Raspberry Pi - Working with Linux

Raspberry Pi - Working with the Linux Desktop

Raspberry Pi OS, the official operating system, is based on Debian Linux. When you use the ‘Desktop’ version, you interact with a graphical environment that makes many tasks intuitive, similar to Windows or macOS. This chapter explores the key components of the Raspberry Pi Desktop environment.

The Desktop Environment

The Raspberry Pi Desktop provides a familiar interface with icons, windows, and menus. It aims to be lightweight to run efficiently on the Pi’s hardware. Key components include:

• Desktop: The main background area where files and application shortcuts can reside.
• Panel (Taskbar): A bar, usually at the top, containing the application menu, shortcuts, indicators for running applications, and system tray icons.
• Window Manager: Handles the drawing and manipulation of application windows (moving, resizing, closing).
• File Manager: Allows graphical browsing and management of files and folders.
• Default Applications: Includes essential software like a web browser, text editor, terminal emulator, etc.

The Application Menu

Located at the top-left corner (Raspberry Pi logo), the Application Menu is the primary way to launch installed software. Applications are organized into categories:

• Programming: Tools for coding (Thonny Python IDE, Geany, Scratch, Sense HAT Emulator, Mathematica/Wolfram).
• Internet: Web browser (Chromium), email clients (if installed).
• Office: Productivity suite (LibreOffice components: Writer, Calc, Impress).
• Sound & Video: Media players (VLC if installed), audio controls.
• Graphics: Image viewer, image editors (GIMP if installed).
• Games: Any installed games (including Python Games examples).
• Accessories: Utilities like File Manager, Task Manager, Text Editor, Terminal, SD Card Copier, Calculator, Archiver.
• Preferences: System configuration tools (Appearance, Raspberry Pi Configuration, Add/Remove Software, Main Menu Editor, Audio settings).
• System Tools: More advanced system utilities.
• Help: Links to documentation and resources.
• Run: Allows launching a program by typing its command name.
• Logout: Options to Shutdown, Reboot, or Logout the current user.

Launching and Managing Programs

Clicking an application in the menu launches it. Running applications typically appear as icons on the taskbar. You can switch between applications by clicking their icons on the taskbar.

Application windows have standard controls in their title bar (usually top-right):

• Minimize: Hides the window, keeping the application running (icon remains on taskbar).
• Maximize: Expands the window to fill the screen.
• Close (X): Exits the application.

You can move windows by clicking and dragging their title bars, and resize them by dragging their borders or corners.

Key Pre-installed Applications Overview

• Chromium: Default web browser for accessing websites and web apps.
• File Manager (pcmanfm): For graphical file browsing and management.
• Terminal (LXTerminal or similar): Provides access to the powerful Linux command line.
• Text Editor (Mousepad/Geany): For editing plain text files (configuration files, code).
• Thonny Python IDE: Beginner-friendly environment for writing and running Python code.
• LibreOffice Suite: Word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software.
• Mathematica & Wolfram Language: Powerful technical computing environment (free for non-commercial use).
• Scratch 3: Visual programming language for beginners.
• Raspberry Pi Configuration: Tool for system settings (password, interfaces, localization, performance).
• Add/Remove Software: Graphical package manager for installing/uninstalling applications.
• SD Card Copier: Utility to back up or duplicate your MicroSD card.

Using the ‘Run’ Dialog

Some programs, especially command-line utilities or those not automatically added to the menu, can be launched using the ‘Run’ option in the Application Menu (or often via the Alt+F2 shortcut). Simply type the command name of the program (e.g., galculator) and press Enter.

Switching to the Command Line Interface (CLI)

Even when using the desktop, you might need full-screen access to the command line. You can switch to a virtual console by pressing Ctrl+Alt+F1 (or F2, F3, etc.). The graphical desktop usually runs on F7. To return to the desktop from a virtual console, press Ctrl+Alt+F7.

Alternatively, you can configure your Pi to boot directly into the command line using the Raspberry Pi Configuration tool (System tab -> Boot).