Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that can plug into a computer monitor or TV, and is able to use a standard keyboard and mouse. Already installed on each Raspberry Pi computer is Raspbian, a flexible linux-based operating system that will allow you to plug in and get started through either the desktop or through some fancier kernel commands. It allows users to explore computing, programming, and maker projects. It’s capable of doing everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet, playing videos, word-processing, spreadsheets, games, etc. In addition, the low-cost and lightweight nature of Raspberry Pi allows users to create a variety of maker projects including weather stations, digital cameras, robots, smart homes, music machines and more... -- "What is a Raspberry Pi",
The GCC Library Reimagine Space has ten raspberry pi's available for usage in the Reimagine Space. Additionally, five of these units can be checked out and taken home to work on projects. In addition, the GCC Libraries also offer to help students purchase kits for rapsberry pi projects they are interested in pursuing. See the Raspberry Pi projects page for details.
For more information on getting started, check out this website or view the videos below...
Raspbian is the operating system of Raspberry Pi systems. It is based in the Debian branch of Linux. By operating system, we are referring to the program that runs your computer, similar to Windows for Microsoft computers or macOS for Apple computers. Like any operating system, it is composed of two major parts: The Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the command line (also referred to as shell in Linux).
A GUI is basically just your desktop interface with icons and folders that you can click through to access content.
The command shell is the backend Raspbian interface where you can directly enter commands to install programs and more. Here are some of the basic commands and a video to show you some basics of working with this command interface.
In order to maximize your capabilities in Raspberry Pi, it will be best if you know your way around both interfaces a little. The GUI interface is not much different than a normal Windows computer and so usually people can pick up this interface quickly. The Command Shell may take a little bit of time to learn, but this interface is especially useful when installing programs and items that might be necessary for projects and applications.
It is also good to familiarize yourself with the different physical components of Raspberry Pi, so that you understand items the purpose of some of these components for projects and applications. The above diagram shows some of these major components, although it may be a slightly different version of Raspberry Pi so certain items may be in slightly different places.
Wifi Installed
Each of the Raspberry Pi's in the library have Wifi capabilities, so you can check this off of your list of needed things.
Micro USB Power Input
This is basically the power plug. You will need this to plug in your Raspberry Pi into a power source.
HDMI Video Output
Each of our Raspberry Pi's include an HDMI cable to be inserted in the HDMI port to the monitor, screen, or television of your choice. Additionally, we have some mini screens that you can utilize if you do not have a monitor handy. That said, most monitors and televisions today do have HDMI plugins and will work for a monitor as well.
MicroSD Card Slot
This MicroSD Card slot is critical. It is not just removeable storage, but the place in which you store your operating system and the files you save directly to your Raspberry Pi. Think of this as your computers file storage space.
USB Ports
These USB ports can be used for a variety of functions, including Removeable Storage, USB keyboards, USB mice, etc.
GPIOs
GPIO stands for General-Purpose Input/Output. These are for both receiving information from the outside world and for sending information and commands to the outside world. For example, these can be linked to sensors that give your Rapsberry Pi information about the environment or to things such as motors or lights that you can turn on through commands from your Pi.
Here is a layout of the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi...
Source of Image: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/os.html
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