CHAPTER 2

Kali Review

2.0. the Kali's Look

When looking at the history of Kali's appearance, we see that Major Changes have been made. Among them, the most visible changes are the Desktop Environment. When one hears Desktop Environment, those who are new to Linux may question what it is. Not everyone is familiar with this word. Desktop Environment means the GUI (Graphical User Interface) designed so that we can use the operating system quickly and easily. App icons, Wall papers, Toolbars, With all the Desktop Widgets, it looks cleaner and more attractive.

Fig: 2.0. Backtrack's look

Figure 2.0 shows the original version of Backtrack Linux before it became Kali. It was released until Backtrack 5, and it was very popular in Backtrack 5. Even today, there are still people who want to install Backtrack 5. It's sad. Because they're trying to use a phone with Android Version 1 when it's around Android Version 12. They want to go back to the beginning instead using the latest, but it's too obvious how you can't fit in the age of technology that is changing so much every day. Installing apps is the beginning. 😁

Fig: 2.1. Kali's Version 1 (Default Style)

Fig 2.1. It is the model that was used from Kali 1.0.0 to 1.1.0a, when it became Kali. Versions were coming up during that time, but there were only a few changes.

Fig: 2.2. Kali's Version 2 (Default Style)

Figure 2.2. This is the style that has been changed since Kali Version 2.0. Used until early 2019. It was also the period when the GNOME Desktop Environment started to change. Since it is compatible with Android, it is still a popular desktop environment. These only mean the Default Desktop Environment, KDE lovers can use KDE version, XFCE, LXDE, e17, etc. It should be noted that at present it is not given that much.

Fig: 2.3. Kali's Now (2020.xxx) (Default Style)

Figure 2.3. You will see the default style that Kali has been using until now. I use lightdm (XFCE4 Desktop Environment). For the current version, there are 3 desktop environments you can choose from during the install process. (You can also change it after uploading) Those three types are -

XFCE4 (Default)
GNOME
KDE

XFCE4 (lightdm) is the default version with less RAM usage. Each default version has its own advantages, so I prefer the default version. Because RAM usage is low, it is more suitable for computers with low specifications. When using Labs in VirtualBox to practice hacking studies, the RAM is allocated to the Virtual Machines, so lightdm, which uses less RAM, is actually better. The main advantage of XFCE (default) is kali-undercover-mode. Undercover Mode is a feature that can instantly change our Kali theme to look like Windows 10.

Fig: 2.4. Kali Undercover Mode

If you click on the Kali Dragon Logo in the upper left corner of Kali (Default XFCE), the Application Menu will appear. Just type undercover and you should see Kali Undercover Mode as shown in the picture.

Fig: 2.4

Fig: 2.5. Kali Undercover Mode

Once you enter Undercover Mode, you can see a Windows 10-like appearance change. This fact can be used in public places where there are many people to avoid the public awareness that will happen when Kali is used. As you can see in the picture. The included apps will not change, so you can continue to use them as usual. Just changed the view to Windows 10 style. When you want to turn this off again, just open Terminal (CMD icon) and type kali-undercover off. As soon as you enter, it will return to normal Kali.

GNOME As mentioned, Gnome is Android-style. It is the default style of Ubuntu. RAM usage is high. If you only have 4GB of RAM and plan to use Virtual Labs to learn hacking, you'd better forget about GNOME.

KDE is very similar to Windows. Not the same. RAM usage is not much. You can use beautiful themes like Ghost Theme. That's why people like him. If you want to use Kali Undercover Mode, only Default (XFCE) will be available.

My advice is to use the default. If you are addicted to GNOME or KDE, you can use it if you like.

Fig: 2.6. Application Menu

Application Menu of Kali Default. As you can see in Fig: 2.6, the tools are grouped according to their relevance. I think knowing its look is enough.

Fig: 2.7. Right Click Menu

This is the image you will see when you right click on an empty space on the desktop. You can still select applications from there. Then change Desktop Background from Desktop Settings, It will be possible to change the size of the icons on the desktop.