What is a Raspberry Pi, and how does it work?

What is a Raspberry Pi?

A Raspberry Pi is a small computer that can run basic functions like web browsing, gaming, and server hosting. All of the Raspberry Pi’s components fit onto a single circuit board about the size of a credit card. It operates just like any other computer, with a Raspberry Pi IP address that allows it to connect and communicate with other devices. 

Users can configure a Raspberry Pi to suit their needs. Since the device is a simple computer without many parts, it’s great for learning new programming skills. The Raspberry Pi is also popular with experienced computer hobbyists who want to build game emulators, home automation systems, and other custom projects. The platform is affordable and energy efficient.

The first Raspberry Pi model was released in 2012 by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United Kingdom. Its goal was to create an affordable computer for educational purposes. Several new models and updates have been released since then. The Raspberry Pi 5 is the current flagship model and was released in 2023.

What is the Raspberry Pi used for?

The Raspberry Pi is a versatile computing tool that supports a wide range of computing projects. If you’re feeling creative and have some technical know-how, you can configure your Raspberry Pi to do almost anything a basic computer can do, as long as it doesn’t require high levels of processing power or external hardware. Below are some of the most popular Raspberry Pi use cases. 

Learning programming and computer science

The Raspberry Pi was originally created to help beginner students learn the basics of computing, and that’s still one of the best ways to use the device.

If you’re an individual, the Raspberry Pi is a way to learn new building and programming concepts without the cost or complexity of a traditional PC. Instead of learning in the complex environment of your home computer, you can use the Raspberry Pi as a low-risk alternative.

Some schools even place Raspberry Pis in the classroom for use by students learning about coding and robotics. The Raspberry Pi Foundation also offers helpful resources like lesson plans and worksheets for computer science classes.

Performing home automation and IoT projects

One of the most popular Raspberry Pi uses is automating or customizing your internet of things (IoT) devices. For example, you can build a Raspberry Pi that connects to your smart home system to control the lights, the thermostat, and security systems. 

Using the Raspberry Pi as a smart home hub, you can build in settings or automation options that an out-of-the-box IoT device might not have. For example, many people use a Raspberry Pi as a hub for smart light bulbs throughout their home, setting up custom color combinations or prompting lights to turn on at a specific time.

While IoT devices are  convenient, they raise some cybersecurity concerns. Default IoT security settings are easy for hackers to break through, plus many people fail to install new IoT patches and updates as they’re released. These security vulnerabilities make IoT devices a popular target for cyberattacks, but you can use a Raspberry Pi to make them more secure. With a Raspberry Pi, you can set up a VPN for your IoT devices, which encrypts their internet connection and makes them more difficult for hackers to break into.

Creating a media center and improving the streaming experience

Another popular way to use a Raspberry Pi is to build your own custom media center. With a Raspberry Pi, you can integrate all the streaming apps you subscribe to. You can organize your digital media how you want rather than switching back and forth between multiple apps and devices.

Many people also use a Raspberry Pi to block ads when they’re online. You can do this by installing software called Pi-Hole on your Raspberry Pi. This software creates a smooth, ad-free streaming experience.

Emulating retro gaming consoles

With a Raspberry Pi, you can revisit your favorite video games from childhood. Many avid gamers use a Raspberry Pi to build emulators for popular classic consoles, such as the SNES, PlayStation 1, and Sega Genesis. You can even combine games from different consoles and eras to create your own custom device.

Building a network-attached storage (NAS) server

Network-attached storage, or NAS, is a type of server used for data storage and file sharing. NAS is a secure way to back up your files or share them with trusted third parties.

You can use a Raspberry Pi to build your own NAS server at home. If you’re physically near your NAS server, you can connect to it with a secure Ethernet cable. You can also access it remotely with a Wi-Fi connection. With NordVPN, you can access your Raspberry Pi remotely using Meshnet. This feature gives you secure access to the data in your NAS server no matter where you are. 

Setting up a web server and hosting

With a Raspberry Pi, you can set up a web server to host your own websites and applications. This setup gives you more control over your web projects than hosting them on a third-party server. This Raspberry Pi project is also a fun, cost-effective way to learn about web hosting and coding.

Displaying digital signage

The Raspberry Pi is a simple solution for digital signage that works in both commercial settings and home decor. You can connect a Raspberry Pi to digital displays to share menus, maps, local weather, and other helpful information. Another popular project is a Raspberry Pi transit tracker, which displays local train, bus, or flight times on an LED display.

Developing robotics and electronics projects

The Raspberry Pi is a popular tool for robotics and electronics clubs developing new projects. It serves as the computer that powers your robots. Since the Raspberry Pi costs just $35, you can experiment with a variety of device ideas without breaking the bank.

Raspberry Pi models explained

Since its inception in 2012, Raspberry Pi devices have been released in several models. We’ll compare these models to see which one is best for your computing needs.

Raspberry Pi 5 

The Raspberry Pi 5 was released in 2023 and is the brand’s latest flagship model. This model comes with the Broadcom BCM 2712 quad-core 2.4GHz processor. The highest-performance variant contains 16 GB of storage.

The Raspberry Pi 5 model stands out from its predecessors because of its speed. The powerful processor is approximately three times faster than previous models, which makes it more suitable for high-performance projects. At $145, it’s the most expensive Raspberry Pi model, but its upgraded features deliver more value for high-performance users.

This model also includes a number of advanced features for a smoother computing experience. For example, the Raspberry Pi 5 is the first model to be built with in-house silicon components. The Raspberry Pi 5 also includes a high-bandwidth USB 3.0 port and a PCI Express interface for faster data transfers, plus interchangeable camera and DSI connectors for versatility.

Raspberry Pi 4B

The Raspberry Pi 4B was released in 2019 and remains a popular choice for computing projects. While it’s not as powerful as the Raspberry Pi 5, it still offers many advanced features at a more affordable price point. The Raspberry Pi 4B starts at $35, but its final price depends on how much storage you need.

A Raspberry Pi 4B runs on a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor. A variety of storage options are available, ranging from 1 GB to 8 GB of RAM. Multiple port options are also available, including USB 3.0 and 2.0 and dual HDMI ports. These ports allow you to connect the Raspberry Pi 4B to more than one display at the same time.

Raspberry Pi Zero and Pi Zero 2 W

The Zero and Zero 2 W are the smallest versions of Raspberry Pi. While they have a full Linux operating system, they’re just 65 x 30 mm and use far less power than the original Raspberry Pi models. They’re also incredibly affordable, with the Zero 2 W available for $15 and the original Zero available secondhand for even less.

Both models have a 1GHz single-core CPU and 512MB of RAM storage. Despite their small size, the Raspberry Pi Zero models have mini HDMI and micro USB ports for connectivity. 

Raspberry Pi 400 and 500 (Keyboard computers)

The Raspberry Pi 400 and 500 models are full personal computer kits, complete with a  keyboard and the Raspberry Pi OS. All you need is a display monitor to set up your own computer.

The Raspberry Pi 400 uses the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 4B, while the newer Raspberry Pi 500 uses the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 5. Both models work well as a small, simple personal computer or development tool.

Both computers are also ideal for educational use. They’re a cheaper alternative to purchasing a full desktop computer, and you get most of the same functionality. The Raspberry Pi 500 starts at $100, and the Raspberry Pi 400 is available on the resale market for even less.

Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico 2 

The Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico 2 are tiny, affordable microcontroller boards that work well for customizing your electronics. While they don’t have the functionality of a full computer, you can use them to power your IoT and smart devices. You can program them using C, C++, or Python.

The Raspberry Pi Pico starts at just $4, and the upgraded Pico 2 starts at $5. The Pico 2 has a 150 MHz processor and up to 520KB of on-chip RAM, both of which can be expanded by connecting to other devices. The Pico 2 also has upgraded security features to protect against cyberattacks.

Raspberry Pi model comparison table

Use this Raspberry Pi version comparison to see which model is right for you: 

Raspberry Pi features and specifications

Below are the features you can expect from a Raspberry Pi device, no matter which model you choose. If you have experience with computers, you can add even more custom features. 

Processing power (CPU and GPU)

A central processing unit, or CPU, is the computer’s “brain.” It receives user input commands and executes them accordingly. The CPU’s processing power is measured in GHz or MHz. The more processing power, the faster the computer will operate. 

Many Raspberry Pi models also have a graphics processing unit, or GPU. This component handles the images and videos you’ll see on attached display screens. 

Memory (RAM)

Random access memory, or RAM, indicates how much data the Raspberry Pi can hold. The amount of RAM varies significantly between Raspberry Pi models. For example, the original Raspberry Pi only had 256MB of RAM, but the Raspberry Pi 5 has 16 GB. 

Storage options (microSD, USB, and SSD)

Since the Raspberry Pi is so small, you may need to transfer data from the computer to another form of digital storage, such as a USB drive or MicroSD card. Most Raspberry Pi models support multiple storage options with SD slots and USB ports. The Raspberry Pi 5 also has a PCI Express port, which supports M.2 SSD storage. 

Connectivity (HDMI, USB, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth)

In order to use your Raspberry Pi, you need to connect it to other systems and devices. All Raspberry Pi devices have Ethernet ports, while later models also have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Raspberry Pi devices also have USB and HDMI ports, which you can use to connect them to displays, keyboards, and game controllers. 

GPIO pins for hardware projects

General purpose input/output (GPIO) pins are located on the side of every Raspberry Pi chipboard. They’re necessary to connect the device to other hardware components. 

Power requirements

Raspberry Pi devices require an electric power source in order to operate. Recent models use a USB-C power cord, while the Raspberry Pi Pico and older models like the Raspberry Pi B, 2B, and 3B use a micro-USB power cord. 

What do you need to use a Raspberry Pi?

Since a Raspberry Pi is a computer, it needs the same basic items as every other computer to function properly. Not counting the Raspberry Pi circuit board itself, here’s what you need.

Essential components

To start, you’ll need a power source, such as USB-C or micro-USB. Official Raspberry Pi power supplies are sold separately. You’ll also need a way to store your data, whether that’s an SD card, USB drive, or SSD.

You’ll also need a keyboard to input commands and a display monitor to see what you’re doing. On top of that, you’ll need HDMI cords to connect these devices. However, if you know how to access your Raspberry Pi remotely, you can skip connecting a monitor and instead control your Pi over your network using SSH, VNC, or other remote-access tools.

Optional accessories

While not strictly necessary, a case will help protect your Raspberry Pi’s circuit board from damage. Depending on how you’re using your Raspberry Pi, you may also want to purchase a mouse, game controller, or other external hardware. 

Software and operating systems

Once you have the hardware to set up your Raspberry Pi, you’ll also need the right software. The Raspberry Pi OS is based on a Linux operating system and is a versatile option that supports many computing projects. However, you can also customize your Raspberry Pi with other types of operating systems. 

Raspberry Pi vs. a traditional computer

While a Raspberry Pi is a computer, it doesn’t offer the same features as a traditional PC. A Raspberry Pi is small and affordable, and while it can handle a variety of computing tasks, it doesn’t have the power necessary for high-performance gaming or even multitasking at work. 

Additionally, a Raspberry Pi needs to be set up and programmed manually, while a traditional computer is easy to use right out of the box. A Raspberry Pi is designed primarily for learning and experimentation, but a traditional computer tends to work better for managing your day-to-day needs. 

When to choose a Raspberry Pi

A Raspberry Pi is a great option when you have a new computing project you want to try but don’t want to break the bank. It also works perfectly if you need something smaller and more energy efficient than a traditional computer or if you want to build a custom device that isn’t currently on the market. 

When to choose a traditional computer

If you need a computer for daily work tasks, streaming, or gaming, a traditional PC will work better than a Raspberry Pi. Traditional computers are also the better choice when you don’t want to customize your device and just want to start using it right out of the box. 

How to secure a Raspberry Pi

Proper security measures are a must when using your Raspberry Pi, especially if it’s connected to an IoT device. Hackers often use IoT devices to launch DDoS attacks, overwhelm your system, and steal valuable data. If hackers get access to your Raspberry Pi, they could also interfere with other devices on your network and launch even more complex cyberattacks. 

Using a VPN on Raspberry Pi is a simple but effective way to protect your device. The VPN encrypts your web traffic and routes it through a remote IP address, so even if hackers were to break into your network, they wouldn’t be able to see what you’re doing. 

A VPN is just one of many security measures you should use to keep your Raspberry Pi devices safe. Make sure you’re always using complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and change them regularly. Additionally, make sure you’re installing software updates as soon as they’re available because many hackers rely on outdated software to launch their attacks. 

Is buying a Raspberry Pi worth it?

A Raspberry Pi is perfect for tech enthusiasts who want to experiment with home automation projects or students who want to learn more about coding and programming. Since the device is so versatile, it’s easy to configure it to fit your needs. 

However, a Raspberry Pi has limited computational power. Even the most powerful Raspberry Pi computers are slower than the most affordable Windows PC devices, and they also don’t have the capability to process complex graphics. 

If you need a cheap computer for tech education, automation, or robotics projects, a Raspberry Pi is a worthwhile purchase. However, if you’re looking for an everyday computer, buying a Raspberry Pi may not be worth it.