

Kali Linux
Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing, originally forked from Backtrack Linux by the Offensive Security team.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Windows
- Linux
Features
Kali Linux News & Activities
Recent News
- POX published news article about Kali Linux
Kali Linux 2026.2 launches with GNOME 50, KDE 6.6, new tools, and improved VM boot timesKali Linux 2026.2 has launched as the latest release of this specialized Linux distribution, focusi...
- POX published news article about Kali Linux
Kali Linux 2026.1 launches with Linux 6.18, theme update, BackTrack mode, and 8 new toolsKali Linux 2026.1 is now available, bringing an updated experience for users focused on digital for...
- POX published news article about Kali Linux
Kali Linux 2025.4 brings GNOME 49, KDE Plasma 6.5, Wayland enhancements, and 3 new toolsKali Linux 2025.4 has launched as the latest version of the Debian-based distribution tailored for ...
Recent activities
DarkNoir added Kali Linux as alternative to Amphiptere OS- vv0wdr003f liked Kali Linux
rhY added Kali Linux as alternative to Spaced Linux
Manahil-Ali added Kali Linux as alternative to RoshanOS- POX added Kali Linux as alternative to Exegol
- mqdlou liked Kali Linux
- mahdi-shayan liked Kali Linux
- hazemmohamed liked Kali Linux
- vbsrdbfsw liked Kali Linux
- Yerba_29 liked Kali Linux
Featured in Lists
Software used by the hackers in the Emmy and Golden Globe award winning drama/thriller series Mr. Robot. **THIS LIST...
Software used for 'hacking', privacy, etc.
I have noticed in general that the recommendation list for alternatives on this site is broken when it comes to Linux...








Comments and Reviews
Everything you need for penetration testing and vulnerability scanning Kali Linux has it. But NOT recommended for beginners, or people that are planning to switch from Windows to Linux, go with Debian or Ubuntu instead.
People who are planning to switch from Windows, choose Kali for one purpose and one purpose only -- crack Wi-Fi passwords! So, nobody, repeat, nobody is going to choose Debian or Ubuntu instead .
Kali is pretty bloated, and doesn't even have some tools that a lot of pentesters use. Use Parrot OS or BlackArch instead.
Heavy duty penetration testing and vulnerability tool.
Kali Linux is quite slow in updating even the most important packages. Not good for my usage. Might be good for you...
It's great for pen-testing, however you probobly dont need it and shouldn't install it. https://www.kali.org/docs//introduction/should-i-use-kali-linux/
Even if you do want to get into penetration testing, you can start with any other linux distro that's meant as a daily driver
the article on alternatives to kali linux is so good, all information in one place, good work. Going to try them one by one, by visiting their website.
The gnome based shell, that I got so familiar with while using backtrack u, is still there. The Debian base is fast and easy to get used to, and easy to modify.