When it comes to mastering ethical hacking and cybersecurity, Kali Linux is often the first choice for professionals and learners alike. However, many people are unsure about how to install it and run it. One of the easiest methods, if you are running Windows, is to use a virtual machine. There are many options, and several are free. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones.
What is a virtual machine?
A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based environment that emulates a complete computer system. It allows you to run an operating system (like Kali Linux) within another operating system (such as Windows). Essentially, it’s like having a complete computer running inside your current one. It shares the same physical hardware but operates independently.
A hypervisor is a software layer between the hardware and the virtualized system that creates and manages the VM. It allocates resources like CPU, memory, and storage to the VM, ensuring it behaves like a standalone machine.
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Why do you need a VM for Kali Linux?
A VM allows you to work in a safe and isolated environment. Running Kali Linux on a VM keeps its potentially invasive tools isolated from your primary operating system and prevents any accidental interference with your host system’s files or network. It allows you to experiment with Kali Linux without the need for a dedicated machine or dual-boot setup. You can easily start, stop, and reset the VM as needed.
VMs let you practice cybersecurity techniques in a controlled environment. You can simulate networks, test tools, and learn without risking real-world systems. You can also configure VMs to use as much or as little CPU, RAM, and storage as needed so you don’t put too much strain on your PC.
Minimum requirements
- At least a dual-core processor (Intel or AMD) with virtualization support.
- 8GB RAM with 2GB allocated to the VM for basic Kali Linux use.
- 40GB free disk space to store the virtual machine files and operating system.
- A standard GPU is sufficient unless you’re running GPU-intensive tasks.
Recommended requirements
- Quad-core processor or better
- 16GB RAM with 4 – 8GB allocated to the VM for Kali Linux use.
- SSD with at least 80GB free space.
Best virtual machines
VMware Workstation Player
VMware Workstation Player is user-friendly and powerful. It’s stable, has good performance, and supports USB devices and advanced networking features. This VM is also compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux machines, making it a great option for almost everyone.
It’s free for non-commercial use, and there is a paid version for commercial use.
Oracle VirtualBox
Oracle VirtualBox is an open-source VM that is lightweight and easy to set up without sacrificing too many features. Its huge community can help you work through any problems. It also works on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
Oracle is completely free, and its open-source nature means you can potentially customize it to your needs.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is popular because of its performance and polished user interface. It’s a professional VM with powerful features meant for business and large-scale tasks.
Parallels is a subscription-based VM with strong customer support.
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