Ethical Hacking Lab - Linux Basics (Kali/Parrot OS Compatible)
Lab Overview
This lab is designed to familiarize learners with Linux-based operating systems, particularly
Kali Linux (as mentioned in Cisco’s course) or Parrot OS (as used by the student). The goal
is to get comfortable with the GUI, the terminal shell, and basic file/folder operations
necessary for ethical hacking.
Parrot OS users can perform all the steps exactly as described, since the tools and commands
remain identical in both distros.
Part 1: GUI Familiarization
Objective:
Understand GUI components
Learn to navigate the Applications menu
Instructions:
1. Login: Username: kali / Password: kali (or Parrot defaults)
2. Explore top panel: network, audio, time, desktops.
3. Right-click panel > Panel Preferences > Customize layout.
4. Click the first icon on the top-left to open Applications Menu.
5. Browse through categories like:
o Information Gathering
o Vulnerability Analysis
o Web Application Analysis
o Wireless Attacks
Note: Many tools open in the terminal, some have GUI.
Part 2: Linux Terminal Basics
Objective:
Practice navigation and command usage in Linux Shell
Step-by-Step Commands:
🔹 pwd - Print working directory
/home/kali
🔹 cd - Change directory
cd /home/kali # Go to home
cd .. # Go up one level (parent)
cd ~ # Go to home directory
cd . # Stay in current directory
🔹 ls - List directory contents
ls -l # Detailed list
ls -la # Show hidden files (., ..)
🔹 mkdir - Create folders
mkdir kali_folder1 kali_folder2 kali_folder3
🔹 Create nested folder
mkdir /home/kali/kali_folder3/kali_folder4
🔹 Redirect output
echo echo this message # Output to screen
echo redirect this to a file > text_file.txt # Output to file
🔹 Append to file
echo this text will be appended >> text_file.txt
🔹 View file content
cat text_file.txt
🔹 Remove files & directories
rm text_file.txt # Delete file
rm -r kali_folder1 # Delete folder and contents
🔹 Move files/directories
mv kali_folder2/text_file.txt . # Move file to current folder
mv kali_folder3/ kali_folder2/ # Move entire folder into another
Reflection Questions & Concepts
🔸 What does ~ mean?
It refers to the current user’s home directory. For kali, it's /home/kali.
🔸 What does . and .. mean?
. = current directory
.. = parent directory (one level up)
🔸 What does > and >> do?
> = overwrite/redirect output to a file
>> = append output to a file
🔸 Why use . in move command?
The dot . stands for current directory — telling the system to place the file here.
🔸 How to get command documentation?
man ls # or man any-command
✅ Conclusion
You have now practiced:
Linux directory structure
Navigating and manipulating files
Understanding user levels (root vs normal)
Working with redirections and permissions
These fundamentals are critical as you dive into real penetration testing tools and scenarios.
Parrot OS will handle all these commands perfectly — keep practicing daily and get ready for
advanced labs!
Prepared by: ChatGPT x Umar Bhai's Hacker Journey 🚀
OS Used: Parrot Security Edition (VM)
Course: Cisco Certified Ethical Hacking
Lab: Day 1 - Linux Terminal & GUI Fundamentals
