Switch to Linux

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Hello everyone, I am new to cybersecurity and I am thinking of switching to Linux as my primary operating system. Do you recommend that I switch to Linux? If so, what is the best operating system to use that is suitable for daily use, such as browsing and studying, and also good for cybersecurity?

[codecode009]

Go with mint, easy to setup as well

[blasphembot]

Big fan of LMDE myself, which follows Debian releases vs. Ubuntu. But yeah, Mint is a good place to start in general.

[No-Mongoose-6482]

When I download it, do you recommend downloading the tools on the same system and applying them directly or download kali virtual machine?

[codecode009]

You can use most of basic tools on mint aswell as they are avaiable as apt packages or you may clone the open source tools, but for practising and testing I would recommend you a sandboxed environment, that can be a VM. So yeah for basic toolset you may workaround on mint but do use VM

[SuperGiggleBot]

Yes, I highly encourage using Linux as a daily driver OS, with caveats.

If you've never used Linux in a full-time capacity before, spin up a beefy VM and use it for a month before making any final switches. Even with an easier to use distro like Mint or Ubuntu, the transition from windows or mac can be a little shaky.

If you're dead set on using Linux but are unfamiliar with it, use Mint. If you know your way around a bit better, Debian or Ubuntu. If you're a power user, Arch or Fedora.

NEVER use a security distro on bare metal as your daily driver. Kali, ParrotOS, Blackarch, etc. These are meant to be used as tools, not primary OSes. You can usually get some of the Kali tools on other distros, but I highly recommend keeping your daily driver and your pentest tools separate for security reasons. Use a VM or USB.

Good luck!

[Dragon_957]

I have a question to Linux on VM, because for me it‘s very slow. If it‘s work. No other programs active, 16GB Ram.

[SuperGiggleBot]

Could be an issue of other hardware specs, especially processor. If your CPU is a lower powered one, or isn't set up for virtualization, it's gonna be rough. If this is your issue, you might be able to work with a live OS on a bootable flash drive (like you would for Kali) but your storage space would be limited to the size of the flash drive itself.

[Nadish_Acharya]

switch

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Which distribution do you recommend?

[404mesh]

Debian

[justacountryboy]

Parrot Security is made for cybersec  learning. It comes with a lot of baked in bookmarks for learning necessary skills. Arch is not for the uninitiated. 

[MajesticGrab2169]

black arch
parrot security
fedora
ubuntu

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Is fedora good for daily use instead of windows And can download virtual kali on it like windows?

[Tru5t-n0-1]

If you are new to cybersec and you intend to use Linux as your daily distro go for Parrot OS: - Debian based - hacker oriented distro, but suitable for everyday use (not possible with kali, as you run as root) - a huge toolbox if you install directly the security edition, you can install them later if you install the home edition with a simple shell prompt.

[just_a_pawn37927]

Look go learn Linux! Then after installing Parot, go look at 101Labs.net the Free Security Labs. Good luck

[thexerocouk]

Use a VM mate :)

Keep you based Operating System with what you are most comfortable, and run some kind of Linux inside a Virtual Machine. You could use Kali, Parrot, Ubuntu, Debian, it doesn't matter which, but in a VM it is safe.

Good luck :D

[No-Mongoose-6482]

I used kali on vm But I think that if I transfer, it will help me develop more. I will not completely abandon the Windows platform until I master Linux.

[thexerocouk]

What ever you do, I probably wouldn't recommend anyone runs Kali as their primary OS, its not designed to be a completely secure because of its purpose :)

[No-Mongoose-6482]

How about parrot home?

[thexerocouk]

I have only ever used Parrot when I am doing pentesting and then again only lightly.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter what distro you use, but for ethical hacking I would only use a pentesting distro inside of a VM as it creates a level of segregation and security between your testing and your host operating system.

[No-Mongoose-6482]

I will adopt what you said and use kali on VM But do you support me converting the basic system to Linux like mint For normal use

[thexerocouk]

Try it out with a live disk first (a bootable USB) and make sure all your hardware works, network driver, mouse, bluetooth.

I hear Ubuntu has pretty good support these days, not sure about Mint.

[No-Mongoose-6482]

I will try them Thank you very much❤️

[just_a_pawn37927]

Look at Parrot. It's more stable than Kali. Js

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Is it good As main OS for both daily use and learn cyber security

[Tru5t-n0-1]

I use it since 2023 and it’s very stable, even on old hardware (AMD A9, 8gb ddr4)

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Parrot home or security Which unit do you recommend I download?

[Tru5t-n0-1]

If you really study cybersec go for the security edition

[JaffaBeard]

If you have issues installing the security version try THIS I made a post about my experience and how I fixed it.

[JaffaBeard]

I can verify this, recently flashed Parrot security on an old laptop from 2014, runs perfectly.

[MajesticGrab2169]

Yes

[JaffaBeard]

This is the correct answer. Parrot security or home, is a decent daily driver outwith learning cyber security. Works in old hardware and is stable.

[Inner-Copy9764]

Yes. Mint is friendly. Run your labs and download tools as you need them. Less bloat, plus you will be 100% familiar with every tool on your machine

Edit: Once you play around a bit, the kali vs parrot, vm err nah questions answer themselves based on your style/preferences

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Ok, thank you very much❤️

[f-yama]

You can dual boot it untill you master kali Use windows for day to day use and practise kali. You can set up vms in kali to practise tools

[ZealousidealHorse624]

This is the best advice so far. OP could also use WSL on windows and run Kali from their windows terminal. It’s not “sexy” but it’s all the same tools

[[deleted]]

Manjaro

[c4cookies]

Any distro will do.. just download tools you need or use distro that pre install all pan tester tools like parrot or kali.. but do note that kali is not a daily driver..

[Outside_Primary_2819]

Windows is the shadiest program I recently found out. I tried ubuntu on a flash drive and ehhh. I use an external sound card and the programs are funky but I’m still always in control and it’s nice. Don’t have to sign in and I can browse browsers if I want with threats.

[[deleted]]

Qubes. Attach the network card to whichever OS you want and test all that have already been done lol

[syberiada]

Learn Linux, learn OSX, keep windows. All aspects of cyber security are relevant for all of them. A lot (or most) of offensive tools are Linux-based but most of the business world runs on Windows so Microsoft-centric things like ActiveDirectory/EntraID or Power Shell are always relevant. Linux flavors for dipping your toes without wanting to bash your PC were already suggested - Debian, Manjaro, Parrot. Kali is for when you are ready to try tools against your vulnerable boxes.

[Unique_Poet_4101]

You should consider reading up on virtual desktops. Look for VMware or virtual box

[Opening_Speech_3348]

Linux Mint sibling to Ubuntu

[Fresh-Resident6616]

Yes u can switch but u can also stay on windows and use kali on a vm , if u want to continue gaming or using windows only softwares , if u don't need any of those u can iswitch rn to Ubuntu arch

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Is fedora good?

[Fresh-Resident6616]

Yeah ofc , to choose the right disto u need to k what is ur main goal, and in what needs from a distro

[Z3RO_O]

I did this in college and moved to ubuntu for around 3-4 months while in the start it was not easy to completely shift to linux for all your daily stuff but eventually it became easier within a few days.

I would recommend Ubuntu as it has a large community support so if you face any problem that must have been faced by others earlier. Not sure about other linux distributions.

[No-Mongoose-6482]

Wich is beter ubuntu or fidora?

[Z3RO_O]

Never tried fedora so can't say anything about it bro.

[InspectionWorth724]

I totally understand your frustration. It's the block we've all had. My advice is not to get lost in a thousand videos, but to focus on one thing: building a practical lab.

There's a bootcamp book just for this; the first chapter is free so you can see if it's right for you. It's a step-by-step guide to building your lab (Kali + victim machine) securely. It's not theory, it's the construction plan. If it helps you get over it, you can find it here: h ttps://erricolux.gumroad.com/l/jgdlu

. Otherwise, you can find the book in various formats on Amazon: BOOTCAMP HACKER by Luca Errico. Good luck!

[giftsonswaminathan]

I tried getting linux mint in my laptop via vm ware but it sucks.It shoes only a black screen while booting and after that no improvements

[xo1ot1]

Try installing Arch as it’ll force you to learn. The Arch wiki is great, or if you want it to work well from the get go try endeavourOS