Welcome to the world of Kali Linux! If you’re an absolute beginner looking to get started with this powerful penetration testing and cybersecurity tool, you’re in the right place. One of the great things about Kali Linux is that you don’t need to download it or install it on your own computer in order to use it. Instead, you can use a cloud-based service like Linode to access a remote Kali Linux system and start learning right away.
Here’s how to get started:
- Sign up for a Linode account: The first thing you’ll need to do is create a Linode account. This is a simple process that just requires you to provide some basic information and choose a payment plan.
- Create a new Linode: Once you’ve signed up for an account, you’ll need to create a new Linode. This is essentially a virtual server that you can access remotely and use to run Kali Linux. To create a new Linode, click the “Create” button in the dashboard and select “Linode” from the options.
- Choose a plan: Next, you’ll need to choose a plan for your Linode. There are several options available, ranging from small and affordable to more powerful and expensive. Choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
- Select a region: When creating your Linode, you’ll also need to choose a region. This is the location of the physical server that will host your Linode. Choose a region that is closest to you for the best performance.
- Choose a distribution: Now it’s time to choose the operating system for your Linode. From the dropdown menu, select “Kali Linux” as the distribution.
- Create your Linode: Once you’ve selected your options, click the “Create” button to create your new Linode. This process may take a few minutes to complete.
- Connect to your Linode: Once your Linode is created, you can connect to it via SSH (Secure Shell) using a tool like PuTTY on Windows or the terminal on macOS or Linux. Follow the instructions provided by Linode to connect to your Linode and start using Kali Linux.
That’s it! You’re now ready to start using Kali Linux and exploring all of its powerful tools and features. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn more about cybersecurity or an experienced professional looking to hone your skills, Kali Linux is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you achieve your goals. Happy hacking!
Using a Remote Desktop for your Virtual Kali Linux instance.
One of the great things about using a cloud-based service like Linode to access Kali Linux is that you can connect to it remotely using a remote desktop connection. This allows you to use Kali Linux from any computer with an internet connection, without the need to install it on your own machine.
Here’s how to connect to Kali Linux using a remote desktop on both Windows and macOS:
Windows:
- Download and install a remote desktop client: There are several options available, such as Remote Desktop Connection, which is included with Windows, or third-party options like TightVNC or RealVNC.
- Connect to your Linode: Once you have a remote desktop client installed, open it and enter the IP address and login credentials for your Linode. This information can be found in the Linode dashboard.
- Connect to Kali Linux: When prompted, enter the username and password for your Kali Linux system. You should now be connected to Kali Linux and able to use it just as if you were working on the system locally.
macOS:
- Enable Remote Desktop: On your Mac, open the System Preferences and go to the Sharing settings. Enable the “Remote Management” option and click the “Computer Settings” button.
- Configure Remote Desktop: In the “Computer Settings” window, click the “VNC” tab and select “Allow access for: All users” from the dropdown menu.
- Connect to your Linode: On your Mac, open the “Screen Sharing” app and enter the IP address and login credentials for your Linode. This information can be found in the Linode dashboard.
- Connect to Kali Linux: When prompted, enter the username and password for your Kali Linux system. You should now be connected to Kali Linux and able to use it just as if you were working on the system locally.
That’s all there is to it! With a remote desktop connection, you can access Kali Linux from any computer with an internet connection, giving you the flexibility to work from anywhere. Just remember to keep your login credentials and Linode IP address secure to ensure the security of your system.