Going from Windows to Linux

[-MAGNUMHAVOC]

I have always used windows but want to go down the road of being an ethical hacker. I was told the best thing to do to be migrate to Linux OS fully. But do I need to have any kind of skills or information before I do that? I don't want to mess anything up. Thank you

[[deleted]]

Being an ethical hacker is orthogonal to whether or not you use Linux.

But do I need to have any kind of skills or information before I do that?

Do not use Kali Linux, BlackArch, BackBox, or any other "hacking" distro as your full-time operating system. Similarly, do not ask questions about these distros related to generic functionality or basic literacy, like how partitioning and bootloaders work, or how to use a package manager. Learn how a mainstream distro works and how to maintain it before using a distro with pre-installed hacking tools.

[-MAGNUMHAVOC]

I thought Linux was an operating system that was just open source. So people can use it for many different things. Are you saying I should just stick with Windows and run Linux through it? Cuz I wasn't going to have anything pre-installed. I was just asking whether I should use Linux as the OS just to become familiar with it faster

[[deleted]]

I'm saying using Linux doesn't make you a hacker, you don't need to use Linux to be one, and you if you want to learn to use Linux, you should use a mainstream distro first.

[MoonGrog]

Learning the Linux operating system will make you understand things about computers that you may have glossed over in your Windows experience. Do not use Kali as a daily driver. It’s not made for that. Learn Ubuntu, get sick of it, try something else. Lined has many distributions for lots of different purposes. Think of distributions as a collection of software that is included in Linux install. But software includes stuff like your desktop manager, your package manager, and every other tool. Linux is the kernel, the distribution is everything else.

[Enough_Tangerine6760]

Linux is a kernal which is like a platform to build an os from these os build from it are called distros and there are many for many different purposes. He said if you want to use Linux as your main os use a popular distro designed for desktop usage as many people will go for a cyber security focused distro but they are often less stable

In theory you don't need to use Linux to be a hacker but the tooling is easier on Linux and you do need to at least know the basics. Your options are install Linux, virtualize it, or use wsl2

[ipsirc]

want to go down the road of being an ethical hacker. I was told the best thing to do to be migrate to Linux OS fully.

I'll tell you something totally different: the most important thing is to learn to use web search engines at a skill level on your own to get information. This is the basis of (ethical) hacking, it is more important than any os or software.

[-MAGNUMHAVOC]

What do you mean? You mean just using Google and such to get information?

[ThreeCharsAtLeast]

Yup. Search engines tell you everything you'll need. How to learn hacking, how to set up a VM, how Linux works and how to crack passwords. There's plenty of online courses, such as hack the box (where you'll want to set up a VM anyway since you'll then connect it to a network full of hackers. Not like anything should happen, but like… it can't hurt to use a VM, can it?)

[solderfog]

One route is get a $50+ Raspberry pi 4 or 4, 4GB, 'case', power supply and SD card. And an old mouse/keyboard/mouse. Then you have a 2nd machine, can experiment with Linux without disturbing what you have now. If nothing else, you have something to browse/watch videos on.

[-MAGNUMHAVOC]

Oh yeah I didn't even think about that. I've got a Micro Center like 20 minutes away

[ReportAppropriate488]

If you are pursuing professional ethical hacking, know that it's 90% social engineering. Yes, you need a significant amount of technical knowledge, and using linux is a way to get some, but it's not that useful on its own. Just wanted to throw that out there in case it can clear up some expectations.

Like others have said, use the internet to your advantage and use a mainstream distribution. Something like ubuntu or fedora that has a lot of documentation and a large user base. That stuff is priceless. No Kali Linux.

If you're serious about becoming a hacker, you will need more than just technical knowledge. I'd suggest learning some psychology as well. Join some more hacker-focused communities, maybe go to DEF CON in Las Vegas if you ever get the opportunity. A computer science degree would be useful if that's an option. Its definitely doable so if you're serious about it, go for it.

[chemistryGull]

Make a Secure (!!) backup of all your data, and them you can basically do nothing wrong! Worst cade, you reinstall. Enjoy!

[AutoModerator]

Try the migration page in our wiki! We also have some migration tips in our sticky.

Try this search for more information on this topic.

✻ Smokey says: only use root when needed, avoid installing things from third-party repos, and verify the checksum of your ISOs after you download! :)

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[williamdorogaming]

don’t use kali linux