Before we can configure your Raspberry Pi microcomputer, we must determine the
Before we can configure your Raspberry Pi microcomputer, we must determine the best way forward, based on the tools available to you. Take a minute to answer the following questions, which will lead you to the right exercise.
Option 1: Do you have a wired or wireless USB keyboard and mouse? Do you have a television or computer monitor with an available HDMI port and HDMI cable?
- If yes: Follow the instructions in the Quickstart Guide to configure your Raspberry Pi.
Option 2: Do you have an SD card reader? A card reader may be built-in on your laptop. They are also available as stand-alone products.
- If yes: Follow the instructions in the Headless Guide to configure your Raspberry Pi.
Other options:
- If you said “yes” to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, but no to the HDMI port: You may be able to purchase a cable or an adapter, as needed, to pursue the Quickstart Guide. Or, you may purchase an SD card reader in order to follow the Headless Guide.
- As you proceed through the rest of the textbook, you may find it helpful to come back and choose a different option as your skills, interests, and needs change.
Option 1: Raspberry Pi Quickstart Using a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse
This activity uses a , which displays on the monitor.[1] Later, we will instead use a . Many of our everyday microcomputers, from those in our car to the routers connecting an Internet Service Provider to the in our buildings, don’t use a monitor. We then use a wired or wireless connection to configure, troubleshoot, and make adjustments to the computer.
But for now, if you have an HDMI monitor, USB keyboard, and USB mouse available, this is the easiest way to get your feet wet with the Raspberry Pi.
You will need:
- A television or computer monitor with HDMI port (and cable)
- A USB keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless is fine)
To do this, you’ll need to install an operating system (OS). The 8 GB MicroSD card with NOOBS comes with the toolkit. NOOBS stands for New Out Of the Box Software. The MicroSD card that comes with the Raspberry Pi Starter Kit includes both the Raspberry Pi OS, and the LibreELEC ‘Just enough OS’ Linux. For our purposes, Raspberry Pi OS is a solid choice, and the one we’ll use.
Connecting and Starting Your Pi
Take a minute to watch the following video, then go through the steps as follows:
Steps
- Begin by plugging your keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on the Raspberry Pi.
- Next, insert your Micro SD card into the SD card slot on the Raspberry Pi. It will only fit one way.
- Make sure that your monitor or TV is turned on, and that you have selected the right input (e.g. HDMI 1, DVI, etc.).
- Connect your HDMI cable from your Raspberry Pi to your monitor or TV.
- When you have plugged all the cables and SD card in correctly, connect one end of the micro USB power supply to a 120/240 volt power source, and the other to the Raspberry Pi. This action will turn on and boot your Raspberry Pi. You should see:
- A small red LED come on in the lower le