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1.4.3. A Custom Linux Kernel
Kali Linux always provides a customized recent Linux kernel, based on the version in Debian Un- stable. This ensures solid hardware support, especially for a wide range of wireless devices. The kernel is patched for wireless injection support since many wireless security assessment tools rely on this feature.
Since many hardware devices require up-to-date firmware files (found in /lib/firmware/), Kali installs them all by default—including the firmware available in Debian’s non-free section. Those are not installed by default in Debian, because they are closed-source and thus not part of Debian proper.