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 things 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.
 * How to use any part of the Pi that is not strictly necessary in order to use it as a simple PC.

=Finding all the right hardware=

You will need the following:


 * Raspberry Pi board
 * USB keyboard
 * Power source with a MicroUSB plug (see below for advice - this is important!)
 * Video cable (HDMI or RCA/Cinch "composite" with yellow plugs)
 * Preloaded SD card (we suggest Linux)
 * TV or display with either HDMI or RCA input (RCA is very common, HDMI gives very good quality)

Highly suggested extras include:
 * Case
 * USB mouse
 * Powered USB Hub (important for Model A, good for model B)
 * USB A male to MicroUSB male cable (for using alternative power sources)

To connect to the Internet, you may use a USB WiFi adaptor (Model A/B) 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 the end fits into the RaspberryPi!

If you have a USB A to MicroUSB plug cable (shipped with many Phones and MP3 players as data cable) you may use :
 * a laptop / PC
 * a powered USB hub
 * a special wall wart with USB port(s)
 * many others, such as rechargeables, solar power etc. (requires circuitry)

=Where to get the preloaded SD Card from=

 Note: You may buy ready-made SD cards from the RaspberryPi shop.

Many digital cameras use SD cards. Any SD or SDHC card between 2 and 32 GB should work. Be sure to backup all data and photos on your card before use. You will need 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 where you may need a USB Hub.
 * 5) Plug the power source into the mains socket.
 * 6) Check if the USB 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 should you do next? Have a look at R-Pi_Hub for ideas!

Have fun!