Parrot OS
Parrot OS is a Debian-based distribution focused on security, privacy and development, with more than 50 million downloads and a decade of continuous development. It comes as a Security Edition packed with penetration-testing tools and a Home Edition for everyday privacy-focused use, both built around a lightweight desktop that runs comfortably on older hardware. Editions exist for the cloud, Raspberry Pi and Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Key Features
- Security and Home editions — a full pentesting workstation and a privacy-focused daily driver from one base system
- Lightweight desktop — the low-resource MATE interface stays responsive on modest hardware
- AnonSurf — route browsing and other traffic through the Tor anonymising network with one click
- Full tool arsenal — Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, Burp Suite and hundreds more, installed as needed
- Rolling updates — keeps pace with upstream Debian and security advisories
- Modular installs — select and install only the component set you need
- Cloud, Raspberry Pi, Docker and WSL editions — run it on servers, SBCs, containers or inside Windows
- Hardened defaults — AppArmor and privacy-focused configuration baked in
Why Use Parrot OS?
Parrot strikes a balance between a complete security suite and a privacy-conscious daily operating system. Its modular editions mean you are not forced into a heavyweight build, and its large, active community plus enterprise adoption make it a trusted environment for students, researchers and teams alike.
Use Cases
- Penetration testing and red-team operations
- Privacy-focused daily desktop use
- Security labs, education and CTF practice
- Lightweight desktops and Raspberry Pi projects
Platform
Linux · x86-64 · ARM (Raspberry Pi) · WSL · Docker
Licence
GPL / free software