How do I open Nmap in terminal?

Answered by John Hunt

To open Nmap in terminal, you need to follow a few steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Download the installer: First, you need to download the Nmap installer from the official website. Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and download the installer file.

2. Run the installer: Once the installer file is downloaded, locate it in your downloads folder or wherever you saved it. Double-click on the installer file to run it. This will initiate the installation process.

3. Open Nmap/Zenmap: After the installation is complete, you can open Nmap by searching for it in your applications or by locating the Nmap folder in your system files. If you’re using Windows, you can find it in the Start menu. On macOS, it can be found in the Applications folder. In Linux, you can either search for it in the applications menu or open a terminal and type “nmap” to run the command-line version.

4. Enter the target address: Once Nmap is open, you will see a user interface or a command-line interface depending on whether you are using Nmap or Zenmap. In either case, you need to enter the target address you want to scan. This can be an IP address or a domain name.

5. Choose a profile: Nmap/Zenmap offers various scanning profiles that you can choose from based on your scanning needs. These profiles are pre-configured with specific scan options. Select the profile that suits your requirements or customize the scan options according to your preference.

6. Click Scan: After selecting the profile or customizing the scan options, click on the “Scan” button to start the scanning process. Nmap will start scanning the target address and gather information about open ports, services, and other details.

7. Review the results: Once the scan is completed, Nmap will present you with the results. This can be in the form of a detailed report or a list of open ports and services. Analyze the results to gain insights into the network or system you scanned.

It’s worth mentioning that Nmap can be a powerful tool, but it should be used responsibly and ethically. Ensure that you have proper authorization before scanning any network or system.