Get started with ParrotOS, the security-focused Linux distribution.
ParrotOS is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for security testing, digital forensics, reverse engineering, and privacy protection. It comes pre-installed with hundreds of security tools, making it ideal for penetration testers and security professionals.
| Feature | ParrotOS | Kali Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Debian Testing | Debian Testing |
| Resource Usage | Lighter | Heavier |
| Desktop | MATE/KDE | XFCE/KDE/GNOME |
| Target Audience | Broader | Pen-testers |
| Privacy Tools | More | Fewer |
# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
# Update tool repositories
sudo parrot-upgrade
# Install additional tools
sudo apt install -y tool-name
ParrotOS uses MATE desktop by default:
# Check ParrotOS version
cat /etc/os-release
# Update ParrotOS
sudo parrot-upgrade
# Start/stop services
sudo systemctl start service-name
sudo systemctl stop service-name
sudo systemctl status service-name
# View system logs
sudo journalctl -xe
# View network interfaces
ip addr show
ifconfig
# Enable/disable interface
sudo ifconfig eth0 up
sudo ifconfig eth0 down
# Change MAC address
sudo ifconfig eth0 down
sudo macchanger -r eth0
sudo ifconfig eth0 up
# Configure static IP
sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces
# Search for tools
apt search keyword
# Install tool
sudo apt install tool-name
# Remove tool
sudo apt remove tool-name
# Update tool database
sudo updatedb
ParrotOS includes AnonSurf for anonymous internet browsing:
# Start anonymous mode
sudo anonsurf start
# Stop anonymous mode
sudo anonsurf stop
# Check status
sudo anonsurf status
# Change Tor identity
sudo anonsurf change
Warning: AnonSurf routes all traffic through Tor, which can be slow.
mkdir -p ~/pentesting/{recon,scanning,exploitation,reporting}
mkdir -p ~/tools/{custom,scripts}
mkdir -p ~/wordlists
# Install ZSH
sudo apt install zsh
# Install Oh My Zsh
sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.github.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
# Change theme
nano ~/.zshrc
# Set ZSH_THEME="agnoster"
# Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
alias ll='ls -lah'
alias update='sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y'
alias ports='netstat -tulpn'
alias myip='curl ifconfig.me'
sudo ufw enable# Update tool database
sudo apt update
sudo parrot-upgrade
# Restart network manager
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
# Reinstall display drivers
sudo apt install --reinstall xserver-xorg
After mastering ParrotOS basics:
man tool-name