Contact

Phone: 470-578-6005

Email: sperry46@kennesaw.edu

Office Location: R2 222

Office Hours:
Tue/Thur 2:00 - 4:00 pm R-223 Request Virtual Appts via Text

Why Pi

Greetings Earthlings !  The Spring 2026 semester is about to start and I am looking for a place for us to meet.  Email me (sperry46@) if you're interested in learning more...

I think every CS student should know their way around a linux server.... so let's start by playing with one called Raspberry Pi.   Explore the different versions on this site, but you can buy them locally at MicroCenter (in store or online).

A Raspberry Pi is a low-cost, credit-card-sized computer that plugs into a standard computer monitor or TV and uses a traditional keyboard and mouse. It works just like a desktop PC, allowing you to browse the web, learn to code in languages like Python, build electronic projects (servers, web apps, databases, etc). To get started, you will need to purchase a Raspberry Pi board, a power supply, a microSD card to hold the operating system, and a micro-HDMI cable to connect it to your monitor.

Raspberry Pi Models: A Brief Overview

Raspberry Pi 3B/3B+: This is a reliable workhorse. It features built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and four USB ports. It is powerful enough for most student coding projects and basic web browsing while being very user-friendly for first-time setup.

Raspberry Pi 4B: A major step up in performance, offering up to 8GB of RAM and dual-monitor support. However, it requires micro-HDMI cables and tends to run hot, often requiring a fan or heat sink for sustained use.

Raspberry Pi 5: The newest and fastest model, capable of replacing a desktop PC. It is significantly more expensive and requires a higher-amperage power supply, which may be overkill for a beginner's club.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: A tiny, ultra-affordable version. While great for small gadgets, its lack of full-sized ports makes it frustrating for beginners who need to frequently plug in keyboards and monitors.
 
Student Quick Start Equipment List
To get your Raspberry Pi 3B up and running like a desktop computer, students will need the following items:

1. The "Brain" (Essential Hardware)

  • Raspberry Pi 3B Board: The main computer.
  • microSD Card (16GB or 32GB): This acts as the "hard drive" where the Operating System (Raspbian) and student files are stored.
  • Power Supply (5V 2.5A): A micro-USB power adapter specifically designed for the Pi to ensure it doesn't crash during heavy tasks.

2. The Interface (Connectors)

  • HDMI Cable: A standard HDMI-to-HDMI cable connect the Pi to a monitor.
  • USB Keyboard and Mouse: Any standard wired or wireless USB set will work immediately upon plugging it in.

3. Protection and Maintenance

  • Raspberry Pi Case: Highly recommended for students to prevent accidental short-circuits when handling the board.
  • microSD Card Reader: Only needed once to "flash" the initial software onto the SD card from a laptop or home PC.  NOTE, we can demo this the first day we meet.
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