RaspberryPiFirstSteps

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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!