RaspberryPiFirstSteps

=About this Article= NOTE : This page is meant to make a user get his RaspberryPi up and running faster than reading through the page RaspberryPiBoardBeginners

That said, some this article will not tell you
 * what do do with your Raspberry Pi (use your imagination !)
 * where to buy the things mentioned here and what exactly to buy
 * how to wire any special ports
 * use anything of the Pi which is not strictly necessary if you consider it as a simple PC

=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 500 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=

''' Note: You may buy readymade SD cards from the RaspberryPi shop. '''

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. 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 the Hub to power, if necessary.
 * 3) Plug the video cable into the screen (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 screen is working.
 * 7) Leave the screen  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 ! What do next ? Have a look at R-Pi_Hub for ideas !

Have fun !