Raspberry Pi Getting Started Guide
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1. Raspberry Pi Basic Hardware Setup
1.1.
Extra Hardware You Will Need
The Raspberry Pi board contains a processor and graphics chip, program memory (RAM) and
various interfaces and connectors for external devices. Some of these devices are essential, others
are optional. RPi operates in the same way as a standard PC, requiring a keyboard for command
entry, a display unit and a power supply.
It
also requires ‘mass-storage’, but a hard disk drive of the type found in a typical PC is not really in
keeping with the miniature size of RPi. Instead we will use an SD Flash memory card normally used
in digital cameras, configured in such a way to ‘look like’ a hard drive to RPi’s processor. RPi will
‘boot’ (load the Operating System into RAM) from this card in the same way as a PC ‘boots up’ into
Windows from its hard disk.
The following are essential to get started:
SD card containing Linux Operating system
USB keyboard
TV or monitor (with HDMI, DVI, Composite or SCART input)
Power supply (see Section 1.6 below)
Video cable to suit the TV or monitor used
Recommended optional extras include:
USB mouse
Internet connection, Model A or B: USB WiFi adaptor
Internet connection, Model B only: LAN (Ethernet) cable
Powered USB hub
Case
1.2.
Connecting Everything Together
1. Plug the preloaded SD Card into the RPi.
2. Plug the USB keyboard and mouse into the RPi, perhaps via a USB hub. Connect the Hub
to power, if necessary.
3. Plug a video cable into the screen (TV or monitor) and into the RPi.
4. Plug your extras into the RPi (USB WiFi, Ethernet cable, external hard drive etc.). This is
where you may really need a USB hub.
5. Ensure that your USB hub (if any) and screen are working.
6. Plug the power supply into the mains socket.
7. With your screen on, plug the power supply into the RPi microUSB socket.
8. The RPi should boot up and display messages on the screen.
It is always recommended to connect the MicroUSB power to the unit last (while most connections
can be made live, it is best practice to connect items such as displays with the power turned off).
The RPi may take a long time to boot when powered-on for the first time, so be patient!
