Popular 5 Linux Distributions that can induce your curiosity
When we think about operating systems, for the first that come in our mind is Microsoft Windows and Mac-OS. They are expensive. But there is a popular open source operating system that runs parallel to Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
Linux is an open source operating system based on the Linux kernel of the Unix family. Published by Linus Torvalds on September 17, 1991. All Linux packages are released under the name Linux Distribution. Now let’s look at some of the popular Linux distributions that have come out.
It’s so popular that people are less likely to know it. This is an open source Linux distribution based on Debian that runs similar to Windows. Developed by Canonical Ltd and released on October 20, 2004.
It was released in 3 versions.
I. Desktop
II. Server
III. Core for Internet of Things devices and robots
Ubuntu is a popular operating system for cloud computing, with support for OpenStack. We can run all the Ubuntu version in all PC directly. Ubuntu is a popular operating system for cloud computing, with support for OpenStack.
Features of Ubuntu:
i. The desktop version of Ubuntu supports all the traditional software on Windows like Firefox, Chrome, VLC, etc.
ii. It supports the office suite called LibreOffice.
iii. Ubuntu has an in-built email software called Thunderbird, which provides the user access to email like Exchange, Gmail, Hotmail, etc.
iv. There are a number of free applications for users to look at and edit photos.
v. There also are applications to manage videos and it also allows the users to share videos.
vi. It is easy to seek out content on Ubuntu with the smart searching facility.
vii. The best feature is, it’s a free OS and is backed by an enormous open source community.
Official Site: Ubuntu.com
Kali Linux is a Debian — derived Linux Distribution designed for digital forensic and penetration testing. Developed by offensive Security and released on March 13, 2013. It was released as Kali Linux after making several changes to Backtrack, which was based on Knoppix, the previous information security of offensive security.
There are above 600 pre-installed pen testing tools like Armitage (a graphical cyber-attack management tool), Nmap (a port scanner), Wireshark (a packet analyzer), John the Ripper (a password cracker), Aircrack-ng (a software suite for penetration-testing wireless LANs), Burp suite and OWASP ZAP web application security scanners.
The expansion of “Kali” in Kali Linux is “Kernel Auditing Linux” which is mistaken by some that this is the name of the Tamil god Kali. Kali Linux’s next step is the release of the “Kali Net Hunter” special release for Android devices. Kali Linux is developed for cyber security purpose, but it is now a weapon for many cyber thieves.
Key Features:
i. More than 600 pre-installed penetration testing tools
Kali Linux has more than 600 useful tools such as Wireshark, Crunch, Nmap and Aircrack-NG.
ii. Multi language support
Kali Linux tools include multi-language support to enable its users to work in their own language.
iii. Developed in a safe environment
Only a limited number of trusted individuals can communicate with the Kali Linux code repositories.
iv. Adherence to the File System Sequence Standard (FHS)
Kali adheres FHS to easily find Linux libraries, support files, etc.
v. Free of cost
Kali Linux is free to use and its developers promise that it will remain so.
Official Site: kali.org
Black Arch Linux is an open — source Linux distribution based on Arch Linux with numerous cyber security tools designed for penetration testing. It is designed exclusively for penetration testers and security researchers. Its repository contains more than 2400 tools that can be installed individually or group. And it is compatible with the current installs of Arch Linux.
It was designed by the Open Source project. It is compatible with Linux Distribution such as Kali Linux and Parrot Sec.
Features:
i. A live ISO with multiple window managers
ii. Support for multiple architectures
iii. An installer with the power to create from source
iv. Over 1800 tools
v. Install package individually or in groups
Official Site: Blackarch.org
BackBox Linux is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that provides penetration testing and Security Assessment based network and informatics systems analysis toolkit. Contains a complete set of tools for Ethical Hacking and Security testing. This was released on September 09, 2010 by BackBox team.
BackBox Linux is one of the first platforms that support cloud penetration testing
Features of Back Box Linux:
i. Designed to be fast, easy to use.
ii. With Good looking desktop Environment.
iii. Own Software repository
iv. Regular Updates.
v. light weight.
vi. BackBox has been well organized and designed
vii. hackers friendly.
Official Site: Backbox.org
Cyborg Hawk is a highly advanced, powerful well managed Ubuntu based penetration testing Linux Distribution developed by Ztrela Knowledge Solutions Pvt Ltd. This Linux Distribution contains over 700 tools for penetration testing and over 300 tools for Mobile Security and Malware Analysis. It is fully open source and the new version features Cyborg Hawk’s own tools. It is the most reliable standard Linux distribution for ethical hackers and pen testers to detect real-world stress testing of networks, malware analysis and backdoor.
Features of Cyborg Hawk is Full support for wireless devices.
i. Can be installed as a virtual machine.
ii. Managed and well-sorted menus in the distribution.
iii. Bundles tools for exploitation, stress testing, reverse engineering, forensics, mobile security and wireless security.
iv. Secured and well patched kernel.
v. Has full capability to run as Live
Official Site: Archiveos.org
Conclusion
There are so many operating systems active currently. But it is true that there is a different feeling when using Linux Distributions. It is not only for Ethical hackers and pen testers but also for everyone. There are many other Linux releases besides the above. The fact is that using such advanced Linux releases can give you a whole new experience, then using Windows and Mac OS.
