Kali Linux Starter
Commands
Uzor Isolokwu
2025/08/05
CONTENTS
01 Getting Around
02 Reading & Editing
03 Permissions & Updates
04 Network Essentials
05 Process & Help
01
Getting Around
Navigate Files Like a Pro
Master these four commands to explore the filesystem without fear. They form
the daily compass for every Kali beginner.
cd (Change Directory)
Jumps between folders.
pwd (Print Working Directory)
clear
Confirms your current location in the filesystem.
Tidies the terminal screen.
ls (List)
Lists the contents of the current directory.
Create, Copy, Move, Delete
Practising these verbs equips you to organise payloads, wordlists, and reports safely inside Kali’s
directory tree.
mkdir
touch
cp
mv
rm
Build new directories
Spawn empty files
Duplicate data
Relocate or rename
Erase files
02
Reading & Editing
Peek Inside Any File
These tools let you inspect configuration files, source
code, or captured hashes without opening heavy editors.
cat Dumps full text to the screen.
less Paginates long outputs for easy reading.
head/tail Preview the start or end of files.
grep Filters lines by keyword.
Quick Edits with Nano
For rapid tweaks to Python scripts, network configs, or
Metasploit resource files, nano keeps the workflow fast and
mouse-free.
Open & Edit
Launch Nano with nano filename .
Save (Write Out)
Press Ctrl+O to save
changes.
Exit
Press Ctrl+X to
exit.
Search
Press Ctrl+W to find
text.
03
Permissions & Updates
Own Your Files: Permissions & Privileges
Understanding this trio prevents "permission denied" errors while running exploits.
chmod
Changes read, write, execute
rights with numeric (755) or
symbolic (+x) modes.
sudo
chown
Transfers ownership of a file
to a specific user or group.
Elevates your privileges to
perform administrator tasks
safely.
Keep Kali Current
Running these commands weekly ensures your exploits, drivers, and dependencies stay compatible and
secure.
1. Update
2. Upgrade
3. Install
Refreshes package lists
Installs newer versions
Adds new tools
apt update
apt upgrade
apt install
04
Network Essentials
See Your Network
Settings
These quick checks confirm you are connected to the
target lab or VPN before launching scanners and
spoofers.
ifconfig
Reveals IP addresses for all network interfaces.
iwconfig
Shows detailed information for wireless interfaces.
ip route
Displays the system's routing table and default
gateways.
Test Connections Simply
Using them builds a mental topology of the environment and spots basic connectivity issues before
deeper penetration steps.
ping
traceroute
netstat
Verifies host reachability.
Maps the packet hops to a target.
Lists open ports on your system.
05
Process & Help
Control Running Tasks
These commands keep CPU and memory under control while
heavy exploits or wordlists run.
ps aux
Lists all active processes with detailed information.
kill
Terminates a stubborn process by its Process ID (PID).
systemctl
Manages services like PostgreSQL for Metasploit (e.g., systemctl
start postgresql ).
Find Help Fast
Whenever a tool like nmap or hydra feels confusing, these built-in aids provide instant clarification
without the internet.
man
--help
apropos
Delivers the official, comprehensive
manual pages for any command.
Provides a compact, quick-reference
summary of a command's syntax and
options.
Searches the manual pages for
commands related to a specific
keyword.
nmap --help
apropos scanner
man nmap
THANK YOU
Kimi AI
2025/08/05