Like the Raspberry Pi computers They are low and medium powerThey require operating systems capable of powering devices with limited physical resources. Linux is an option that meets these needs.
One of the qualities of Linux is that it is able to revive old computers with limited hardware, as is the case here. Learn step by step what you need to do to install any Linux distribution en Raspberry.
These are the best layouts (operating systems) suitable for these devices. Everybody is based on this open source system and free.
Learn step by step how to install any Linux distribution on a Raspberry Pi mini computer
Before beginning the installation of any operating system, You need to know that you need to be clear about the objective of the installation and what use you will give to the equipment.This defines the software features and you will avoid unnecessary consumption of physical resources in minor tasks.
Let's see:
General details
La Installing an operating system on Raspberry Pi It has changed quite a bit since this mini computer was first released in 2012.
Now you need to have a few things ready before proceeding with the following steps:
- Connection to Internet.
- A card Micro SD and an adapter.
- You must have installed Raspberry Pi Imager on a computer with Windows 10.
- You must have Download the operating system image you wish to install, in case of manual installation.
Download Raspberry Pi Imager
There is more than one way to install an operating system on this mini computer, but The best option, and our recommendation, is to use the official method provided by the manufacturer..
Learn how to install Raspberry Pi Imager, which will allow you to install any operating system quickly and securely:
- open google and writes “Raspberry Pi OS”.
- Select the first search, which the website shows
raspberrypi.org.
- Find the section “Install Raspberry Pi OS using Raspberry Pi Imager”.
- Press the button “Download for Windows”.
- Choose the destination folder and "Guard".
- Then, run the installer and follow the steps in the installation wizard.
Install from Raspberry Pi Imager
The safest way to complete an installation is to follow the steps and select the correct operating system version:
- Run the Tourism, Peace and Coexistence programme “Raspberry Pi Imager”.
- Select the option “Choose OS”.
- It will give you a List of official Linux distributions all with Raspberry.
- Choose the option of your preference
- Now, you must select the option “Choose SD Card”.
- Choose the card that is connected with the adapter on your Windows 10.
- Once you do that, the button will be enabled. "Write"You must press it.
- All Data on your Micro SD card will be erased or formatted to do the installation.
- Wait for the installation reaches 100%.
Perform a manual installation
A manual installation means you don't use the program. “Raspberry Pi Imager” to correctly place the ISO image on the Micro SD card.
There are other similar programs, and in these cases, you should do the following:
- The web raspberrypi.org It offers the image of all authorized operating systems.
- On the homepage of the official website, look for the tab "Software".
- Select the button “Our software”.
- Find the section “Manually install an operating system image”.
- Press the button “See all download options”.
- Find the section “Third-party software”.
- Download one of the six authorized operating systems.
- Now you can use one of those images (ISO) to be installed with the program of your choice. Similarly, You must do it directly on a Micro SD card., as we explained in this step-by-step guide.
List of the best Linux distributions to install on a Raspberry Pi mini computer
In this section we will show you the operating systems that are authorized by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to be installed on your computers.
You will also find the most widely used operating systems to date:
LibreElec
These are the acronyms for “Free Embedded Linux Entertainment Center”It is a free and open-source operating system. It can run quickly on 64-bit ARM processors, such as those used in modern Raspberry Pi devices. Its development began in 2016 and fits perfectly Kodi, a multimedia center designed for the entertainment sector, so developers use it to attach Smart TVs to them.
Ubuntu desktop
It's Ubuntu's option to turn your Raspberry Pi into a computer A mid-range computer that can handle office tasks and run programs like OpenOffice. It's the best option currently available for having a desktop minicomputer with the physical resources offered by Raspberry Pi.
Ubuntu Server
When you want to turn your Raspberry Pi into a server, this is the best free and open-source option. You can configure your computer as an email serverIt's a cloud-based platform that provides a well-developed data management environment. If you're an experienced developer, you'll have no problem setting up this user-friendly and lightweight operating system, allowing you to quickly adjust your projects.
Ubuntu core
This is a version designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) concept, but being too heavy for the physical characteristics of a Raspberry Pi, The developers created a lighter version that people could work with without overloading their computers.This lightweight version specializes in security optimizations and allows for reliable updates. Definitely an option worth considering.
RetroPie
Designed for “retro-gamers” They miss those low-resolution gaming apps that won the hearts of millions in the 90s and 2000s. It lets you turn your Raspberry Pi into a retro-looking video game console—nothing like a PSP 5, but... It will facilitate access to any arcade project that you have in mind
TLXOS
It is the only paid operating system authorized by the Raspberry Pi Foundation (Although it's not Linux-based), it offers a 30-day trial so developers can explore its full potential as an Internet of Things (IoT) management tool. It allows for the remote management of internet-enabled devices connected to a central command center, such as one developers can create with this program.
Kano OS
It is designed to allow children access to a computer, a type of parental control that will allow parents to have greater peace of mind Parents can monitor their children's activity while they are busy with other tasks. Its interface resembles a video game, allowing children to configure basic access settings and visual adjustments. Parents save money and teach their children how to use a computer.
flint OS
If you didn't know, Android is also an operating system available for Raspberry Pi devices, and it does so through Flint OS, which It has a desktop version for a reduced hardware environment. It's an open-source platform that allows developers to modify it as they wish to adapt this version to their personal projects. The best part is that it has Google Play, so there's access to millions of apps in that store.
SolydX RPI
It is based on the Debian system, which is also a Linux distribution, and It is compatible with Raspberry Pi version 2 and later.Because the first version is already discontinued. Its interface consumes fewer physical resources than its competitors, requiring only 4 GB of storage space, far less than any of the operating systems you'll see on this list. More than a multimedia centerIt also allows you to perform office tasks.
Fedora 25
Of the dozens of operating systems that can be installed on Raspberry Pi devices, Fedora 25 is the one that best suits each physical characteristic. It has an average value of between 40 euros and 50 eurosIt's compatible with Raspberry Pi version 2 and later. One of its major drawbacks is the limited number of developers creating solutions for diverse user needs. Therefore, despite its popularity, it hasn't yet achieved widespread adoption.
Manjaro Linux
This operating system has three different versions that fit Raspberry Pi devices: KDE Plasma, text mode, and XFCE. All three versions are quite lightweight and can handle any task that the developers want. The XFCE version is actually a desktop environment that allows you to use Raspberry Pi devices as if they were desktop computers, so there is quite a bit of competition and a growing trend for using these devices as mini-computers.
Q4OS
It has a comprehensive assistant that provides all kinds of support to new users. Its interface and usability are inspired by the Windows environmentThat's why it's so popular among members of this new community who want to take their first steps. It's based on Linux, making it a fast and lightweight alternative. Just like the hardware, It is designed to guide and enable learning. to this new universe of possibilities.
