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Back in 2008, a group of technology enthusiasts wanted to create a low-cost, low-power device that schools and less developed countries could use to teach children computer science. What was to become the Raspberry Pi has since far exceeded its original mission and become prized by educators, DIYers, and tinkers.
What is the Raspberry Pi, and how can it improve your life? Here's what you need to know to get started.
The Raspberry Pi is a versatile, pocket-sized single-board computer. It contains all the components needed to run a lightweight operating system. It can connect to the internet, handle media playback, execute code, or become part of a large automation project.
The device is currently on its fifth iteration. It offers USB and HDMI connectivity and can now support M.2 SSDs as well as memory cards. The Pi uses a System on a Chip (SoC), an integrated circuit combining a computer's most vital components – the CPU and graphics chip.
Versions range in affordability from the still popular Raspberry Pi 3, which you can get for less than $50, to the souped-up 16GB RAM version of the Raspberry Pi 5 that will set you back three times as much. That's still considerably cheaper than an entry-level desktop or laptop, provided you have everything else.
The answer depends on the nature of your projects. For example, running a web server or a Raspberry Pi VPN server only requires a power supply, an internet connection, and an SD card or an M.2 SSD to provide storage. That’s also known as operating the Pi in headless mode.
More complex projects with user input and monitoring require you to attach more components. You can add a mouse and keyboard via its USB ports, while monitors connect through HDMI.
Keep in mind that these are just the most common add-ons. The Pi’s exceptional versatility lets it connect to cameras, proximity and temperature sensors, relays, touchscreen displays, GPS modules, and countless other extras.
Since the Pi’s release, the number of use cases and the third-party market that supports them have exploded. We couldn’t possibly cover everything, but here are a few popular applications newbies may find interesting and not too challenging to get into.
The Pi remains an excellent springboard for teaching yourself how to code. All you need is the free Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS and a programming language you want to learn (Python is the most popular). You'll easily find coding communities as well as countless free or paid-for tutorials on the internet.
Despite its small size, the Pi is powerful enough to emulate the most iconic gaming consoles up to the 32-bit generation. With the right emulation software and a physical controller, you can run anything from the NES and Atari era to your favorite PSX games without hiccups.
Do you have an older TV you want to bring into the 2020s, or tired of your smart TV's lack of updates? Then transform a Raspberry Pi into a makeshift TV box with support for popular streaming services or terabytes of media stored locally on your SSD. If you also set up one of the best VPNs available on your home network, you can change your IP address and access content that would otherwise not be available in your region.
While setting it up is a bit more advanced than the others, creating a Pi-hole is one of the most worthwhile use cases. A Pi-hole uses DNS filtering to identify and block the most well-known ad-serving domains and prevent most ads from reaching your devices. Think of the Pi-hole as an ad blocker on steroids since it protects all devices on your network and isn’t limited to browsers.
We hope this brief introduction will motivate you to get a Raspberry Pi or two and start tinkering with them. A world of nearly endless possibilities, learning, and fun awaits! Whether you're into programming, DIY electronics, or just exploring new tech, the Raspberry Pi is a great place to start.
