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Difference Between Ubuntu and Kali Linux

Ubuntu is a Linux based Operating System and belongs to the Debian family of Linux. As it is Linux based, so it is freely available for use and is open source. It was developed by a team “Canonical” lead by Mark Shuttleworth. The term “ubuntu” is derived from an African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. The Chinese version of Ubuntu is used for running the world’s fastest supercomputer. Google’s self-driving car uses the stripped version of ubuntu. 

Features of Ubuntu:

 Kali Linux is a Linux based open source Operating System which is freely available for use. It belongs to the Debian family of Linux. It was developed by “Offensive Security”. It was first released in March 2013 with the aim to be the replacement of the BackTrackOS. Kali comes packed with 100+ of penetration testing, security research, digital forensics, reverse engineering, and ethical hacking tools.

Features of Kali Linux:

Similarities between Ubuntu and Kali Linux:

Difference between Ubuntu and Kali Linux

Ubuntu

Kali Linux

Developed by Canonical.

Developed by Offensive Security.

Ubuntu was initially released on 20 October 2004.

Kali was initially released on 13 March 2013.

Ubuntu is used for daily use or on server.

Kali is used by security researchers or ethical hackers for security purposes

Latest version(2020.04) of ubuntu uses Gnome-terminal by default.

Latest version(2020.2) of kali uses qterminal by default.

Latest Ubuntu consists of the Gnome environment by default, though it allows you to change the same.

Latest Kali consists of the xfce environment by default, though it allows you to change the same.

Ubuntu doesn’t comes packed with hacking and penetration testing tools.

Kali comes packed with hacking and penetration testing tools.

Comes with a user friendly Interface

Comes with a less user friendly Interface as compared to ubuntu.

Ubuntu is a good option for beginners to Linux.

Kali Linux is a good option for those who are intermediate in Linux.

Latest Ubuntu live has the default username as root.

Latest Kali Linux has a default username as kali.

Latest Ubuntu live has the default password as (blank).

Latest Kali Linux has a default password as kali.

Conclusion: Ubuntu and Kali Linux are both popular Linux distributions, but they serve different purposes. Ubuntu is a general-purpose operating system that is suitable for everyday use, while Kali Linux is a specialized operating system that is specifically designed for penetration testing and ethical hacking. When choosing between Ubuntu and Kali Linux, it is important to consider the purpose of the operating system and the needs of the user.

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