BlackArch Linux
blackarch.org
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- BlackArch Linux is an Arch Linux based penetration testing distribution for penetration testers and security researchers.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Support
- Users can request help through the Matrix channel or report website, package, and installer issues through the corresponding GitHub repositories.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Arch compatibility
- BlackArch is compatible with existing Arch Linux installations and acts as an unofficial user repository.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- ARM support
- BlackArch is compatible with Arch Linux ARM and supports the Aarch64 platforms listed by Arch Linux ARM.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Full ISO
- The full ISO includes all tools available in the repository at build time, and the site warns it is primarily intended for offline installation and may cause update or installation conflicts.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- ISO options
- Official downloads include full, slim, and netinstall 64-bit ISO images.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Netinstall ISO
- The netinstall ISO is a lightweight image for bootstrapping machines with a minimal set of packages.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Security verification
- The installation instructions tell users to verify the downloaded strap.sh script against a published SHA1 checksum.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Slim ISO
- The slim ISO includes a selected set of common tools and system utilities, and features the XFCE desktop environment.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Team
- BlackArch Linux says it is backed by a team of volunteers.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Tool repository
- The repository lists 2,862 tools, which can be installed individually or in groups.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Updates
- The FAQ says BlackArch is constantly updated and releases a new ISO quarterly.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Use case
- The project strongly advises people unfamiliar with Arch Linux or Linux generally to avoid BlackArch because of its learning curve.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
- Virtual machines
- An official OVA image can run in VirtualBox, VMware, and QEMU.Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
Plans and prices
BlackArch Linux Free Free Linux distribution and repository; full, slim, and netinstall ISOs Read 9 Oct 2026 · blackarch.org
Where Specifiction places it
- Offensive Security#6 of 227.9
- Penetration Testing Software#12 of 348.0
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