are a new user, it is better to choose the first option, but if you have more space, you can use other methods.
• In this section, changes should be made to your disk. So click yes and click continue.
• You have to be very careful at this stage. If you choose the No option, Kali will not boot, and you must do the installation process from the beginning.
• Now you can enter the username and password you chose during installation. To install the new package, you must enter Sudo apt update to update the repos. Otherwise, you will encounter a package not found error.
• Now take a breath and have a cup of tea!

Conclusion

To have the Linux operating system next to Windows and to use the capabilities of these two operating systems, you must provide some prerequisites. This is where installing virtual machines becomes important. If you learn how to install virtual machines well, one of your biggest concerns to provide a peaceful coexistence between Windows and Linux will be solved!