How to update Parrot OS 7.4: complete guide to the new features

Parrot OS is a Linux distribution based on Debian, specifically designed for cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, and privacy-conscious users. Version 7.4 introduces several new features, including AnonSurf 6.0, a tool for routing system traffic through the Tor network, now integrated with systemd for more efficient management.

This version is useful for those who need advanced tools for computer security, privacy, and vulnerability testing. Users can benefit from significant improvements in DNS management, firewall rules, IPv6, and Tor configuration, as well as advanced features for monitoring and managing containers.

Parrot OS 7.4 is particularly suitable for those working with intensive workloads such as compression, encryption, video processing, and scientific calculations, thanks to optimizations for newer processors. Additionally, it offers improved support for ARM architectures, making it a versatile choice for various types of hardware.

Prerequisites

• Hardware: A computer compatible with amd64v3 or arm64v8.2 architectures to take advantage of optimizations for newer processors. Standard ISO images are also available for older hardware.
• Software: Parrot OS version 7.4, available in various editions such as Security, Home, and Core. You can download the official ISO image from the Parrot OS website.
• Access: Administrator permissions to run update and configuration commands.
• Internet Connection: Required to download updates and additional packages.

PROCEDURE: Upgrading to Parrot OS 7.4

By the end of this guide, you will have correctly upgraded your Parrot OS system to version 7.4.

• Step 1: Open a terminal.
• Step 2: Run the upgrade command with superuser privileges by typing:

  sudo parrot-upgrade

• Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.
• Step 4: Once the process is complete, reboot the system to apply all changes.

For more details, refer to the official announcement Parrot OS 7.4 Release Notes.

Verification and Troubleshooting

After upgrading or installing Parrot OS 7.4, it is important to verify the correct functioning of the new features and resolve any issues.

Functionality Tests

• Verify AnonSurf 6.0:
  • Start AnonSurf with the command sudo systemctl start anonsurf.
  • Check the status of Tor with anonsurf status.
  • Test the anonymous connection by visiting a site like check.torproject.org.
• Test Parrot Discovery:
  • Verify the installation of selected packages.
• Performance Verification:
  • Use tools like htop or glances to monitor resource usage.

Troubleshooting

• Issues with AnonSurf:
  • Check the Tor configuration with sudo nano /etc/tor/torrc.
  • Check system logs with journalctl -u anonsurf.
• Issues with Parrot Discovery:
• Performance Issues:
  • Check resource usage with tools like top or vmstat.

Additional Resources

By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive overview of the new features introduced in Parrot OS 7.4 and know how to upgrade your system to take full advantage of the new features.

Summary of Innovations

• AnonSurf 6.0: Improvements in Tor traffic management, with systemd support and automatic recovery of interrupted sessions.
• Parrot Discovery: New initial configuration tool to install applications and utilities via APT and Flatpak.
• Optimized ISOs: Support for amd64v3 and arm64v8.2 architectures to take full advantage of new CPUs.
• Rocket 2.0: Redesigned interface for managing security containers with support for Podman and Docker.
• KDE improvements: Improved configurations and default disabling of Baloo indexing.
• Security Updates: New versions of tools such as Metasploit, Bettercap, Kismet, and others.

Call to Action

To explore all the new features of Parrot OS 7.4, upgrade your system with the command:

sudo parrot-upgrade