Page 17 - Programming the Raspberry Pi Getting Started with Python

For those interested in technical specs, the big square chip in the center of the board is where all the
action occurs. This is Broadcom’s “System on a Chip” and includes 256MB of memory as well as the
graphics and general-purpose processors that drive the Raspberry Pi.
You may also have noticed flat cable connectors next to the SD card and between the Ethernet and
HDMI connectors. These are for LCD displays and a camera, respectively. Look for camera and LCD
display modules becoming available for the Pi in the near future.

Setting Up Your Raspberry Pi
You can make your life easier by buying a prepared SD card and power supply when you buy your
Raspberry Pi, and for that matter you may as well get a USB keyboard and mouse (unless you have
them lurking around the house somewhere). Let’s start the setup process by looking at what you will
need and where to get it from.
Buying What You Need
Table 1-1 shows you what you will need for a fully functioning Raspberry Pi system. At the time of
writing, the Raspberry Pi itself is sold through two worldwide distributors based in the UK: Farnell
(and the related U.S. company Newark) and RS Components, which is not to be confused with
RadioShack.