Raspberry Pi Desktop

This project is to help you prepare a desktop for your children where they can have almost all capabilities of a normal desktop, but in a relatively safe environment. Also, the chances of roaming is less!

Steps

1. Prepare OS

2. Install OS

3. Hook up accessories

4. Update OS

You can find many links to setup and install the operating system. But I found below the easiest one and you can follow without any hassle. I prefer to use Stretch as it is light and easy to use.

PREPARE AND INSTALL RASPBIAN

If you are using a VGA monitor then you need VGA to HDMI converter and in case you are using an LCD with HDMI cable then no need of such converter.

Once you successfully boot the Raspberry Pi with the OS image, you will see this screen:

Next, you can connect your keyboard and mouse to Raspberry Pi USB ports (use any ports you want). After these accessories are working fine, you need to connect to your WiFi or Ethernet router. If you are using Ethernet, then it is very simple where you use a LAN cable and connect your Pi to router. However, in case of WiFi, you need a minor configuration. For this, you will se a WiFi icon on taskbar where you need to click and select your AP. It will ask for password for AP, and once you authenticate, your Pi will be connected to internet immediatelty. The next step is to update and upgrade your OS to make sure all necessary packages are installed. This you can do by using below commands in same sequence:

1. sudo ap-get update

2. sudo apt-get upgrade

Follow the onscreen instructions for both commands and your OS will be up to date. Now, it's ready to be used by you and your children.

In order to work smoothly, I used 5V 4A power supply; otherwise, you can use any normal 5V adapter with at least 3A current capacity.

It's a good and safe practice to install heat sinks for the chips and a fan. You can connect this mini fan to GPIO port's 5V and GND pins.

It is also preferred that you put your Pi in an enclosure.