Raspberry Pi for Dummies (For Dummies)

• Connect the Raspberry Pi and install the OS
• Get productive with word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and images
• Learn simple programming with Scratch and Python
• Create electronics projects connected to the Raspberry Pi's GPIO port

Join the Raspberry Revolution and start having fun with your Raspberry Pi — today!

As small as a credit card and ultra-affordable, the Raspberry Pi packs plenty of power into a pocket-size computer. But getting the hang of the Raspberry Pi can be tricky. For Dummies is here to help. You'll discover how to use your Raspberry Pi to work and play, edit photos, watch videos, and even craft your own programs! No programming experience? No problem. This friendly guide makes mastering this cool, compact computer as easy as pie.

• Ready, set, go — download the operating system software, hook everything up, and configure your Raspberry Pi
• You'll love Linux — find your way around the Linux shell, make the most of its desktop environment, and use it to manage your new computer
• Have a little fun — play videos, listen to your favorite music, create documents, and even build a brilliant website
• The Pi's the limit — create your own software with Scratch and Python programming
• Conquer the world — master Raspberry Pi electronics in no time — from soldering your own circuits to creating games, musical instruments, and interfaces

Open the book and find:

• How to download and install Raspbian, the Raspberry Pi OS
• Help connecting a keyboard, mouse, and monitor
• Tips on editing images and creating web pages
• How to play music and videos on your Raspberry Pi
• Advice on finding and installing free software
• How to create your own arcade games and animations
• Exciting electronics projects to try out your skills

With the invention of the unique credit-card sized single-board computer, the Raspberry Pi, comes a new wave of hardware geeks, hackers, and hobbyists who are excited about the possibilities of the Raspberry Pi, and this is the perfect guide to get you started in this exhilarating new arena. With this fun and friendly book, you'll quickly discover why the supply for the Pi cannot keep up with the demand! Veteran tech authors Sean McManus and Mike Cook show you how to download and install the operating system, use the installed applications, and much more.

• Covers connecting the Pi to other devices such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and more
• Teaches you basic Linux System Admin
• Walks you through editing images, creating web pages, and playing music
• Details how to program with Scratch and Python
• Explores creating simple hardware projects

Raspberry Pi For Dummies makes computing as easy as pie.

Part I: Getting Started with Raspberry Pi  7

Chapter 1: Introducing the Raspberry Pi 9

Chapter 2: Downloading the Operating System 19

Chapter 3: Connecting Your Raspberry Pi 31

Part II: Getting Started with Linux  43

Chapter 4: Using the Desktop Environment 45

Chapter 5: Using the Linux Shell 71

Part III: Using the Raspberry Pi for Both Work and Play  107

Chapter 6: Being Productive with the Raspberry Pi109

Chapter 7: Editing Photos on the Raspberry Pi with GIMP 121

Chapter 8: Building Your First Website with the Raspberry Pi 131

Chapter 9: Playing Audio and Video on the Raspberry Pi 159

Part IV: Programming the Raspberry Pi  171

Chapter 10: Introducing Programming with Scratch 173

Chapter 11: Programming an Arcade Game Using Scratch 189

Chapter 12: Writing Programs in Python 211

Chapter 13: Creating a Game with Python and Pygame 241

Part V: Exploring Electronics with the Raspberry Pi  259

Chapter 14: Understanding Circuits and Soldering 261

Chapter 15: Making Your First Project with the Raspberry Pi 281

Chapter 16: Putting the Raspberry Pi in Control 313

Chapter 17: The Raspberry Pi in an Analog World 337

Part VI: The Part of Tens  359

Chapter 18: Ten Great Software Packages for the Raspberry Pi 361

Chapter 19: Ten Inspiring Projects for the Raspberry Pi 371

Appendix A: Troubleshooting and Configuring the Raspberry Pi  377

Appendix B: The GPIO on the Raspberry Pi  391

Index  393