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10-Dec-2020

5. How do I install software on the Pi?

The Raspberry Pi normally loads its software from the micro-SD card. Most audio applications

assume they are the only thing running on the Pi so most require a dedicated SD card. The

applications are normally distributed as a compressed .img file (likely a .zip or .gz file) and this .img

file will need to be written to the

Pi’s SD card to allow the Pi to boot.

Can’t I just copy the .img file over to the Pi?

Err, no. Doing this will just store the .img file on the SD card. The Pi needs the SD card to be

formatted in a particular way to allow it to boot / start up and run.

Don’t worry, there are several ways

to do this and some are VERY simple.

Got a Mac? Get ApplePi-Baker - https://www.tweaking4all.com/

Use Windows? Use Win32DiskImager - https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/

Top Tip: Buy a few extra micro SD cards,

you’ll find it much easier to try things. Also, once you have

a working Pi SD card, back it up to your PC/Mac.

It’s easier to re-write the SD card if things go wrong.

Some newer Raspberry Pi allow the Pi to boot from USB sticks or even over Ethernet.