Raspberry Pi OS
Raspberry Pi OS is a Linux-based operating system optimized for the Raspberry Pi family of small single-board computers. It comes with a desktop environment and a range of applications for web browsing, productivity, programming, and more.
Raspberry Pi OS: Linux-based OS for Raspberry Pis
Raspberry Pi OS is a Linux-based operating system optimized for the Raspberry Pi family of small single-board computers. It comes with a desktop environment and a range of applications for web browsing, productivity, programming, and more.
What is Raspberry Pi OS?
Raspberry Pi OS, previously called Raspbian, is the official operating system for Raspberry Pi. It is based on Debian Linux and optimized for Raspberry Pi's ARM processors. Raspberry Pi OS comes with a desktop environment and suite of applications for education, programming, productivity and more.
Some key features of Raspberry Pi OS include:
- Lightweight desktop environment (PIXEL) with web browser, office suite, programming tools and more
- Python and Scratch programming support out of the box
- Easy to install and set up, ideal for beginners
- Active community support for troubleshooting and tutorials
- Compatible with all models of Raspberry Pi
- Regular updates and security patches
Raspberry Pi OS is designed to be a beginner-friendly operating system to help students and enthusiasts learn computing and programming with Raspberry Pi. Its interface, tools and documentation allows both kids and adults to start building projects without needing Linux expertise. It can also serve as a lightweight desktop OS or media center with the right peripherals.
Raspberry Pi OS Features
Features
- Lightweight Linux distribution
- Optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware
- Raspberry Pi Desktop preinstalled
- Python and Scratch programming support
- Chromium web browser included
- LibreOffice office suite included
- Variety of programming languages and IDEs available
- GPIO access for hardware projects
- Camera and display support
- Customizable desktop environment
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Active community support
Very lightweight and fast
Good performance even on older Pi models
Beginner friendly desktop environment
Lots of documentation and tutorials available
Easy to set up and use
Cons
Limited software packages compared to full Linux distros
Relatively limited hardware support beyond Pi devices
Some stability issues on newer Pi models
Desktop environment is basic and lacks some features
Not as customizable as other Linux distros
Reviews & Ratings
Login to ReviewThe Best Raspberry Pi OS Alternatives
View all Raspberry Pi OS alternatives with detailed comparison →
Top Os & Utilities and Operating Systems and other similar apps like Raspberry Pi OS
Here are some alternatives to Raspberry Pi OS:
Suggest an alternative ❐
CasaOS
CasaOS is an open-source operating system designed specifically for smart home and automation devices like hubs, switches, sensors, controllers, and more. It is built on Linux and focuses heavily on security, stability and customizability for internet-connected devices.Some key features and highlights of CasaOS:Built on Linux kernel for Internet of Things...
Umbrel
Umbrel is an open-source personal server built on top of Bitcoin and Lightning technology. It allows anyone to easily run their own private, secure, and autonomous blockchain node at home using simple plug-and-play hardware.The Umbrel operating system offers a friendly web interface to manage apps and funds. It takes care...
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is a 1:1 binary compatible fork of RHEL, sponsored by CloudLinux. It was created in response to Red Hat's decision to discontinue the CentOS platform that many businesses relied on. AlmaLinux aims to fill the gap left by CentOS and serve as a free, community-driven alternative to RHEL.Some key...
Wubuntu
Wubuntu is an open-source Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that is designed to provide a familiar Windows-like experience for users transitioning from Windows operating systems. While retaining the stability, security, and flexibility of Ubuntu at its core, Wubuntu strives to make Linux less intimidating for new users by providing a...
Armbian
Armbian is a Debian or Ubuntu-based Linux distribution specifically tailored for single-board computers and embedded devices. It started as a project to optimize Linux for the Orange Pi board but has expanded to support popular SBCs like Raspberry Pi, Banana Pi, Odroid and Pine64.Some key features of Armbian include:Lightweight and...
Fairphone Open
Fairphone Open is an open source, privacy-focused mobile operating system developed specifically for Fairphone devices. It is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and aims to provide greater transparency, security, and longevity compared to standard Android.Key features of Fairphone Open include:Increased software update support - Fairphone Open guarantees 3...
XPud
xPud is a lightweight Linux distribution that is designed to run as a live operating system from removable media such as USB drives or CDs. It provides a simple way to have a portable Linux environment that can be carried on a flash drive and booted from any PC.Some of...
Node OS
Node OS is an operating system built entirely in Node.js. It replaces the traditional Linux kernel with a JavaScript V8 interpreter, allowing web applications and services to run natively without an intermediate software layer or compatibility issues.Some key benefits of Node OS include:Enhanced security - Running everything in a single...
DragonFly BSD
DragonFly BSD is a free and open-source Unix-like operating system that was forked from FreeBSD version 4.8 in 2003. It places an emphasis on scalability, high performance, and stability.Some key features and technologies in DragonFly BSD include:The HAMMER2 filesystem - an advanced modern filesystem optimized for multi-core systems.The dports package...
Tanglu
Tanglu is a Linux distribution based on Debian that aims to provide a fully free operating system focused on ease of use. It initially launched in 2013 with the goal of being an open, community-oriented alternative to Ubuntu that treated users, contributors, and developers equally.At its core, Tanglu uses the...
Fedberry
Fedberry is a Linux distribution based on Fedora that is specifically optimized to run on Raspberry Pi single board computers. It provides a lightweight, customizable open-source operating system that takes full advantage of the Raspberry Pi's hardware capabilities.Some key features of Fedberry include:Uses the latest stable release of Fedora, tailored...
Openmamba
Openmamba is a Linux distribution originally based on Mandriva Linux. It was created in 2012 after Mandriva SA went bankrupt and stopped releasing new versions of Mandriva Linux.Openmamba adopted an open development model, allowing community contributions and participation in developing the distribution. This contrasts with Mandriva's previous closed and proprietary...
Black Lab Linux
Black Lab Linux is a desktop Linux distribution that aims to be simple and easy to use for novice and advanced users alike. It is based on Ubuntu and Debian technology, utilizing the flexible APT package management system. Black Lab strives to integrate the latest open source applications into a...
