Raspberry Pi For Dummies

A RECIPE FOR HAVING FUN AND GETTING THINGS DONE WITH THE RASPBERRY PI

The Raspberry Pi makes it easy to learn about computers and computer programming, and Raspberry Pi For Dummies makes it even easier! Using this extremely affordable and compact computer, you can learn to code in languages like Scratch and Python, explore how electronics work, create computer-generated buildings in Minecraft and music in Sonic Pic, become Linux-savvy, make Internet-of-Things devices, or just play around! This book gets you up and running on your Raspberry Pi, starting with setting it up, downloading the operating system, and using the desktop environment. Then, the only limit is your imagination! It doesn’t matter whether you have a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 400, Raspberry Pi Zero W or an older model: we’ve got you covered.

Raspberry Pi For Dummies explores the latest technology—the Raspberry Pi 4 and 400, Scratch 3 programming language, new games bundled with the Raspberry Pi, and the hottest Add-Ons out there. This introductory guide is the perfect place to start if you want to get a taste of everything the Raspberry Pi can do!

* Set up your Raspberry Pi, install the operating system, and connect to the Internet
* Learn the basics of the Linux desktop and Linux shell so you can program, work, and play
* Use Python, Scratch, and Sonic Pi to write your first programs and make games and digital music
* Discover how circuits work hand-in-hand with your Pi

If you want to make the most of the Raspberry Pi for school, work, or play, you’ll love this easy-to-read reference.

SEAN MCMANUS is an expert technology and business author. His previous books include Mission Python, Coder Academy, and Cool Scratch Projects in Easy Steps.

MIKE COOK is a former professor in physics at Manchester Metropolitan University. His other books include Raspberry Pi Projects and Raspberry Pi Projects For Dummies.

INTRODUCTION 1

Part 1: Setting Up Your Raspberry Pi 5

Chapter 1: Introducing the Raspberry Pi 7

Chapter 2: Downloading the Operating System 25

Chapter 3: Connecting Your Raspberry Pi 33

PART 2: GETTING STARTED WITH LINUX 49

Chapter 4: Using the Desktop Environment 51

Chapter 5: Using the Linux Shell 79

PART 3: USING THE RASPBERRY PI FOR BOTH WORK AND PLAY 119

Chapter 6: Being Productive with the Raspberry Pi 121

Chapter 7: Editing Photos on the Raspberry Pi with GIMP 133

Chapter 8: Playing Audio and Video on the Raspberry Pi 143

PART 4: PROGRAMMING THE RASPBERRY PI 155

Chapter 9: Introducing Programming with Scratch 157

Chapter 10: Programming an Arcade Game Using Scratch 177

Chapter 11: Writing Programs in Python 201

Chapter 12: Creating a Game with Python and Pygame Zero 233

Chapter 13: Programming Minecraft with Python 251

Chapter 14: Making Music with Sonic Pi 275

PART 5: EXPLORING ELECTRONICS WITH THE RASPBERRY PI 291

Chapter 15: Understanding Circuits 293

Chapter 16: Taking Control of Your Pi’s Circuitry 319

Chapter 17: Lots of Multicolored LEDs 357

Chapter 18: Old McDonald’s Farm and Other RFID Adventures 391

PART 6: THE PART OF TENS 425

Chapter 19: Ten Great Software Packages for the Raspberry Pi 427

Chapter 20: Ten Inspiring Projects for the Raspberry Pi 439

Chapter 21: Ten Great Add-Ons for the Raspberry Pi 447

Appendix: Troubleshooting and Configuring the Raspberry Pi 455

Index 467