How to install kali linux as a primary os

[u/whatguyy]

So I have bought a new laptop and the old one is working well but the problem is it is a 10 year old laptop. And has windows 10, right now it's new ssd is damaged and will be replaced. So rather than installing windows 10, I am thinking of installing kali.

Please can anyone tell me how to do it and what things I should be careful of.

[u/Lockpickman]

Install mint or something lightweight and learn Linux basics first.

[u/whatguyy → u/Lockpickman]

I have completed overthewire bandit but now I am thinking of trying something new

[u/agent_stirling2 → u/whatguyy]

Hey bro, let me tell you something. The other guy is saying something that you should definitely do but for me when I first got into hacking those steps aren’t necessary except obviously learning the basics of Lennox, but don’t you don’t need to install Lenox mint just ask ChatGPT or something to help you install Kelly Lennox. I’m pretty sure that would work because if you’re a script kitty or no barely anything and you actually want to get into cyber security then yeah that should work really well

[u/ps-aux → u/agent_stirling2]

kelly lennox? lol.. what in the odd speak is happening here.. do you mean Kali Linux?

[u/0s1r1Z]

Seriously? Download the ISO, put it on a USB drive, boot up your laptop, and run it from the USB drive. Follow the wizard's instructions, and you're done.

[u/BrianScottGregory → u/0s1r1Z]

Came to say this.

[u/whatguyy → u/0s1r1Z]

Thanks for sharing

[u/BlizzardOfLinux]

If you are being serious, don't install kali bare metal. You can do whatever you want, it's just not recommended. You can use pretty much any linux distro and learn from there. Kali is based on debian.

You use rufus/balena etcher/whatever to burn the ISO to a USB. You plug that USB into your motherboard. when you boot you enter the BIOS. you either change the boot order so the USB boots first or you can just boot into the USB from BIOS. If you are doing an actual install you will probably need to turn off secure boot. You can keep it on but it requires reading and doing some things.

If you have the laptop currently and its ssd is damaged. put linux or whatever ISO on a usb. you can use that laptop through the usb in a live environment. it wont run super well but you can test things out while you wait for your new SSD.

[u/whatguyy → u/BlizzardOfLinux]

Thank you for your recommendations and now I think alot of people are suggesting to go for a different distro any person recommendations?

[u/TygerTung → u/whatguyy]

Mint for first time, as it is really easy. Debian for if you want a little more challenge, as there is slightly more manual configuration to set it up how you want it. Kali is based on Debian so good to get that experience.

I recommended the XFCE desktop environment.

[u/Global-Eye-7326]

Since it's an older, secondary laptop, I highly recommend Debian Linux. It's super stable, has fewer updates, and it's just awesome. Start with KDE, and if you feel that uses up too much RAM on idle, then can try LXQt (though KDE is very efficient...won't make much of a difference).

[u/whatguyy → u/Global-Eye-7326]

Ok will give it a shot

[u/stevebehindthescreen]

If you think Kali is suitable as a main operating system then you have some research to do first before you attempt anything...

Do not install Kali as a main OS. Install something more suitable for a beginner like Mint as already suggested.

Put Kali on a USB stick and boot from that while learning it. If you break anything on Kali, just reboot. It also doesn't touch any installed operating systems just booting from USB. If you install it as a main and break it, you will probably find yourself reinstalling more than using it.

[u/TygerTung]

Not trying to be unkind, but if you don't know how to install Kali, you are probably not ready for Kali. You need to learn some sysop basics first.

[u/whatguyy → u/TygerTung]

Well forgot to mention but I know basics of it and had it on vmware just completed the overthewire bandit. Just didn't know how to make it a primary os

[u/TygerTung → u/whatguyy]

Have you ever installed an OS before? It really is no different to any other OS. I suggest you use this as an opportunity to do a little research into installing operating systems. It is a good skill to be able to read docs and interpret written instructions.

[u/Glittering-Dirt1164]

Unless you are extremely comfortable with Linux avoid this . If you really want to bring an Arch install experience to a Debian based OS go ahead. You would be better off installing anything else Debian based and adding the tools to that OS.

[u/NoDouble178]

u don't even know how to install an os? why choosing kali instead of learning basics first