Berryboot for Raspberry Pi: What is it, what is it used for, and what are the features of this OS installer?

Last update: 26/08/2022
Berryboot for Raspberry Pi: What is it, what is it used for, and what are the features of this OS installer?

La quality and quantity of uses that can be given to the Raspberry Pi It is surprisingly broad, but it should not be forgotten that It is designed to be an educational computer, and like any computer, it needs an operating system to function.

Number operating systems available for the Pi It's giganticEach one is designed to fulfill a purpose. to facilitate the installation of these OS, Raspberry Pi, offers a variety of writing assistantsAmong which, the following can be highlighted berryboot.

Although whether it is the predecessor of popular NOOBS, Berryboot still has several surprises and useful tricks among its features Want to meet them? Then keep reading to find out.

What is Berryboot and what is it used for on Raspberry Pi boards?

Berryboot interface

Berryboot is an installation wizard and boot manager which will allow you to manage a variety of operating systems designed for the Raspberry Pi. Its main advantage lies in its easy installation and the wide selection of operating systems it supports.Furthermore, it offers a simple and easy-to-understand interface that will allow you to set any of the available OS with just a few clicks.

One of its most interesting attributes is the possibility of creating a backup transfer your files from the MicroSD card on which it is installed to an external USB stickThis will allow you to save Berryboot data while extending the life of your MicroSD card by reducing its usage.

Advantages and disadvantages of using Berryboot on Raspberry Pi. Is it the best option for installing operating systems?

More from the Berryboot interface

As can be seen with any software when analyzing it, There are a wide variety of pros and cons to be found when using Berryboot over other options. However, the advantages it offers make it completely worthwhile, and the disadvantages do not change this fact.

Among the advantages offered by Berryboot are:

  • Its weight, of only 30 MB, compared to the 1GB from NOOBS.
  • It supports installation of a wide variety of operating systems unofficial.
  • It allows you to back up the operating system. from the SD card to a USB drive.
  • Supports the use of Smart TV remote control for selecting options.

And in contrast to all this, there are only a couple of disadvantages worth mentioning:

  • It does not offer updated versions of their operating systems, therefore They need to be updated once installed.
  • The Berryboot installer It allows configuration to connect to Wi-Fi., but, In some cases, this configuration is reset when the operating system is installed.Therefore, it needs to be configured again.

Berryboot vs Noobs: Which is better for installing any OS on a Raspberry Pi mini-computer?

Noobs Interface

Both NOOBS and Berryboot essentially fulfill the same function. These are two operating system installation and management assistants that include several OS options for installation on our Raspberry Pi. However, both have slightly different attributes.and certain capabilities that better adapt them to the individual needs of each user when installing and managing their operating systems.

NOOBS is a reliable assistant that will help you It facilitates the installation of a good selection of operating systems.It offers a clear menu that displays all the OS options for installation, and an easy system for completing the process. Furthermore, It does not offer an option for USB backup storage.This limits the use of the MicroSD card permanently in order to run the chosen operating system.

In addition to this, It has certain limitations in its use since, as its name indicates, it is a tool for beginners.Therefore, it can restrict the creative freedom that an advanced user might have. Berryboot, for its part, also It acts as an installation assistant and operating system manager, In addition to being much lighter than NOOBS, it can be installed on a USB drive.

We can also mention the ability that the Berryboot installation window has to manage the operating system's region data.From the same window you can configure Wi-Fi connections, time, time zone and language.

However, it has the drawback that The integrated operating systems are outdated Since it was replaced by NOOBS, so It becomes necessary to start an update of the operating system that has been installedThere is also the fact that Berryboot uses an internet connection and the SourceForge platform to select and install operating systemsTherefore, if the platform is out of service, the installer will not work as it should.

Learn step-by-step how to install Berryboot on any Raspberry Pi mini computer from scratch

Berryboot download site

If you have decided that Berryboot is the best option for the use you want to give your Raspberry Pi, so The next step is to install the wizard so you can start taking advantage of your Raspberry Pi board.

Here is a simple list of steps you should follow to start using Berryboot:

Download Berryboot

berryboot It's a file that's very easy to find online. You will need to visit alternative websites to obtain it, as it is not available on the official Raspberry Pi website. since it was replaced by NOOBS. Just like this one, It is a ZIP file containing the required files.

Download Berryboot

Insert and format your MicroSD card

Once the file is downloaded, You must insert your MicroSD card into your PC using an adapter and format it to FAT32.This action can be performed using the native Windows formatting tool.

Transfer the Berryboot files to the MicroSD card.

Once the card is formatted, Unzip the Berryboot ZIP file into an external folder, and then copy them all onto the newly formatted SD card. This is everything you need to install Berryboot on your MicroSDFrom here on out, all that remains is to insert it into your Raspberry Pi and install an operating system to start working.

Discover how to install an operating system on a Raspberry Pi using the classic Berryboot without errors

Once you have prepared (or acquired) the MicroSD card with the scheduled installation wizard, You just need to insert it into the slot designated for the SD card. which is located on your Raspberry Pi board.

Then follow these steps:

Connect the peripherals and the power supply

Peripherals connected to a Raspberry Pi

Before starting the Raspberry Pi, Make sure all computer peripherals (mouse, monitor, keyboard) are connected, as well as the SD memory card.which must also be in place before connecting the power cable to start the Raspberry Pi. Otherwise, There is a risk of compatibility issues with peripherals, as well as possible problems reading the MicroSD card.

Configure the wizard

Adjust Berryboot initial values

Once you start the board, a settings window will pop up on the screen. Its purpose is to allow us to pre-configurize the regional data of the operating system we are going to installThat is, setting the date and time, adjusting the time zone, and configuring the connection method that the Raspberry Pi will use.

Once all the data is configured, You must select the drive where the operating system will be installedThis could be the MicroSD in itself, or a USB stick which will serve as a backup drive for the operating system; leave the other options at their default settings and press the option "Format".

Select the OS to install

Select the operating system to install with Berryboot

Once the automatic adjustments are complete, We will be shown the operating systems available for installationA diverse selection of operating systems with different features and uses will appear, tailored to your plans for your Raspberry Pi. All you have to do is select the operating systems you want and press the button.Install".

Enjoy your Raspberry Pi.

OS installation progress with Berryboot

In spite of having been replaced by NOOBS as the most popular installer operating systems for the Raspberry Pi, Berryboot still enjoys widespread popularity and a vast number of users They still opt for the old installer instead of its newer counterpart.

This is largely due to the ease that Berryboot offers when installing unofficial operating systems such as Chromium OSTherefore, regarding operating system management for your Raspberry PiBerryboot has not yet said its last word.

Ebooks of IPAP
Ebooks IPAP

🔥JOIN🔥 THE NEW IP@P COMMUNITY! SIGN UP HERE!

Themes

Author: Mario José

With a degree in journalism, specializing in investigative reporting, I seek the truth in all things. Currently focused entirely on technology, computing, and the internet.

Related