RaspberryPiFirstSteps

NOTE : This page is meant to become a simpler introduction to the RaspberryPi than the page RaspberryPiBoardBeginners

=Finding all the right hardware=

You will need


 * the Raspberry Pi board
 * a USB keyboard
 * a power source that has a MicroUSB plug (IMPORTANT, read on )
 * a video cable (HDMI or RCA/Cinch with yellow plugs)
 * a preloaded SD card (we suggest Linux)
 * a TV or display with either HDMI or RCA input ( RCA is very common, HDMI gives very good quality)

Highly Suggested extras are
 * a case
 * a USB mouse
 * a powered USB Hub ( important for Model A , good for model B )
 * a USB A male to MicroUSB male cable ( for using different power sources )

For Internet, you may use a  USB WiFi adaptor (Model A) or a LAN cable (Model B)

=What Power source to use=

First, the Power Source has to deliver '''5V at 400 mA or more from the moment it is connected to the mains socket. ''' You can use the charger of a mobile phone. Just check if it matches the specs and if its one end fits into the RaspberryPi !

If you have USB A to MicroUSB plug cable ( shipped with many Phones and MP3 players as data cable ) you may use :
 * a laptop / PC
 * a pack of 4 AA batteries (soldering and circutry required)
 * a powered USB hub
 * a special wall wart with USB port(s)
 * many more things like rechargeables, solar power etc. (requires circutry)

=Where to get the preloaded SD Card from= Many digital cameras use SD cards. Any SD or SDHC card between 2 and 32 GB should work. Backup all data and photos on them. Now get a PC with Linux and a compatible cardreader. Note: You can buy readymade SD cards from the RaspberryPi shop.

Plug the card into the connected cardreader, and use PiCard.

=Setting up=

1. Plug the preloaded SD Card into the Pi. 2. Plug the USB keyboard or USB Hub into the Pi. Connect it to power, if necessary. 3. Plug the video cable into the TV and into the Pi. 4. Plug your extras into the Pi (USB WiFi, USB mouse , LAN cable etc.). As you see, this is what you may need the USB Hub for. 5. Plug the power source into the mains socket. 6. Check if the Hub (if any) and the TV is working. 7. Leave the TV on and plug the other end of the power source into the Pi. 8. The Pi should boot up and display messages on the screen.

You're finished !