Raspberry Pi Operation System: Complete Guide to Versions, Features, and Setup
Oct 16, 2024
What is Raspberry Pi OS?
Raspberry Pi OS is the official operating system developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation for use with Raspberry Pi. It is based on the Debian Linux distribution and is specifically optimized for the Raspberry Pi’s ARM architecture. Raspberry Pi OS comes in various versions, including a full desktop environment and a lightweight, minimal installation for command-line use.
The OS is designed to be efficient and resource-friendly, making it ideal for hardware of Raspberry Pi devices.
Advantages of Raspberry Pi OS
√ Lightweight and Efficient
The operating system is designed to be minimal, using fewer resources, which allows it to run efficiently even on older or lower-spec Raspberry Pi models. Tailored to run efficiently on the Raspberry Pi’s ARM architecture.
√ Pre-installed Software
It comes with a range of pre-installed tools and applications like Python, Scratch, LibreOffice, and the Chromium browser, making it ready for development and general computing tasks right out of the box.
√ Community and Support
With an active user base and extensive online documentation, Raspberry Pi OS enjoys strong community support, including tutorials, forums, and troubleshooting guides.
√ Seamless Hardware Integration
Provides out-of-the-box compatibility with Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins, cameras, sensors, and other peripherals, making it ideal for DIY and IoT projects.
Versions of Raspberry Pi OS
| Feature | Raspberry Pi OS Lite | Raspberry Pi OS Desktop | Raspberry Pi OS with Desktop and Recommended Software |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Command-line only (no GUI) | Full desktop environment (LXDE-based) | Full desktop environment (LXDE-based) |
| Target Audience | Advanced users, servers, and headless setups | General users who need a graphical interface | Beginners, students, and users looking for pre-installed tools |
| Resource Usage | Minimal, very low system resource usage | Moderate resource usage | High resource usage due to additional software |
| Pre-installed Software | Only essential system utilities | Basic desktop applications (browser, text editor, etc.) | Full suite of educational, productivity, and media tools (e.g., LibreOffice, Scratch) |
| Best For | Headless servers, IoT, automation projects | Desktop computing, programming, general use | Education, programming, multimedia, and productivity tasks |
| Storage Requirement | Small (around 400 MB) | Medium (around 2 GB) | Large (around 4 GB) |
| Customization | Highly customizable, minimalistic | Customizable with desktop-based settings | Pre-configured for easy use, less need for customization |
| Learning Curve | Higher (requires familiarity with command line) | Lower (familiar GUI for general users) | Lowest (pre-configured with beginner-friendly tools) |
| Use Cases | Servers, automation, lightweight applications | General desktop use, web browsing, programming | Education, learning environments, coding workshops, multimedia applications |
Installation and Setup
Raspberry Pi Imager
Raspberry Pi Imager is an official tool developed by the Raspberry Pi that simplifies the process of installing an operating system on a Raspberry Pi. The Imager allows users to easily download, configure, and flash the operating system onto an SD card, which can then be used to boot the Raspberry Pi. It supports various OS options, including Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, and other Pi-compatible operating systems.
How to Use Raspberry Pi Imager
1.Download and Install
Download the Raspberry Pi Imager from the official Raspberry Pi website and install it on your computer
2.Choose the Device
Select “Choose Device,” and pick the Raspberry Pi version.
3.Choose the OS
Open the Imager, select “Choose OS,” and pick the operating system we want to install.
4.Choose Storage Device
Select the SD card or USB device where the OS will be written.
5.Apply OS customization settings
We can pre-configure WiFi settings, hostname, user and passwords, time zone and other important settings before install Raspberry Pi OS.
Complete the settings and Select “Save”. Then clic on
“Yes”
6.Write and Install
Click “Write,” and the tool will download the OS image and flash it onto the selected storage device.
7.Boot the Raspberry Pi
Insert the SD card or USB into the Raspberry Pi and power it on. The Pi will boot from the newly installed operating system.
Raspberry Pi OS Configuration
The Raspberry Pi Configuration tool is a utility that allows users to easily modify system settings on Raspberry Pi OS. It is designed to simplify configuration tasks, eliminating the need to manually edit configuration files. This tool is available as both a graphical user interface (GUI) version and a command-line version (raspi-config).
Accessing Raspberry Pi Configuration Tool
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Version
1.Navigate to the desktop menu: Start Menu > Preferences > Raspberry Pi Configuration.
2.This opens a user-friendly window where we can modify the system settings.
Command-Line Interface (CLI) Version: raspi-config
Open a terminal and type the following command:
sudo raspi-config
This brings up a text-based interface, which is particularly useful in headless setups (no graphical interface).
Raspberry Pi OS Backup
The SD Card Copier tool in Raspberry Pi OS is a utility that allows users to create a complete backup or clone of the current Raspberry Pi OS installation from the primary SD card to another SD card or storage device. This is particularly useful for making backups of your system, transferring your setup to a larger card, or creating duplicates for other Raspberry Pi projects.
1.Navigate to the desktop menu: Start Menu > Accessories > SD Card Copier.
2.Select Source and Destination:
In the tool’s window, we will see two dropdown menus:
Source: Select the currently running system (usually the default SD card).
Destination: Choose the SD card, USB drive, or external storage where we want to copy the data.
IMPORTANT: If we need to have the SD Card and the backup device connected, check the opcion “New Partition UUIDs”
3.Start the Copy:
Whe finished de process, remember disconnect the clone device.
