23. Programming
• By default, supporting Python as
the educational language.
• Any language which will compile
for ARMv6 can be used with the
Raspberry Pi, though; so you’re
not limited to using Python.
• For primary age SCRATCH game
maker is bundled
40. Tinkering
•GPI/O pins if you’re after an
interesting electronics project.
• Gertboard - A GPIO expansion board from the foundation for
electronics projects
• USB Devices / Ethernet / Hubs / AV out
• Can be powered by 4 x AA batteries ...
The first real computers, in the modern sense of the word, were huge machines; designed to crunch
numbers. Their abilities were incredibly limited despite the fact that they took up an entire room.
Ever since that day, the computer has developed; becoming smaller, faster and far more capable.
Today, the processor built into your mobile phone will offer more computing power than those
original computers were capable of. However, as is often the case with development, there is a
constant push to improve the computer. The latest models have significantly more processing power
and memory than their predecessors; a computer is outdated almost as soon as it is bought!
The most obvious casualty of this ongoing race to provide the best computer is affordability. Every
technological step forward is the result of hundreds or thousands of hours of research; the cost of
which has to be covered by the selling price of the computer.
Thankfully, not all computer companies are working along the same lines. The Raspberry Pi is charitable foundation that wants to see the device being used by kids all over the world to learn programming and electronics.
The Pi is a tiny computer about the size of a credit-card, the board features a processor, RAM and typical hardware ports you find with most computers.
This means you’re able to do most things a desktop computer can do such as document editing, playing HD video, playing games, coding and much more.
Obviously it won’t have as much power as a desktop PC but since it is a lot cheaper they make for great little computers you can play around with. If you happen to break one they’re not going to cost you a fortune to replace.
the greatest draw of this micro computer is the price, at just $35 anyone can purchase it and
learn without being afraid of breaking it. If necessary you can always purchase another! In reality it
is very difficult to overload or damage this computer, unless you physically damage the circuit board.
Pi was designed to assist children to understand the basics of programming and how
computers work; it has become the perfect tool for every adult, whether experienced programmers or
first time computer users. It is possible to personalize it as much as you like and use it like a desktop,
as a server, a storage space or even as the heart of your multimedia system.
scratch is free from MIT .. thanks MIT !
The Raspberry is an excellent device for learning about programming and linking with a variety of
apps and external sources. The device is designed to be easy for children to use and to educate them
in the world of programming; however, it has also allowed many experienced computer technicians
and programmers to create practical and fun projects; all that is required is a little creativity.
Office applications like word, excel, outlook, access, powerpoint and even visio can be installed. Our university can provide this console of Rs.3500 rather than a whole PC to people who record data…Rostrums can also be fitted with this piece of equipment.
Programming. Who doesn’t want an authority like God ? Controlling everything by our will is something God-like….Raspberry Pi grants us this power with in it’s limitations of mere creativity…. And Zain has already explained the perks of Python and Scratch.
People have revived old gaming consoles through this device….the gaming consoles that were once worth a fortune for children are now in reach with DIVERSITY.
This is an example of a Game Arcade.
Ever head of Oculus Rift or Google glass? Oculus Rift is the advanced form of Virtual Reality, and Google Glass is just like a personal assistant. Thomas Rich made a blend out of the two with just the half of the price of one.
Whomever of you who don’t know about this game, MineCraft is a popular game.
XMBC is a media center that is used in bars and clubs in the States, while NETFLIX is an online movie viewer.
:3 :P
Camera…This is a new add-on which Zain has talked about previously…examples are as follows.
Usama Waheed, a boy from LUMS used Raspberry Pi to make a video of HyperLapse.
Surveillance Camera with a DVR i.e the recording device.
VNC server controlled Robot.
Temperature Logger
Quad Copter. Raspberry Pi is so lightweight that it can be lifted by a helium balloon.
A QWERTY mobile phone (E90 Nokia Communicator-like ) phone with the battery of 10 Hours !
As Zain has explained earlier about GPIO pins…One can couple Raspberry Pis to make a supercomputer just like the a father-son project somewhere in States.
It should now be obvious that the Pi is a cheap and incredibly powerful computer. This guide will
enable you to set your new micro computer up and get it working; you should also be able to practice
and learn about the capabilities of these piece of hardware by undertaking some of the projects listed.
The truth is that the possibilities are actually limitless, once you have worked out the basics and got
your Pi working you will be able to make it do anything you want. There are thousands of different
applications already being used and shared on the internet. There are countless more which are
probably not shared!
