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Creating a virtual machine (VM) with VirtualBox and installing Kali Linux on it involves several steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

  1. Download VirtualBox:
    • Visit the VirtualBox website and download the latest version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. Install VirtualBox:
    • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 2: Download Kali Linux ISO

  1. Download Kali Linux:

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

  1. Open VirtualBox:
    • Launch VirtualBox on your computer.
  2. Create a New VM:
    • Click the “New” button in the VirtualBox Manager to start creating a new virtual machine.
  3. Name and Operating System:
    • Name: Give your VM a name (e.g., “Kali Linux”).
    • Type: Select “Linux”.
    • Version: Choose “Debian (64-bit)” (Kali Linux is based on Debian).
  4. Memory Size:
    • Allocate memory (RAM) to the VM. A minimum of 2 GB (2048 MB) is recommended, but more is better if your host system allows it.
  5. Create a Virtual Hard Disk:
    • Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create”.
    • Hard Disk File Type: Select “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” and click “Next”.
    • Storage on Physical Hard Disk: Choose “Dynamically allocated” to save disk space and click “Next”.
    • File Location and Size: Set the size of the virtual hard disk. A minimum of 20 GB is recommended. Click “Create”.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine

  1. Select the VM:
    • Click on the VM you just created in the VirtualBox Manager and click “Settings”.
  2. System Settings:
    • Go to the “System” tab.
    • Motherboard: Ensure “Floppy” is unchecked, and “EFI” is unchecked (Kali Linux usually does not require EFI).
    • Processor: Allocate 2 or more processors if available.
  3. Display Settings:
    • Go to the “Display” tab.
    • Increase the “Video Memory” to 128 MB or more.
  4. Storage Settings:
    • Go to the “Storage” tab.
    • Under “Controller: IDE,” click the “Empty” disk icon.
    • Click the disk icon next to “Optical Drive” and select “Choose a disk file”.
    • Browse to and select the Kali Linux ISO you downloaded.
  5. Network Settings:
    • Go to the “Network” tab.
    • Ensure “Attached to” is set to “NAT” for internet access, or “Bridged Adapter” if you want the VM to be part of your local network.
  6. Audio, USB, and Shared Folders (Optional):
    • Configure other settings like Audio, USB, and Shared Folders if needed.

Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine and Install Kali Linux

  1. Start the VM:
    • Click the “Start” button in VirtualBox to boot the VM.
  2. Boot from ISO:
    • The VM should boot from the Kali Linux ISO. If prompted, select the option to “Install” or “Graphical Install”.
  3. Choose Installation Settings:
    • Language, Location, and Keyboard: Select your preferred language, location, and keyboard layout.
    • Network Configuration: Enter the hostname (default: kali) and domain name (if applicable).
    • Set Up Users and Passwords: Set up a root password or create a new user with administrative privileges.
  4. Disk Partitioning:
    • Choose “Guided – use entire disk” to automatically partition the virtual hard drive.
    • Confirm the partitioning scheme and write changes to disk.
  5. Software Selection:
    • Choose the default software selection or customize it as needed.
  6. Install GRUB Bootloader:
    • Choose “Yes” to install the GRUB bootloader to the master boot record. Select the virtual hard disk (usually /dev/sda).
  7. Complete the Installation:
    • After the installation is complete, the system will prompt you to remove the installation media (ISO). Just press “Enter” to reboot the VM.

Step 6: Log in to Kali Linux

  1. Log In:
    • After the VM reboots, you will be presented with the Kali Linux login screen. Enter the username and password you created during the installation.
  2. Post-Installation Setup:
    • Update and upgrade your system by opening a terminal and running:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 7: Install Guest Additions (Optional but Recommended)

  1. Install Dependencies:
    • Open a terminal and run:
    sudo apt install -y dkms build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)
  2. Insert Guest Additions CD:
    • In the VirtualBox menu, go to “Devices” > “Insert Guest Additions CD image”.
  3. Mount the CD:
    • If it doesn’t automatically mount, run:
    bashCopy codesudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt
  4. Run the Installation Script:
    • Run the Guest Additions installer:
    bashCopy codesudo /mnt/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
  5. Reboot the VM:
    • After the installation is complete, reboot the VM.

Step 8: Optimize the Virtual Machine (Optional)

  1. Enable 3D Acceleration:
    • Go to “Settings” > “Display” > “Screen” and enable “3D Acceleration”.
  2. Adjust Display Resolution:
    • Go to “Settings” > “Display” > “Screen” and adjust the resolution or enable “Auto-resize Guest Display” in the VirtualBox menu for better display management.
  3. Shared Clipboard/Drag and Drop:
    • Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Advanced” and enable “Shared Clipboard” and “Drag’n’Drop” if needed.

You now have a fully functional Kali Linux installation on a VirtualBox VM. This setup allows you to perform penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security research in a controlled environment.

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