Raspberry Pi is a familiar name in the tech world, but if you don’t know it yet, that’s not surprising. We take you through the world of this ultra handy device.
When you think of compact, single-board computers, most tech enthusiasts will probably have the name Raspberry Pi in mind. This tiny computer has rocked the world of hobbyists, makers and tech enthusiasts. But as a tech novice, you may have no idea what we’re talking about.
It started out as an ambitious idea, but now the gadget has become the solution for countless projects. But what is the Raspberry Pi and what can you do with it? We explain it to you.
What exactly is Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is primarily a single-board computer (SBC), which means that all the essential components of a computer – such as the processor, memory, storage and connectivity ports – are all on a single board.
So the gadget is a complete computer, but in a small, compact size about the size of a credit card. A chip of sorts, in other words. Despite its modest size, it is a powerful tool that is excellent for all kinds of applications.
Three in a row (Image: Raspberry Pi)
The Raspberry Pi runs on Linux, with different versions to suit what you want to do with it. The price is between 5 and 50 euros, depending on the model. The low price makes the Pi ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with technology without spending a lot of money on expensive gear.
The versatility of the gadget
The possibilities of the Raspberry Pi are virtually endless. It is much more than just a computer you put on a desk and use for e-mail or surfing the Internet. It is a platform for creators and experimentation.
For example, many people use the Raspberry Pi as a kind of Chromecast with software like Kodi or OSMC. This allows you to turn your television into a smart TV that allows you to stream movies and music and even install add-ons.
Another popular feature is home automation, or automating your home. With a Raspberry Pi, for example, you can control your lights, thermostat or security cameras via your smartphone or laptop. In this way, the gadget turns into a hub, similar to Google Assistant or Apple HomePod.
In addition, the Raspberry Pi is ideal for building drones and robots. By connecting sensors and cameras to the Pi, you can control your own drone or build a robot that performs simple tasks. The Pi has enough processing power to handle the basics of robotics and drone control.
Create your own cloud server
Retro gaming is also a popular activity for Raspberry Pi users. By combining the Pi with software such as RetroPie, you can build a retro gaming console that plays games from old consoles such as the SNES, Sega Genesis and GameBoy. It’s a great way to get back to classic games without spending a lot of money.
Furthermore, the Raspberry Pi is an excellent tool for learning to program. It is an accessible way for both beginners and experienced programmers to explore different programming languages such as Python, Scratch or Java.
Time to program (Image: Unsplash)
Finally, the Raspberry Pi also allows you to build your own cloud server, which allows you to keep files safe without entrusting them to an outside party. Software like Nextcloud allows you to not only store files, but also manage your calendar, contacts and even music, giving you a completely private cloud platform.
In short, the Raspberry Pi is much more than an inexpensive computer. It is a powerful platform for learning, creating and experimenting. The handy gadget offers endless possibilities and lets your wildest ideas come to life.
