How to Perform Install Kali Linux VMware
Here you will find out:
- about Kali Linux
- how to create a new VM
- when DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
About Kali Linux
Kali Linux is a free Debian-based operating system that focuses on penetration testing.
It is essentially a replacement for BackTrack Linux, a security auditing distribution. Installing Kali Linux on a VMware virtual machine will give you the ability to work on your physical machine while simultaneously testing it for penetration and auditing the security of your applications.
You can find out how to do this in this article.
Preparing for Kali installation
First, download the ISO image from the official site: choose between a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture, or ARM. Select whichever desktop GUI you prefer (Gnome, KDE, Xfce, Mate, etc.). To be sure that the file image is intact and not damaged, check sha256sum.
Step 1. Create a new VM
Here, for example, we will use the VMware Workstation platform.
On the taskbar, select the File tab and select “New virtual machine” from the list. You will be assisted by the Configuration Wizard during this process.
Select the main criteria for the new VM:
- Hardware compatibility
- Image format of the installation disk image file (in this case, a downloaded ISO image)
- Guest operating system (it is best to opt for the 64-bit version of Ubuntu Linux)
- Name for the virtual machine and its location (for example, “Kali your _x64”, and the virtual machine directory is “C: \ Virtual \ Kali your_x64”)
- Number of processors for the VM (one will be enough)
- Required memory for the virtual machine (2 GB is enough)
- Bridged network setup
- Preference given to the SCSI controller
- SCSI disk type and creation of a new VHD (at least 20 GB disk space).
After these criteria are selected, you can press the Finish button with peace of mind.
Step 2. Launch Kali Linux on VMware
Following the steps below, you can easily install Kali Linux on VMware.
First, turn on this virtual machine and then immediately boot from the ISO image. From the boot menu, select “Graphical Install” and confirm by pressing Enter.
Next, carefully choose the basic configurations: language, location, keyboard, etc.
After that, choose a hostname, domain name and of course a password for the root user. If you are not prompted to set a password, it will default to "toor".
One more important point: divide the disk into partitions (you can use a disk without partitions in exceptional cases).
Once the disk is partitioned, click “Next”.
You will also need to configure your Package Manager and use a network mirror. GRUB on your hard drive is a prerequisite.
Once the download is complete, reboot your system. After starting up, enter your username and password and you will find yourself on the Kali Linux on VMware desktop.
Use DiskInternals VMFS Recovery for VM file safety
If something happens to your virtual machine (for example, if the .vmdk files are missing or deleted), you can restore them and rebuild the virtual machine using VMFS Recovery.
The program recovers all data that can technically be recovered in case of logical damage to virtual disks. Each stage of recovery is automated as much as possible; this makes it possible even for beginners to use a professional-grade application. In addition, everything on the application can be done for free; you only need to purchase a licence for data export. If you look at the files and folders found, and you are satisfied with the quality of the recovery, then you will without a doubt buy a license and export the necessary information.
The built-in Export Wizard will help you with this last step.