Day 1: Introduction to Parrot OS & Linux Basics

Getting Started with Parrot OS: Interface, Tools, and Linux 101

Parrot OS is a Debian-based Linux distribution meticulously crafted for cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, and privacy advocates. It provides a lightweight, secure, and highly customizable platform equipped with an extensive suite of tools tailored for ethical hacking, digital forensics, and anonymity. This article serves as the inaugural installment of a 7-day learning series, guiding you through the essentials of Parrot OS. Today’s focus includes installing Parrot OS on VirtualBox or physical hardware, navigating its desktop environments (MATE or KDE), and mastering fundamental Linux concepts such as terminal usage, file system structure, package management with apt, and user roles and permissions. By the end of this article, you will have a fully operational Parrot OS environment and a robust foundation in Linux basics, setting the stage for advanced cybersecurity exploration.

What is Parrot OS?

Parrot OS is a specialized Linux distribution designed to empower security researchers and privacy-conscious users. Built on the stable foundation of Debian, it integrates a comprehensive set of pre-installed cybersecurity tools, including Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and Wireshark. Parrot OS is available in several editions to cater to diverse needs:

• Parrot Security: A full-featured edition for penetration testing and digital forensics, packed with an extensive array of security tools.
• Parrot Home: A streamlined version for general use, emphasizing privacy-focused browsing with fewer pre-installed tools.
• Parrot Architect: A customizable edition for advanced users to build tailored installations.

Key features of Parrot OS include:

• A sandboxed environment for secure testing of potentially malicious software.
• Support for anonymous browsing through Anonsurf and Tor integration.
• Frequent updates to maintain compatibility with cutting-edge security tools.
• Versatility for deployment on virtual machines or physical hardware.

Parrot OS is an ideal platform for both beginners learning the ropes of cybersecurity and seasoned professionals conducting sophisticated assessments. Its flexibility and robust toolset make it a cornerstone for ethical hacking and privacy protection.

Installing Parrot OS

Setting up Parrot OS is the first step to harnessing its capabilities. You can install it on a virtual machine using VirtualBox for a safe, isolated environment or directly on physical hardware for dedicated use. VirtualBox is recommended for beginners to avoid impacting the primary system.

Prerequisites

• Hardware Requirements:
  • Minimum: 4GB RAM, 20GB disk space, dual-core CPU.
  • Recommended: 8GB RAM, 40GB disk space, quad-core CPU.
• Software:
  • VirtualBox (available at www.virtualbox.org) for virtual installations.
  • Parrot Security OS ISO (download from www.parrotsec.org).
• For Physical Installation:
  • A USB drive (8GB minimum) for creating a bootable installer.
  • Tools like Rufus (Windows) or dd (Linux/macOS) for preparing the USB.

Installation on VirtualBox

Follow these steps to install Parrot OS on VirtualBox:

1. Download the ISO: Visit www.parrotsec.org and download the Parrot Security ISO (64-bit recommended).
2. Create a Virtual Machine:
   • Open VirtualBox and click “New.”
   • Name the VM (e.g., “ParrotOS”), select “Linux” as the type, and “Debian (64-bit)” as the version.
   • Allocate resources:
     • RAM: Minimum 2GB (4GB recommended).
     • CPU: At least 2 cores.
     • Storage: Create a virtual hard disk (VDI, dynamically allocated, 20GB minimum).
3. Configure VM Settings:
   • Select the VM, click “Settings,” and navigate to “Storage.”
   • Under “Controller: IDE,” click the disk icon and select the downloaded Parrot OS ISO.
   • In “Network,” set Adapter 1 to “NAT” for internet access.
   • Optionally, enable 3D acceleration in “Display” for improved performance.
4. Install Parrot OS:
   • Start the VM and select “Install” from the boot menu.
   • Follow the graphical installer:
     • Choose your language, timezone, and keyboard layout.
     • Configure the network (DHCP is suitable for VirtualBox).
     • Partition the disk: Select “Guided – use entire disk” for simplicity.
     • Set a root password and create a standard user account.
     • Install the GRUB bootloader to the virtual disk.
   • Complete the installation and reboot.
5. Post-Installation:
   • Eject the ISO from VirtualBox settings (Storage > Controller: IDE > Remove disk).
   • Boot the VM, log in, and run:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

     to ensure the system is up to date.

Installation on Physical Hardware

For a dedicated setup, install Parrot OS on physical hardware using a bootable USB.

1. Create a Bootable USB:
   • Download the Parrot Security ISO.
   • Use Rufus (Windows) or dd (Linux/macOS):
     • Rufus: Select the ISO, choose the USB drive, and click “Start.”
     • dd: Run sudo dd if=parrot-security.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync, replacing /dev/sdX with your USB device (use lsblk to identify it).
2. Boot from USB:
   • Insert the USB, restart your computer, and enter the BIOS/UEFI (typically via F2, F12, or Del).
   • Set the USB as the primary boot device.
   • Save changes and reboot.
3. Install Parrot OS:
   • Select “Install” from the boot menu and follow the graphical installer, similar to the VirtualBox process.
   • Partition carefully to avoid overwriting data if dual-booting.
   • Install GRUB to the master boot record.
4. Post-Installation:
   • Remove the USB, reboot, and update the system with:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Outcome: You now have Parrot OS installed, either virtually or physically, ready for exploration.

Navigating the Desktop Environment

Parrot OS offers two primary desktop environments: MATE (default) and KDE Plasma. MATE is lightweight and user-friendly, while KDE provides a modern, feature-rich interface.

MATE Desktop

MATE is a lightweight desktop environment optimized for performance, making it ideal for resource-constrained systems.

• Menu: Access tools via the top-left “Applications” menu, organized under “Parrot” (e.g., Anonymity, Cryptography, Penetration Testing).
• Panel: The top panel includes the system tray, clock, and network status.
• File Manager: Caja, a straightforward tool for file navigation.

Navigation: Open the terminal with Ctrl + Alt + T or from the menu. Launch tools like Wireshark or Metasploit directly from the menu.

KDE Plasma (Optional)

KDE Plasma offers a visually appealing, customizable interface suited for powerful hardware.

• Menu: Access via the “K” icon, with a searchable interface for tools and applications.
• Widgets: Add system monitors or shortcuts to the desktop.
• Dolphin: A robust file manager for navigating the file system.

Switching to KDE: During installation, select KDE if prompted, or install it post-installation with:

sudo apt install parrot-desktop-kde

Log out, select KDE at the login screen, and log back in.

Outcome: Familiarity with the MATE or KDE interface and confidence in navigating Parrot OS.

Terminal Basics

The terminal is the cornerstone of Linux, enabling powerful command-line interactions. Parrot OS uses Bash as its default shell.

Key Commands

• Navigation:
  • pwd: Print the current working directory.
  • ls: List files and directories (ls -l for detailed view, ls -a for hidden files).
  • cd <directory>: Change directory (e.g., cd /home/user).
  • cd ..: Move up one directory.
• File Operations:
  • mkdir <name>: Create a directory.
  • touch <file>: Create an empty file.
  • cp <source> <destination>: Copy files.
  • mv <source> <destination>: Move or rename files.
  • rm <file>: Delete a file (rm -r <directory> for directories).
• Viewing Files:
  • cat <file>: Display file contents.
  • less <file>: View files interactively.
• System Information:
  • whoami: Display the current user.
  • uname -a: Show system information.

File System Structure

Linux employs a hierarchical file system starting at the root (/). Key directories in Parrot OS include:

• /home/<user>: User’s home directory for personal files.
• /etc: Configuration files (e.g., /etc/apt/sources.list for package sources).
• /var: Variable data like logs (/var/log).
• /usr: User-installed software and tools.
• /root: Home directory for the root user.
• /bin and /sbin: Essential binaries for user and system commands.

Package Management with apt

Parrot OS uses Debian’s apt package manager to install, update, and manage software.

Key Commands

• Update Package Lists:

  sudo apt update

  Fetches the latest package information from repositories.
• Upgrade Installed Packages:

  sudo apt upgrade

  Updates all installed packages to their latest versions.
• Install a Package:

  sudo apt install <package>

  Example: sudo apt install nmap.
• Remove a Package:

  sudo apt remove <package>

• Search for Packages:

  apt search <keyword>

• Clean Up:

  sudo apt autoremove
  sudo apt autoclean

  Removes unused packages and cleans the cache.

Understanding User Roles and Permissions

Linux is a multi-user system with stringent access controls, critical for maintaining security in Parrot OS.

Users and Groups

• Root User: The superuser with unrestricted system access (use sudo for root privileges).
• Standard User: Limited permissions for enhanced security.
• Groups: Users belong to groups (e.g., sudo group for admin privileges).

Permissions

Files and directories have permissions for owner, group, and others:

• Read (r): View contents.
• Write (w): Modify contents.
• Execute (x): Run files or access directories.

Permissions are displayed as rwxr-xr-x (owner: rwx, group: r-x, others: r-x).

Key Commands

• Check Permissions:

  ls -l

• Change Permissions:

  chmod <permissions> <file>

  Example: chmod 755 script.sh (owner: rwx, others: r-x).
• Change Ownership:

  sudo chown <user>:<group> <file>

• Add User to Group:

  sudo usermod -aG <group> <user>

Practical Exercise

1. Install Parrot OS on VirtualBox.
2. Navigate the MATE or KDE desktop and open three tools from the menu.
3. In the terminal, create a directory cybersec, add a file notes.txt, and set its permissions to rwxr-xr--.
4. Install nmap using apt and verify its installation with nmap --version.
5. Explore /etc and identify one configuration file.

Conclusion

Day 1 of this 7-day series has equipped you with the skills to install Parrot OS, navigate its desktop environment, and master foundational Linux concepts. You have learned to use the terminal, explore the file system, manage packages with apt, and understand user roles and permissions. These skills form the bedrock for leveraging Parrot OS’s cybersecurity tools in subsequent days. Continue practicing these commands and prepare for Day 2, where you will explore tools like Nmap and Metasploit.

Next Steps:

• Practice terminal commands daily to build proficiency.
• Explore additional Parrot OS tools in the menu.
• Engage with cybersecurity communities on platforms like X to expand your knowledge.