So if you only want the core components needed to run the Kali Linux desktop, you can go that route. The default installer provides 'metapackages' that bundle similar types of software together. But you don't have to pre-install this much code if you don't want to. Kali Linux has around 600 penetration testing programs available, making it the most comprehensive Linux distro for the job. Categories include the likes of 'Web Application Assessment,' 'Password Attacks,' and 'Sniffing & Spoofing.' The default setup provides the Xfce desktop sporting a custom theme and an app menu whose categories reflect the needs of security professionals. Kali Linux is a rolling-release distro based on Debian. The initial release was in 2013, but the origins go back to BackTrack Linux and even further to a project known as Whoppix (short for WhiteHat Knoppix) as early as 2004. The project is maintained and funded by the America-based international company Offensive Security.

Kali Linux's aim is to be the most advanced distribution for penetration testing.

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