Kali Linux 2025: BEST Setup for Ethical Hacking Beginners

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through setting up Kali Linux 2025 for ethical hacking. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your existing setup, you'll learn how to streamline your workflow using tools like tmux and ZSH, customize your terminal, and install useful plugins. By the end, you'll have a more efficient and visually appealing hacking environment.

Step 1: Change Font and Transparency

• Open your terminal settings in Kali Linux.
• Adjust the font size and type to your preference for better readability.
• Set the transparency level to make your terminal visually appealing without losing clarity.

Step 2: Install Oh-My-Zsh

• Install Oh-My-Zsh, a framework for managing your ZSH configuration.
• Run the following command to install it:

  sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
  

Step 3: Customize .zshrc File

• Open your .zshrc file in a text editor, such as Nano:

  nano ~/.zshrc
  

• Change the theme to your preference. For example, you can use the agnoster theme for a modern look:

  ZSH_THEME="agnoster"
  

Step 4: Add Plugins to .zshrc

• Scroll to the plugins section in your .zshrc file.

Add useful plugins, such as

• git
• zsh-autosuggestions
• zsh-syntax-highlighting
• Your plugins line should look like this:

  plugins=(git zsh-autosuggestions zsh-syntax-highlighting)
  

Step 5: Install ZSH Plugins

Install zsh-autosuggestions

• Run the following command:

  git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions ~/.oh-my-zsh/custom/plugins/zsh-autosuggestions
  

Install zsh-syntax-highlighting

• Run the following command:

  git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-syntax-highlighting.git ~/.oh-my-zsh/custom/plugins/zsh-syntax-highlighting
  

Install Other Useful Tools

• Install eza, a modern replacement for ls:

  sudo apt install eza
  

• Install grc for colorized output:

  sudo apt install grc
  

• Install colorize for enhanced output:

  sudo apt install colorize
  

Step 6: Setup .tmux Configuration

• Create or edit your .tmux.conf file:

  nano ~/.tmux.conf
  

• Add your preferred configuration settings for tmux, which can include:

  set -g mouse on
  set -g default-terminal "screen-256color"
  

Step 7: Install batcat

• Install batcat, a cat clone with syntax highlighting:

  sudo apt install bat
  

Step 8: Create Aliases in .zshrc

• Open your .zshrc file again:

  nano ~/.zshrc
  

• Add useful aliases to simplify commands, such as:

  alias ll='ls -la'
  alias gs='git status'
  

Step 9: Install Nerd Fonts

• Download and install Nerd Fonts to enhance your terminal's visual aesthetic.
• Follow the instructions on the Nerd Fonts GitHub page to install the font of your choice.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you've customized your Kali Linux 2025 setup for ethical hacking. You've learned to install and configure essential tools like tmux and ZSH, enhancing both productivity and usability. Next, explore more advanced ethical hacking techniques or dive into specific tools and methodologies to further your skills. Happy hacking!