The audio of the video stated the processor was 64-bit 8 core which is incorrect. The processor is 64-bit, 4 core and has been corrected
These instructions are only applicable to Raspberry Pi 4b devices. While there are other current and previous models available, they may not work with the particular applications that will be presented on this website.
This website will not be covering how to use these devices for video game machines. While there are some options available, they do require ROM packs (the video game software) purchased and/or installed on the device. There are options to acquire the ROMs that may not be legal due for copyright purposes.
Packages
Raspberry Pi can be purchased with just the motherboard or as a package with the case, heat sinks, power cord, fan, memory card, and card reader.
If this is your first Raspberry Pi, it is a good idea to purchase the kit. Amazon has several options for purchasing the kits.
It's an 1980's computer
If you are used to your phone, Windows, and Macs, there are great many things that appear when you first plug the device. With Raspberry Pi, that isn't the case. It is empty (remember, this is Linux device).
If you purchased the kit, with the memory card included, the operating system should be on the memory card. It is just a matter of inserting the memory card onto the memory card slot (located on the bottom of the motherboard) to work.
Once installed, there are a few things you will need to plug into.
Power
These devices operate with a USB C adapter (rated at 5 volts with 700 milliamps minimum (5.1V, 3000mA maximum)). With the kit, the power supply contains a button or rocker switch to turn the device on or off. If you choose to use a standard USB port from another source, it may only be rated for 5v with fewer amps resulting in less power to the device.
Video
One side of the device provides two HDMI outputs. These outputs are designed to use Micro HDMI cables.
If you purchased the kit, you may have two micro HDMI cabled included with standard HDMI connectors on the other end of the cable. These devices will support dual monitors. For setup purposes, this video will focus on one cable to go through the setup process.
Audio
Micro HDMI doesn't supply audio through the smaller cable (you can turn it on in the settings). If after turning on the audio HDMI in the settings doesn't work, the audio cable can work when connected to speakers.
Raspberry Pi's do include bluetooth and bluetooth speakers will work for the device (saving you a cable you don't have to plug in).
USB
Raspberry Pi's include four USB ports. Two are USB2 while the other two are USB3.
For this installation, the keyboard and mouse will be using the USB2 ports, while the external hard drive (to be shown later) will use the USB3 port.
Network
Raspberry Pi's contain Ethernet (Gigabit) and wi-fi (802.11ac) connections.
For this installation, wired Ethernet will be used. The video series will discuss how to setup wi-fi connections as well.
One setup option that you will have to be aware of. Since this device is being used as a permanent server application, it is important to have a static IP address connected to the network so that the device address doesn't change.
This video will demonstrated how to create this in the network settings of Linux. This can also be accomplished in your router settings by reserving the IP address to this device.
Installing the Operating System
Once the connections are attached, it is time to start the initialization of the operating system to the device.
These videos will cover two different operating systems:
1. Raspian. The operating system supported for Raspberry Pi
2. Ubuntu Server 20. A Linux based operating system for commercial applications.
For this video, the focus will be on Raspian.
If you buy the kit
If you purchased the kit with the memory card, chances are the Raspian system is already installed. It just has to be inserted into the card reader and powered on.
If you didn't buy the kit
If you didn't buy the kit (or the kit didn't include the memory card) the Raspian system must be added to the card.
Micro SD Cards to use
Since I have worked with digital media (since 2001) I have used San Disk memory cards.
They are fast, reliable, and never had one crash. Even the 32KB one in purchased in 2001 could still be used today.
When you purchase the cards, there is a number on the card. The higher the number, the faster the memory.
Most of the time when ultra SD cards used, the San Disk Ultra card is used. They are used in mobile electronic devices from 32gb to 2Tb.
San Disk does have ultra SD cards up 2 TB. Many of the threads (for this device) indicate that the more memory you have on an Ultra SD card to operate a Raspberry Pi will slow down the performance.
This is because the cards weren't intended to be used to operate a computer. They were designed for media storage and recording purposes. These applications that are going to be demonstrated rely on an external hard drive to be the primary storage location (for security reasons).
Ultra SD memory cards are typically formatted to store media using the old school FAT (File Attribute Table) format. With some of the applications you will see that it is necessary to use an NTFS format that is used in Windows environment for security purposes (you will see this in the video).
You should be able to get away with using up to 512gb in an ultra SD without slowdowns.
Installing the Operating System on the card
Installing the operating system on the card require access to another computer that has the Raspberry Image app installed. This can be installed on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
This app is available on the website: