How to install and test Parrot OS in VirtualBox

While most advanced users can use Kali Linux for pentesting needs, Parrot OS is practically equally effective, useful as a privacy-focused distro.

Since Parrot OS is inspired by Debian, this Linux distribution is very easy to install. It inherits some smart features like APT package manager, same full suite of penetration testing and privacy tools.

To test Parrot OS, you can install the distribution on Oracle's VirtualBox.

Prerequisites for installing Parrot OS

To install Parrot OS on VirtualBox, you need to meet some basic criteria. If you do not have VirtualBox installed on your system, you can download it from the official website.

1. Download VirtualBox here

You also need to download the Parrot OS installation image from the distribution's official website.

1. Download Parrot OS ISO here

How to install Parrot OS in VirtualBox

Step 1: Create a virtual machine for Parrot OS

To set up a virtual environment, open VirtualBox and click the New button . In the next window, specify the following details:

1. Name: A suitable name for the virtual environment
2. Machine folder : This folder will be auto-populated depending on the virtual machine name you specify. If you want to change the installation path, click the drop-down menu and select Other to navigate to the path of your choice.
3. Type: Select Linux from the drop-down menu
4. Version: Select Debian (64-bit) from the list of options

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Set the memory size to 2048MB on the next screen. You can increase the RAM size depending on your system specifications, but keep in mind that you shouldn't allocate more than 50% of your server's memory.

In the virtual hard drive screen, leave it at the default value: Create a virtual hard disk now .

When you click the Create button , another pop-up window will appear, asking you to specify the hard drive file type. Same as before, leave it at the default option: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) . Click Next once done.

In the Storage on physical hard disk screen , select the default option: Dynamically allocated . Click Next.

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On the next screen, you will need to specify the file location and size of the virtual machine. Change the path as required and set the virtual hard drive size to 20GB. Click Create to complete the configuration process.

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Once configured, you are ready to activate the newly created virtual machine by clicking on the available virtual machine item on the left panel. The virtual machine will run some setup protocols on the first run to get the environment up and running.

When the environment starts up, you need to configure the path of the ISO image by clicking on the folder icon in the bottom right corner. Click Add to specify the path of the image.

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Step 2: Install Parrot OS on the virtual machine

The basic configuration is now finished. Now it's time to start the installation process. You must follow the on-screen instructions to continue with the installation.

Click Try/Install to start installing Parrot OS.

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The live system will boot and soon you will be on the desktop interface.

On the desktop, click the Install Parrot icon . This will take you to the main settings interface, from where you can choose your language, location, time zone, keyboard, user details, etc.

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On the welcome screen, you will be greeted with installation instructions. Select your preferred language from the drop-down menu and click Next.

The next screen will show you a world map so you can choose your location and time zone. Select the area from the drop-down menu or simply select the location from the map. Press Enter , once done.

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Select the keyboard layout for the virtual machine setup and click Next to continue.

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On the drive partition screen, there will be two options to choose from:

1. Erase disk
2. Manual Partitioning

It's best to start from scratch, so choosing the first option will be beneficial. If you are an advanced user, you can choose option two. If you choose Erase disk , the installer will erase everything from the virtual hard drive.

In the second option, you can configure the disk space manually, according to your individual needs. While the first option will be automatically configured, you will have full control over the setup, if you use the latter.

Click Next after deciding on the drive allocation process.

Now it's time to define user. Enter the required details on the screen. You will need to specify the user name, login name, machine name and finally the login password. Click Next to continue.

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Finally, the installer will present a summary of all your options. If you're happy with those choices, click Install. In the next prompt, click Install Now.

Do not exit the installer in any way until the installation is complete. Any interruption will adversely affect the setup and cause problems.

As soon as the installation is complete, the installer will ask you to reboot the system. Select the Restart Now option and click Done. Now, the system will reboot; remove the installation media (ISO image) and press Enter.

Once installed, you will be taken to the login screen where you can enter your username and password to log into the system.

Parrot OS is ready to use.

Samuel Daniel

Update 30 December 2021