Introduction to Raspberry Pi LiveLessons (Video Training)

The hands-on video guide to Raspberry Pi: the tiny $35 computer that’s changing the world! Use Raspberry Pi to learn programming and electronics, create Internet-connected projects, even build your own media server!

Description

These easy video tutorials are the fastest way to get started with Raspberry Pi, the $35 credit-card sized computer that’s taking the world by storm! Raspberry Pi LiveLessons walks you through understanding the hardware, getting started, controlling your Pi, installing applications, creating electronics projects, building media servers, and more! Top Raspberry Pi instructor John LeMasney begins by touring Pi’s components, explaining what it can do, and showing how it’s similar to other computers—and how it’s different. Next, he guides you through installing and exploring the powerful Raspbian Linux-based operating system and new applications…starting to program with the simple Scratch environment and the powerful Python language…using your Raspberry Pi to create images, edit photos, and design visual documents…experimenting with electronic circuits…even using your Pi as a portable, low-cost media server. In less than five hours, you’ll be ready to make the most of Raspberry Pi…you’ll be limited only by your imagination!

About the Instructor

John LeMasney is a designer, artist, writer, poet, technologist, consultant, open web advocate, and open source evangelist who helps people use technology to improve their lives, work, and world. For over 20 years, he has consulted on technology, design, communication, and branding for academia, the enterprise, libraries, and consumers. He teaches at Rider University's Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program, as well as at Princeton Public Library, Princeton Adult School, Library Link NJ, and other venues. He was previously Manager of Educational Technology Training and Outreach at Princeton University. His many LiveLessons video tutorials include WordPress for Beginners LiveLessons and WordPress for Advanced Users.

Skill Level

• Beginner
• Intermediate

What You Will Learn

• What Raspberry Pi is, and what it can do
• What components are included in Raspberry Pi, and how they work together
• How to install and use Raspbian, Raspberry Pi’s Linux-based operating system
• How to get started programming your Raspberry Pi with Scratch and Python
• How to use the Pi as a dedicated graphics and imaging workstation
• How to start building electronic circuits with your Raspberry Pi
• How to transform your Raspberry Pi into a portable, low-cost media server
• How to use your Pi with webcams to create exciting new projects

Who Should Take This Course

• Anyone who is comfortable using a computer and wants to explore the incredibly powerful and low-cost Raspberry Pi hardware platform

Course Requirements

• Basic experience with computers
• Linux experience helpful but absolutely not necessary

Table of Contents

Lesson 1: The Hardware of the Raspberry Pi

Tour the Raspberry Pi, check out each of its components, and discover how they fit together…review the specs of each Pi model…then, install your operating system and see the Raspberry Pi Desktop.

Lesson 2: Getting Familiar with Raspbian

Discover the power of Raspbian, the #1 operating system for Pi…learn how Raspbian differs from typical computer operating systems…use the command line…install new applications…browse the Internet…work with productivity tools…check out alternatives to Raspbian.

Lesson 3: Getting Started with Scratch and Python

Explore Scratch and Python, two great environments for learning to program your Pi…start building Scratch games, animations, and applications by snapping together simple “block” commands…discover the incredibly powerful Python environment for writing web, desktop, and other software…write your first Python script…plan to take your next steps with Python.

Lesson 4: Using the Raspberry Pi as a Dedicated Graphics Workstation

Transform your Raspberry Pi into a dedicated workstation for creating graphic designs, photo manipulations, and document layouts…install and use Inkscape to create graphics…install GIMP and use it to edit photos…install Scribus, and use it for desktop publishing.

Lesson 5: Building an Electronic Circuit with the Raspberry Pi

Connect your Raspberry Pi to a breadboard and start experimenting with LEDs, buttons, and wires…walk through the essentials of connecting components to the Pi, “talking” with them, and controlling their behavior through program code.

Lesson 6: Using the Raspberry Pi as a Media Server

Install and use RaspBMC, the Raspberry Pi Media Center, an alternative Home Theater PC Operating System…attach your media source…browse and stream your media.

About LiveLessons Video Training

LiveLessons Video Training series publishes hundreds of hands-on, expert-led video tutorials covering a wide selection of technology topics designed to teach you the skills you need to succeed. This professional and personal technology video series features world-leading author instructors published by your trusted technology brands: Addison-Wesley, Cisco Press, IBM Press, Pearson IT Certification, Prentice Hall, Sams, and Que. Topics include: IT Certification, Programming, Web Development, Mobile Development, Home and Office Technologies, Business and Management, and more. View all LiveLessons on InformIT at: http://www.informit.com/livelessons.