Software Setup

Prepare Your microSD Card

Connect the microSD card to your computer.

Download and Open Raspberry Pi Imager

Download the Raspberry Pi Imager and launch it.

Select Your Raspberry Pi Model

Click CHOOSE DEVICE and select your Raspberry Pi model (in our case: Raspberry Pi 5).

Choose the OS Version

Click CHOOSE OS, then select Raspberry Pi OS (other).

Next, choose Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) from the menu (in this screenshot, the version has already been cached on the local computer). You will be returned to the initial launch screen.

Select the Storage Device

Click CHOOSE STORAGE and select the microSD card you will use in your Raspberry Pi. If no devices appear, ensure your microSD card is correctly connected.

Important Customisation Note

Configure your Raspberry Pi for remote access. Click ‘Next’. When prompted to apply OS customisation settings, select EDIT SETTINGS.

Set Hostname for Your Pi

Check ‘Set hostname’ and input the name you would like to access the Pi by (e.g., iotnode.local). This hostname will be used to identify your Pi for networking services.

Enable SSH and Set Credentials

Enable SSH connections. You can choose between two methods of securing your Raspberry Pi: password authentication or SSH keys.

• For learning projects or simple hobby projects, password authentication is recommended for first-time users.
• For production use, SSH keys are recommended for stronger security.

Tick ‘Set username and password’, and provide a username (e.g., iot) and a secure password for logging into your Pi.

Apply Settings and Start Installation

Review your OS and storage settings, then click YES:

Confirm that you wish to erase your microSD card by selecting YES.

You may be asked by your operating system to provide an administrator password. After granting permissions, the Imager will write and verify the Linux installation on the microSD card. Once complete, remove the card from your computer.