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.
Table of Contents:
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
About the Author :
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.
