The default operating system for the Raspberry Pi is the 32-bit version of Raspberry Pi OS [1], formerly known as Raspbian, which was short for Rasp(berry-Pi-De) bian: The distribution is based on Debian GNU/ Linux. 2022 saw the official release of a 64-bit version, but the 32-bit edition remains the standard.
Many of the other big Linux distributions have released ARM versions that run on the Rasp Pi, for example Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, Gentoo, Arch Linux, Slackware, and Pop!_OS – some of which will only run on the Rasp Pi 4 and Rasp Pi 400. Kali Linux and Recalbox, which I mention elsewhere in this issue, are also available for the Rasp Pi. Rather than enumerating these Rasp Pi versions of everyday Linux, this article highlights some alternative distros you might not know about.
Finding Distributions
If you want to get an overview of Linux distributions for the Raspberry Pi, you can check the RPi Distributions page in the Embedded Linux Wiki [2]. However, many of the entries on that page are outdated. You can also use your favorite search engine to find distributions, or you can simply download the official Raspberry Pi Imager from the same web page that hosts Raspberry Pi OS [1]: The imager lets you download various distro images and write them to an SD card (Figure 1).
You can also use the tool to write other images (that you’ve found on the web) to an SD card, and alternatively, any other tool that writes image files to SD cards and USB sticks will do fine, for example balenaEtcher [3] – these tools are basically pretty front ends for the dd command.
Most distributions resize the filesystem so that it fills the whole SD card when you run the system for the first time: That way, the images will fit on SD cards of all sizes, and you won’t waste any space.
Denne historien er fra #274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros-utgaven av Linux Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra #274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros-utgaven av Linux Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Tracking your finances with plain text accounting Plain Numbers
If you're tired of tinkering with spreadsheets, using hledger and plain text accounting offers a simpler method for managing your finances without vendor lock-in
Dependency resolution with apt-get and apt Evolutionary Tale
Over the past 30 years, the apt family has played an important role in dependency resolution for Debian distros.
Cryptomining with Litecoin Traveling Lite
Although not as popular as headliners like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Litecoin is one of the oldest crytocurrencies, and it offers some useful features, such as dual-mining with Dogecoin.
Software Update SnoopGod
SnoopGod delivers an Ubuntu-based pentesting distribution with an emphasis on security education.
Kernel Trouble
This deep look at how intruders attack an out-of-date kernel should be enough to convince you of the need to stay vigilant.
Using Wake-on-LAN for a NAS backup Power Saver
Put your backup server to sleep when you don't need it and then wake it on demand using the Wake-on-LAN feature built into network adapters.
Time Travel
Mike Schilli uses a Go program to check whether a strategy for trading stocks is making gains or losses on the basis of historical price data.
URL filtering with Pi-hole Into the Funnel
Supporting browser plug-ins, network-based DNS blockers like Pi-hole help protect you against online tracking and unwanted content.
Artificial intelligence on the Raspberry Pi Learning Experience
You don't need a powerful computer system to use Al. We show what it takes to benefit from Al on the Raspberry Pi and what tasks the small computer can handle.
MakerSpace Manage your greenhouse with a Raspberry Pi Pico W Sheltered Growth
You can safely assign some greenhouse tasks to a Raspberry Pi Pico W, such as controlling ventilation, automating a heater, and opening and closing windows.