Installing Linux

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This guide will help you install Linux and Kali Linux on VMware Workstation Pro for Windows after downloading and setting up VMware Workstation Pro.

You'll also need 7-Zip for extracting downloaded files.

Resources for this Post:

1. Installing VMware Workstation Pro on Windows

Before proceeding with the Linux installations, ensure that VMware Workstation Pro is installed on your Windows machine. Either from their official page or from Broadcom.

2. Download and Install 7-Zip (Required for Extracting Files)

You’ll need 7-Zip to extract the Kali Linux image file. Here’s how to install it:

  1. Download 7-Zip from the official website: 7-Zip Download.
  2. Select the version compatible with your Windows system (32-bit or 64-bit).
  3. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the prompts to install 7-Zip.
  4. After installation, you can now use 7-Zip to extract .zip or .7z files.

3. Download the Linux ISO or VMware Image

Option 1: Installing Regular Linux (Ubuntu Example)

If you want to install a standard Linux distribution such as Ubuntu, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Ubuntu ISO: Visit the Ubuntu Download Page and download the latest ISO image.
  2. Save the .iso file to your preferred location.

Option 2: Installing Kali Linux (Pre-Built VMware Image)

For Kali Linux, the process is even easier, as VMware images are provided directly by the Kali team.

  1. Download the Kali Linux VMware Image:

  2. Extract the Kali Image:

    • Once the download is complete, use 7-Zip to extract the .7z file.
    • Right-click on the downloaded file, select 7-Zip > Extract Here or choose a folder to extract the contents.

4. Setting Up a Linux Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation Pro

Option 1: Installing Ubuntu (Standard Linux)

  1. Open VMware Workstation Pro on your Windows machine.
  2. Click on Create a New Virtual Machine in the welcome screen.
  3. In the wizard, select Typical (recommended) and click Next.
  4. Choose the option Installer disc image file (ISO) and browse to the location of the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier.
  5. Click Next and follow the wizard’s prompts to configure:
    • Operating System: Select Linux and choose Ubuntu from the dropdown.
    • Virtual Machine Name: Name the VM (e.g., "Ubuntu 22.04").
    • Storage: Allocate disk space (20-30GB is recommended).
  6. Once configured, click Finish to create the virtual machine.
  7. Power On the Virtual Machine: After the VM is created, power it on and the Ubuntu installation will begin.
  8. Follow the Installation Steps:
    • Choose your language and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu.
    • Set up user credentials, and Ubuntu will install itself on the virtual disk.
  9. After installation, you will have a fully functional Ubuntu virtual machine running on VMware Workstation Pro.

Option 2: Installing Kali Linux (Pre-Built VMware Image)

  1. Open VMware Workstation Pro.
  2. Instead of creating a new VM, click on Open a Virtual Machine.
  3. Browse to the location where you extracted the Kali Linux .vmx file (from the .7z file).
  4. Select the .vmx file and click Open.
  5. Once the VM is imported, you can configure its settings (e.g., allocate more memory or processors if needed).
  6. Power On the VM: Click Power On this Virtual Machine. Kali Linux will boot up without requiring installation since it is a pre-built image.
  7. Log In: Use the default Kali Linux credentials:
    • Username: kali
    • Password: kali
  8. After logging in, you’ll have a fully functional Kali Linux system running on VMware Workstation Pro.

5. Configuring and Using Your Virtual Machines

Once your virtual machines are set up (either Ubuntu or Kali Linux), you can begin using them for your work. Here are a few tips:

  • VM Settings: Adjust the settings of your virtual machine based on your requirements:
    • Increase or decrease RAM.
    • Modify the number of CPUs.
    • Set up shared folders between the host (Windows) and the VM.
  • Snapshots: Take a snapshot of the VM to save its state. This is helpful when experimenting with different configurations or installations.
    • In VMware Workstation Pro, go to VM > Snapshot > Take Snapshot.
  • Full Screen Mode: To make your virtual machine full-screen, press Ctrl + Alt + Enter.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • VMware Tools: Installing VMware Tools is highly recommended for better performance and functionality (e.g., shared clipboard, drag-and-drop, full-screen mode).

    • After powering on the VM, go to VM > Install VMware Tools and follow the prompts inside your virtual machine to install it.

  • Performance Issues: If your virtual machine is running slowly:

    • Ensure that your host machine has enough memory and CPU to support the virtual machine.
    • Reduce the number of background processes running on your host OS.

  • Networking Issues: If your virtual machine doesn’t have internet access:

    • Go to VM > Settings > Network Adapter and ensure that the adapter is set to NAT or Bridged mode, depending on your network configuration.

By following this guide, you should now have either Linux (e.g., Ubuntu) or Kali Linux installed on VMware Workstation Pro for Windows. Whether you’re using Linux for development, testing, or security purposes, VMware Workstation Pro offers a robust platform to run these operating systems within virtual machines on your Windows system.

With this setup, you can now seamlessly explore Linux environments, experiment with different tools, or conduct research and testing in a safe, isolated virtual environment.

Happy virtualizing!

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