raspberrypi

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Raspberry Pi Administration

Welcome to the Raspberry Pi section of the IT Manual. This directory covers the management of ARM-based Single Board Computers (SBCs) within our infrastructure.

We currently support two primary operating systems for these devices, each serving a distinct purpose.

📂 Operating System Index

OS Variant Directory Description Best For
DietPi dietpi/ A highly optimized, lightweight OS based on Debian. It features a text-based menu system (dietpi-software) for automating software installs. Headless servers, Home Assistant, Pi-hole, and appliances where performance is critical.
Raspberry Pi OS pi_os/ The official OS (formerly Raspbian). It provides the standard desktop environment and full compatibility with official accessories. Desktop usage, educational tools (Scratch/Python), and projects requiring the official GUI.

⚖️ Decision Guide: Which OS to use?

Choose DietPi if:

  • You are running a server without a monitor (Headless).
  • You need to squeeze maximum performance out of older hardware (e.g., Pi 3 or Zero).
  • You want to install complex software stacks (like LAMP, Media Servers, Docker) with a single click.
  • You want to minimize SD card wear (extensive RAM logging options).

Choose Raspberry Pi OS if:

  • You need a graphical user interface (Desktop mode).
  • You are following a tutorial that specifically assumes the standard environment.
  • You are using the GPIO pins for electronics projects and need standard Python libraries pre-installed.
  • You are using the official Camera Module or specialized HATs that require official drivers.

⚡ Universal Hardware Setup

Regardless of the OS chosen, these hardware standards apply to all deployments.

  1. Storage: Use High Endurance microSD cards (Class 10 / U1 minimum) to prevent corruption.
  2. Power: Ensure the power supply delivers adequate voltage (5.1V). Undervoltage is the #1 cause of random crashes.
    • Pi 4/5: 3A USB-C.
    • Pi 3: 2.5A Micro-USB.
  3. Cooling: Passive heatsinks are required for Pi 4 and newer. Active cooling (fan) is recommended for continuous 24/7 server loads.

📝 Contribution Guidelines

  • When documenting specific software (e.g., Pi-hole), place the guide inside the folder of the OS it is running on.
  • Note the hardware model used (e.g., “Tested on Pi 4 4GB”) as performance varies significantly between generations.