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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Kali isn't meant to be a desktop OS. Use it only in VM or in a spare rig. It is meant to be a toolbox. So dual boot it with your daily driver OS or use in a VM.
Your Mac can take Linux just well: https://djharper.dev/post/2020/06/07/running-linux-on-my-macbook/
For your 300 bucks budget look nothing else than Thinkpad T480 or HP Dev One. T480 will need replacement batteries if not replaced yet.
Thanks! Think I'll try installing Linux on a VM first and see how it runs on my Mac. If performance is slow ill look into the Thinkpad.
See if you can run off a live USB instead of in a VM if you're testing for performance. VM is likely gonna perform worse than if you were to install it on your hardware. Usually when you make a USB installer for a distro you can boot to it and use the desktop like normal off the USB rather than running the install.
Thanks for the information! I tried installing Linux on my Mac but I was getting partition errors (bought my 2015 Mac used) and after troubleshooting for a couple hours I decided to just go out and buy the t480. I got Pop! OS running on it smoothly and I"m enjoying it so far!
so tired of people recommending thinkpads when there are much better options. the fact the control and alt key were swapped for years is enough to never get ibm or Lenovo.
I think my next one will be a https://frame.work There is also an overview of supported systems: https://frame.work/en/en/linux
I've got a 13" 13th gen on order, really digging the idea of upgrading easily. I hope they release a 2k 120hz display someday, that's the only thing I'm not digging about the framework
For under $300, I would go for a used Thinkpad. I got a T460s for a few hundred bucks that runs linux wonderfully (jesus was the pre-installed Windows slow though). Linux usually runs much better than Windows on old low-end hardware. That 2015 MacBook has an Intel processor, so I would try Linux on that first as it might be more powerful than what you can afford to buy.
Kali is not an OS you would want to use for your main desktop, if you need those security tools you can run them in a virtual machine / live usb. I see you've tried to base your distro choice off of what you intend to do in school, which I think is a mistake. Choose your distro based off of the merits of the distro itself, as once you get past the package manager and release cycle, you can get the same experience on any distribution.
Before choosing a distro I would make sure you know the answer to these questions (in terms of what you want):
and these about your desktop environment:
^ Also, if you are unsure about what some of this means, feel free to ask.
Thinkpads are great simply because so many Linux devs use them. Likely that any kernel issues are fixed, especially if not brand new.
Interested in Linux? Getting a degree in Cyber Security?
A used ThinkPad. The older the better
This with libre boot.
I second this! If all you need is low end and Linux compatible laptop, Thinkpads are, almost annoyingly, regarded as the tinkerer/hacker Laptop. After some research (one search on ebay) they are going for very cheap, far within your budget.
I did a little research and found this which states that for the graphical installation, it will take "at least 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of disk space" and in some cases certain apps/programs recommend 8 GB of RAM.
I recommend 8 GB of RAM for now and a 128 GB hard drive. If you can get a smaller drive go for it, but just stick with the main brands like Crucial or Western Digital when it comes to drives. I recently had my SSD corrupted in my thinkpad because the previous owner bought a cheap drive that randomly disconnected at times.
I believe RAM is replaceable and upgradeable in most thinkpads, but verify that before purchase, it'll save you the disappointment of being stuck with 8 GB of RAM.
I hope this helped :)
Thanks for the information! I ended up going with a t480 and installed Pop! OS on it. I"m enjoying it so far!
Purchase an extra memory stick for your existing laptop and run your tools on a virtual machine. Very few utilities require an physical machine.
Edit: MBP 2015 is not memory upgradable. But I believe my statement is still your best option.
I just looked up a guide on how to install VM on a Mac and it seems pretty straightforward. Seems like I could at least give it a try since I have an extra USB drive laying around. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thinkpad for compatibility
Your best bet is probably to get a refurbished thinkpad. I've seen X1 Carbons (their ultra thin Macbook-like line of ultrabooks) for 250 bucks on backmarket. That's the 2016 model (G5) and not in the best tier of refurbishment (So there might be some small scratches on the chassis) but the hardware should be more than enough for your usecase. Linux generally speaking does very well on low end hardware and thinkpads are especially well supported.
One thing though: DON'T INSTALL KALI ON YOUR DEVICE, IT'S NOT DESIGNED FOR THAT. Or rather it wasn't. Originally Kali was meant to be run of a thumb drive only. By now enough people have attempted to install it that the devs have given up and provide a bare metal edition. That is just Debian with some stuff preinstalled though. There is very little secret source (like the "undercover mode"). You should go with debian and try to build your toolbox as you go. This way you will get a better insight into your Linux system because it forces you to set up everything yourself
Thanks for the advice! First time hearing of Debian, I'll check it out!
whatever you get, don't sleep on the ethernet port, very few cheap laptops come with it nowadays, and that ill greatly reduce your selection
Personally. I don't need an Ethernet port. If I'm getting a cheap laptop I won't be doing any gaming on it and don't need low-latency or maximum bandwith internet. Just use WIFI
his interest toward cybersecurity means he probably is going to have to at least connect and reconnect to different networks, which will be a pain when not required to be wifi
Thanks for the information! I ended up going with a t480
Anything that doesn't have an NVIDIA GPU is Linux-friendly.
I have a cheap Acer laptop with AMD and it works great. I'm dual booting with Windows. I do remember having to struggle with the install though. I had to turn off secure boot and can't remember what else. Good luck.
In my experience, Acer build quality has been shoddy. There's a reason everyone recommends used Thinkpads. They have great build quality so you can get more years out of a used one than a new cheap consumer laptop.
My t480 came in right at that price, and is doing very well for word processing and media consumption.
But Linux is almost always going to do well on low end stuff compared to Windows.
I ended up going with the t480 and I recently installed Pop! OS on it!
Sweet :)
Tuxedo is the linux brand of the german company "Schenker".
If you're trying to optimize your cost, you might get away for free by installing a virtual machine on your existing MacBook :)
I've always stuck to Thinkpads for Linux -- especially the T series is incredibly solid. That said, you really shouldn't have an issue with a 2015 MacBook.
With that budget you should be able to get your hands on a machine with plenty of power. My recomendation would go to a lenovo t480/t480s. I was planning to buy one of those for myself but my current laptop is still good enough. Regardless of the device you choose, I would recomend portability over power: power efficient i5 4 cores, 8gb (idealy 16gb) ram, ssd storage, lightweight and good battery.
To answer your last question, you shouldn't be concerned about performance. Linux can give life to old hardware, but you're not really looking at old hardware.
As a cybersec student myself, I would suggest starting out with a generic linux distro and just install the tools you need as you go. If you really need kali, install it in a vm. I say this because I expect you'll use Linux as your daily driver, and Kali is NOT mean to be a daily driver, but a tool for when you need it. And "when you need it" will come with experience I guess.
Thanks, I'll have to look into installing Kali in a vm. I've seen distros such as Linux Mint being discussed. Would that be a good daily driver to use?
Mint is a very good start! If you don't like it you can always switch later
Thanks again for the advice! Going to install mint on my Mac and go from there!
does Linux run fine on low-end laptops?
Linux runs fine on a potato lol
I am running Fedora Asahi Linux on my M1 MBA and it performs fantastically.
Currently I think the most eco-friendly option is a Framework.
I'd check local places like offerup. can get business laptops for cheap when places refresh. there are a few people around me selling 3-4 year old dells with i5/i7, nvme, etc. take a Linux USB and install it on site before you buy to test. they're more than enough specwise for daily use or testing. often sub $300
Definitely the framework laptop, check it out, it's completely modular, thin, light, performant, and insanely repairable, they even include qr codes on every part to help replace them and they will ship the device to you with no os for a discount and disassembled for a much bigger discount.
Ive had an excellent time with the thinkpad e14 w/ ryzen 5500u. Worked flawlessly with both void and gentoo. Same drivers and config as any ryzen based desktop CPU.
Best part is the price - you can snag one used for 300~ USD and it can do everything my desktop can save for cutting edge AAA gaming or server hosting