To do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools. —The Analects
History of Computers
Let’s take a look at the history of computers:
In 1946, the U.S. military commissioned the first computer, which occupied an area of 170m2 and weighed over 30 tons.
1946-1957, First Generation, Vacuum Tube Computers.
1957-1964, Second Generation, Transistor Computers.
1964-1971, Third Generation, Small and Medium Scale Integrated Circuit Computers.
1971-2015, Fourth Generation, Large Scale and Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit Computers.
Fifth Generation, computers with artificial intelligence, capable of reasoning, association, judgment, decision-making, and learning.
Hardware and Software
Hardware refers to the physical components: for example, monitors, hard drives, keyboards, etc.
Hardware is like a person’s body. Without a body, even the best ideas and thoughts cannot be maximized, and there will always be inconveniences in carrying out tasks.
The desktop and laptop computers we often refer to can be distinguished by their hardware appearance.
Software refers to the programs installed on the machine: for example, QQ, chat tools, graphic design tools.
Software is like a person’s thoughts and soul. Without it, even the best computer is of little use, just sitting at home like scrap metal.
Software can be divided into system software and application software. Software like Windows (also called operating systems) is system software, while software like “QQ” is application software.
Hardware and software are interdependent; hardware is the material foundation on which software relies to function, and the normal operation of software is the only way for hardware to perform its functions. A computer system must be equipped with a complete software system to function properly and fully utilize its hardware capabilities.
There is no strict boundary between hardware and software. With the development of computer technology, in many cases, certain functions of a computer can be realized by either hardware or software. Therefore, in a certain sense, there is no absolute strict interface between hardware and software.
Hardware and software develop in coordination; computer software evolves rapidly alongside hardware technology, while the continuous development and improvement of software promotes hardware updates. The two are closely intertwined and indispensable.
For a computer, software is the mind and soul, while hardware is the body. Just like a person needs both a healthy mind and a strong body, they are an inseparable whole.
Operating Systems
Currently, the mainstream operating systems are mainly divided into 4 categories:
1. Windows Series Operating Systems
Produced by Microsoft, it has the largest market share. This is the most familiar and common one.
2. Mac Operating System
Produced by Apple, generally installed on MAC computers. Generally, designers, developers, and media advertisers use it more.
3. Linux-based Operating Systems
Such as Ubuntu, Suse Linux, Fedora, Debian, Raspbian, etc. Generally used for servers, but many geeks also use them extensively.
4. Unix-based Operating Systems
Such as SOLARIS, BSD series (FREEBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, PCBSD, etc.). Generally used for large systems, less commonly used by personal users.
This time, the choice made by the instructor is Linux, for several reasons:
1. Considering the hardware selection, the most compatible operating system is Raspbian.
2. Linux is closer to the system’s core, allowing for more direct manipulation of the underlying system, with richer command-line tools.
3. Windows and Mac are ubiquitous, but opportunities to use Linux are rarer, and it just looks cooler.
Hardware Selection
There are many types of computer hardware, and many types of operating systems. Different computer hardware can also install different systems, making the choice difficult:
The most common on the market is the desktop installed with Windows;
If you prefer elegance, you can choose Apple’s MacBook laptop;
Different needs lead to different choices.
Based on 20 years of experience and the planning of our entire course series, the instructor has chosen: Raspberry Pi 3
Let’s introduce it:
The Raspberry Pi is a microcomputer the size of a credit card, running on a Debian-based system. It has multiple interfaces, including video, USB, LAN, etc., allowing you to easily assemble a usable microcomputer at a very low cost.
To be precise, it is an ARM-based computer motherboard, booting and storing data on an SD card.
The Raspberry Pi was developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the UK and is produced and sold by global industrial distributors Premier Farnell/Element 14, RS Components, and the Chinese distributor Egoman Technology Corp.
The original purpose of the Raspberry Pi was to create a set of computers to inspire children. Interestingly, the Raspberry Pi not only achieved its initial goal but was also developed by geeks into various interesting applications.
The popularity of the Raspberry Pi is also due to its low price; the latest Raspberry Pi 3 has an official guide price of $35. On our major online shopping platforms, it costs around 200 yuan. With it, plus some external devices, you can assemble your own first computer!
Looking at the picture above, let’s summarize the minimum external devices needed to assemble a complete computer:
1. Power Supply
There are 2 options for power supply: one is to use a micro USB power cable connected to an AC-to-DC adapter, plugged into our regular 220V power socket.
The other option is to use a micro USB power cable connected to a mobile power bank.
Considering that we will eventually turn the Raspberry Pi into a small car, we choose the mobile power bank.
2. SD Card
The main function of the micro SD card is as a storage device, where the operating system and storage space are installed.
3. Display
This needs no explanation; without a display, we can’t see anything.
To balance portability and visual effect, we choose a 7-inch display, connected via HDMI.
4. Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard and mouse are our input devices, used to input commands to the computer.
This time, we choose the Rapoo mini wireless keyboard and mouse set, which is compact and exquisite.
5. Heat Sink
The Raspberry Pi motherboard has 3 main chips that generate significant heat during operation. We need to attach pure copper or pure aluminum heat sinks to the chips to help dissipate heat and ensure the system does not overheat.
Generally, with heat sinks installed, there’s no need for a small fan.
6. Case
The circuit board of the Raspberry Pi motherboard is exposed, so to protect the circuit board and prevent static electricity, we need to encase the motherboard.
This time, we choose a transparent acrylic case, which looks very cool.
What Can Raspberry Pi Do?
1. Raspberry Pi Aircraft
2. Raspberry Pi Robot
3. Micro Remote-Controlled Tank
4. Remote-Controlled Car (This is my work)
How to Purchase
To facilitate everyone’s purchase of computers, I have organized some purchasing channels. To avoid the suspicion of advertising, I will mainly provide 2 shops or similar product descriptions for the main components.
The prices in the screenshots below are from 2016/10/25, and the actual prices may vary slightly when you go to buy.
1. Raspberry Pi 3 Motherboard
Purchase method:
Taobao, search for “raspberry pi 3”, find the shop names “Sanji Pavilion Digital Store” or “Guanyue Hall”. I have purchased from these 2 shops, and the cost-performance ratio is quite good.
2. Mobile Power Bank
Many people at home have mobile power banks, whether it’s 5000mAh, 10000mAh, or 20000mAh, as long as the output current is 1A or 2.1A, it’s fine.
However, to consider the appearance and size for future use on a small car, I recommend: ROMOSS/Sense6 20000mAh power bank.
The advantages are sufficient power to reduce charging frequency, and it has strong adaptability with 2 output currents.
Purchase method:
Method 1: JD, search for “mobile power bank”, select the first result; it should be this model, now selling for 99 yuan, which is 20 yuan more than last year.
Method 2: Taobao, search for “mobile power bank”, sort by sales, the first result should be this model, also selling for 99 yuan. You can choose the package below, still 99 yuan.
3. Micro SD Card with Raspbian Operating System
To reduce shipping costs, we try to choose the same Taobao shop as for the “Raspberry Pi 3 Motherboard”.
Shop 1: Taobao, search for shop “Sanji Pavilion Digital Store”, find the shop name “Raspberry Pi Forum Electronics Supermarket”, enter the shop, search for “sd”, and choose:
Click on the product, choose the service package “pre-installed Raspberry Pi system”, and then purchase:
Shop 2: Taobao, search for shop “Guanyue Hall”, find the shop “National Agent for Raspberry Pi”, enter the shop, search for “sd”, and choose:
Click on the product, choose package type “Package Four”, and then purchase:
4. HDMI Cable
Shop 1: Taobao, search for shop “Sanji Pavilion Digital Store”, find the shop name “Raspberry Pi Forum Electronics Supermarket”, enter the shop, search for “hdmi”, and choose:
Click on the product, choose your preferred color, and select the length “1.5 meters”, then purchase.
Shop 2: Taobao, search for shop “Guanyue Hall”, find the shop “National Agent for Raspberry Pi”, enter the shop, search for “hdmi cable”, and choose:
Click on the product, choose length “0.5m”, and then purchase.
5. 7-inch Display with HDMI Interface
Shop 1: Taobao, search for shop “Guanyue Hall”, find the shop “National Agent for Raspberry Pi”, enter the shop, search for “display”, and choose:
Click on the product, choose color classification “7-inch HD”, and then purchase:
Currently, this product is out of stock, so please check with the seller if they have it in stock when buying.
Shop 2: Taobao, search for product “7-inch display hdmi”, and sort by sales to find the shopkeeper “zhao xiaomi 07”:
Click in, choose color classification “HDMI+VGA+AV Home Ultra Clear”, the one priced at 185 yuan.
Add to cart, then select the charger “12V1A Home Power Supply” for 10 yuan, also add to cart, and then purchase.
6. Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard and mouse are quite universal, so you can choose freely. I recommend a mini one that can fit in a small box.
Taobao, search for product “Rapoo x220 wireless keyboard and mouse set”, then sort by sales, find the shopkeeper “Rapoo Flagship Store”:
Click in, choose your preferred color classification, and purchase.
7. Raspberry Pi Motherboard Heat Sink
Shop 1: Taobao, search for shop “Sanji Pavilion Digital Store”, find the shop name “Raspberry Pi Forum Electronics Supermarket”, enter the shop, search for “heat sink”, and choose:
Click in, choose color classification “2 copper 1 aluminum (3 pieces)”, select 1 piece to buy.
Shop 2: Taobao, search for shop “Guanyue Hall”, find the shop “National Agent for Raspberry Pi”, enter the shop, search for “heat sink”, and choose:
Click in, select 1 piece to buy.
8. Raspberry Pi Acrylic Case
Shop 1: Taobao, search for shop “Sanji Pavilion Digital Store”, find the shop name “Raspberry Pi Forum Electronics Supermarket”, enter the shop, search for “case”, and choose:
Click in, select 1 piece to buy.
At the same time, you also need to buy the fixed screws, similarly search for “case”, and choose:
Click in, select 1 piece to buy.
Shop 2: Taobao, search for shop “Guanyue Hall”, find the shop “National Agent for Raspberry Pi”, enter the shop, search for “case”, and choose:
Click in, select 1 piece to buy. This case does not come with fixed screws, so please note.
9. Toolbox
A toolbox is not essential, but with so many computer components, having one would be very convenient for carrying out. Additionally, we will be doing many electronic circuit experiments in the future and will purchase some components, so having a toolbox will be very helpful.
Shop 1: Taobao, search for shop “Old A Flagship Store”, find the shop “Old A Flagship Store”, enter the shop, search for “three-layer toolbox”, and choose:
Click in, select color classification: “Blue Bottom 14.5 inches”, then purchase:
Total Price:
| Serial Number | Product | Quantity | Unit Price (Raspberry Pi Forum Electronics Supermarket) | Unit Price (National Agent for Raspberry Pi) | Shipping |
| 1 | Raspberry Pi 3 Motherboard | 1 | 195 | 192 | 10 |
| 2 | Mobile Power Bank ROMOSS/Sense6 20000mAh | 1 | 99 | 99 | Free Shipping |
| 3 | Micro SD Card with Raspbian OS | 1 | 58 | 59 | Same Store |
| 4 | HDMI Cable | 1 | 10 | 12 | Same Store |
| 5 | 7-inch Display with HDMI Interface + 12V Power Supply | 1 | 195 | 195 | 10 |
| 6 | Rapoo x220 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set | 1 | 70 | 70 | Free Shipping |
| 7 | Raspberry Pi Motherboard Heat Sink | 1 | 7 | 7 | Same Store |
| 8 | Raspberry Pi Acrylic Case | 1 | 6 | 6 | Same Store |
| 9 | Toolbox | 1 | 38 | 38 | Free Shipping |
| Total | 678 | 678 | 20 |
Please complete the purchase as soon as possible; in the next class, we will explain in detail how to assemble these devices into a complete computer.
If some friends do not know how to shop on Taobao, they can ask relatives or friends or let relatives and friends buy on their behalf.
What If You Already Have a Computer?
The instructor’s suggestion is still to purchase the recommended computer set above, as the main reason is that the subsequent courses will use this computer’s hardware interfaces to control sensors.
Of course, in the courses before using the sensors, you can also use your own computer to practice Python programming. If some students want to wait and see if these courses are suitable for themselves, they can temporarily not buy the Raspberry Pi computer and install the Python programming environment on their own computer instead.
If you plan to use your computer, you can skip lesson 0003. In lesson 0004, there will be specific instructions on how to install the Python programming environment.
Previous Tutorials
0001 Can a Beginner with No Foundation Learn Programming?
Since the tutorials are a series, the interrelationship is very strong, so please read them in the order of publication on the WeChat public account.
You can directly input the serial number in the WeChat public account to view the course of that serial number. For example, inputting 0001 can view [0001 Can a Beginner with No Foundation Learn Programming?]
Author’s Introduction
The instructor has 20 years of programming experience, having served as a programmer, senior programmer, technical manager, project manager, product manager, system architect, and IT director. He enjoys seal carving, reading, and gourmet food.
WeChat Account Introduction
Learn programming from scratch for half an hour every day. Adults can learn, and children can learn too. Practice typing, use software, write documents, create websites, develop apps, program games, manage databases, play with hardware, write programs, 3D print, fly drones, and build robots.
html, css, javascript, python, php, java, swift, mysql, android, ios, raspberry pi, scratch. Search for the WeChat public account: Learn Programming from Scratch.