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Raspberry Pi: How to get started (first steps to becoming a maker)

Your complete beginner's guide to setting up your first Raspberry Pi, from unboxing to running your first program.

BeginnerGetting startedBy Vilros

What is Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi is a low-cost, credit-card-sized computer that plugs into a monitor or TV. It's a capable device that enables people of all ages to explore computing and learn programming in languages like Python, Scratch, and C.

What can you do with it?

  • Learn programming and computer science
  • Build electronics projects (robots, sensors, home automation)
  • Create a media center or retro gaming console
  • Run a web server, VPN, or network storage (NAS)
  • Experiment with AI, computer vision, and IoT

The Raspberry Pi Foundation designed the Pi for education, but it's grown into a tool for makers, hobbyists, and professionals worldwide.

What you need

To get started, you'll need:

  • Raspberry Pi board (Pi 4 or Pi 5 recommended for beginners)
  • Power supply: USB-C for Pi 4/5 (5V 3A), micro-USB for older models
  • MicroSD card: 16 GB minimum, 32 GB+ recommended (Class 10 or A2-rated)
  • Monitor: Any TV or monitor with HDMI input
  • HDMI cable: Micro HDMI to HDMI for Pi 4/5, standard HDMI for Pi 3
  • Keyboard and mouse: USB or Bluetooth
  • Computer with SD card reader (to install Raspberry Pi OS)

Optional but recommended: Case, heatsink or cooling fan, Ethernet cable (for wired internet).

Tip: Vilros kits include everything listed above except the monitor. See our guide to Raspberry Pi kits.

Set up your Pi

1. Install Raspberry Pi OS

  1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager on your computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  2. Insert your microSD card into your computer's SD card reader.
  3. Open Raspberry Pi Imager.
  4. Click Choose OS and select Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit). For beginners, the default "Raspberry Pi OS with desktop" is recommended.
  5. Click Choose Storage and select your microSD card.
  6. Click the gear icon (⚙️) to configure advanced options:
    • Set hostname (e.g., raspberrypi)
    • Enable SSH (for remote access later)
    • Set username and password
    • Configure Wi-Fi network (optional but helpful for headless setup)
  7. Click Write to flash the OS to the SD card. This takes 5–10 minutes.

2. Assemble your Pi

  1. Insert the microSD card into the Pi's SD card slot (on the underside).
  2. Connect the HDMI cable from your Pi to your monitor.
  3. Connect your keyboard and mouse to the Pi's USB ports.
  4. (Optional) Connect an Ethernet cable for wired internet.
  5. Finally, connect the power supply. The Pi will boot automatically.
Important: Always connect peripherals before plugging in the power supply. The Pi has no power button and boots immediately when powered.

First boot and configuration

When your Pi boots for the first time, you'll see the Raspberry Pi desktop.

Welcome wizard

A setup wizard will guide you through:

  1. Set country, language, and timezone
  2. Create a user account (if you didn't configure this in the imager)
  3. Connect to Wi-Fi (if not already connected)
  4. Update software: Click Next to download and install the latest updates. This can take 10–20 minutes on first boot.

After setup completes, restart your Pi when prompted.

Explore the desktop

The Raspberry Pi desktop is similar to Windows or macOS:

  • Application menu: Click the Raspberry icon in the top-left to browse programs.
  • Web browser: Chromium is pre-installed for browsing.
  • Terminal: Access the command line from the menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
  • Recommended Software: Install additional apps like LibreOffice, Scratch, or Minecraft.

What to do next

1. Run your first Python program

Python comes pre-installed on Raspberry Pi OS.

  1. Open Thonny Python IDE from the application menu.
  2. Type this code in the editor:
    print("Hello, Raspberry Pi!")
for i in range(1, 11):
    print(f"Count: {i}")
  3. Click the Run button (green arrow).
  4. You'll see the output in the Shell window below.

Congratulations! You've run your first Python program.

2. Try Scratch (visual programming)

Scratch is a block-based language perfect for beginners:

  1. Open Scratch 3 from the application menu.
  2. Drag blocks from the left panel to create animations, games, or interactive stories.
  3. Try our Scratch Pong project to build your first game.

3. Explore GPIO hardware projects

The Pi's GPIO pins let you control LEDs, motors, sensors, and more.

4. Browse projects and tutorials

Explore the Vilros Learn Center for step-by-step projects:

  • Build a retro gaming console
  • Create a smart home hub
  • Set up a network storage server
  • Learn Python, Scratch, or electronics

Learning resources

Official resources

Vilros resources

Community

Need more help?

Visit the Vilros Learn Center or contact Vilros support.