The quality and quantity of uses that can be given to the Raspberry Pi is surprisingly wide, but it should not be forgotten that It is designed to be an educational computer, and like any computer, it needs an operating system to function.
The number of operating systems available for the Pi is gigantic, each one is designed to serve a purpose. For facilitate the installation of these OS, Raspberry Pi, offers a variety of writing assistants, among which, we can highlight Berryboot.
Even if it is the predecessor of the popular NOOBS, to Berryboot still has several surprises and useful tricks among its features Do you want to know them? Then read on to find out.
What is Berryboot and what is it for on Raspberry Pi boards?
Berryboot is an installation wizard and boot manager that will allow you to manage a variety of operating systems designed for the Raspberry Pi. Its main utility lies in its easy installation and the wide selection of operating systems that it has. In addition, it offers a simple and easy to understand interface that will allow you to establish any of the available OS with just a few clicks.
One of its most interesting attributes is the possibility of creating a backup of your files from the MicroSD in which it is installed to an external USB stick, allowing you to save Berryboot data while extending the life of the MicroSD by reducing its use.
Advantages and disadvantages of using Berryboot on Raspberry Pi Is it the best option to install operating systems?
As seen with any software when analyzing it, You can find a wide variety of pros and cons to using Berryboot over other options. However, the advantages it offers make it completely worth it and the disadvantages do not change this fact.
Among the advantages offered by Berryboot are:
- Its weight, of only 30 MB, compared to the 1GB by NOOBS.
- Support installation from a wide variety of operating systems unofficial.
- Allows you to back up the operating system from SD to USB drive.
- Supports the use of Smart TV remote control for option selection.
And in contrast to all of this, there are only a couple of downsides that are worth noting:
- Does not offer updated versions of their operating systems, so they need to be updated once installed.
- The Berryboot Installer allows configuration to connect to Wifi, but, in some cases, this setting is reset when the operating system is installed, so it is necessary to configure it again.
Berryboot vs Noobs Which one is better to install any OS on a Raspberry mini computer?
Both NOOBS and Berryboot essentially serve the same purpose. These are two wizards for installation and management of operating systems that include several options in OS to install on our Raspberry Pi. However, they both have slightly different attributes., and certain capabilities that better adapt them to the individual needs of each user when installing and managing their operating systems.
NOOBS is a reliable assistant that will makes it easy to install a good selection of operating systems, offers a clear menu that displays all the OS options to install, and an easy system to complete the process. On the other hand, does not offer an option for USB backup storage, which limits the permanent use of the MicroSD card to be able to run the chosen operating system.
Besides this, It has certain limitations in its use since it is, as its name suggests, a tool for newbies, so it can restrict the creative freedom that a power user may have. Berryboot, meanwhile, too acts as an installation assistant and operating system manager, in addition to having a much lower weight than NOOBS, and the ability to be installed on a USB memory.
We can also mention the power of the Berryboot installation window to manage the region data of the operating system. From the same window it allows you to configure the Wi-Fi connections, the time, the time zone and the language.
However, it has the disadvantage that embedded operating systems are outdated since it was replaced by NOOBS, so it is necessary to start an update of the operating system that has been installed. There is also the fact that Berryboot uses an internet connection and the SourceForge platform to select and install operating systems, so if the platform is out of order, the installer will not work as it should.
Learn step by step how to install Berryboot on any Raspberry Pi mini computer from scratch
If you have decided that Berryboot is the best option for the use you want to give your Raspberry Pi, then the next step is to install the wizard to start taking advantage of your Raspberry Pi board.
Here is a simple list of steps you must follow to start using Berryboot:
Download Berryboot
Berryboot it is a very easy file to find online. It will be necessary to visit alternative pages to obtain it since it is not available on the official Raspberry Pi website since it was replaced by NOOBS. Like this, it is a ZIP file containing the required files.
Download Berryboot
Insert and format your MicroSD card
Once the file is downloaded, you must insert your MicroSD card in your PC using an adapter and format it to FAT32. This can be done through the native Windows formatting tool.
Transfer Berryboot files to MicroSD.
As soon as the card is formatted, unzip the Berryboot ZIP file to an external folder, and then copy them all to the newly formatted SD card. This is all you need to install Berryboot on your MicroSD, from now on all that is left to do is insert it into your Raspberry Pi and install an operating system to start working.
Discover how to install an operating system on Raspberry Pi using the classic Berryboot without errors
Once you have prepared (or purchased) MicroSD card with the scheduled installation wizard, you only have to insert it in the slot destined to the SD card found on your Raspberry Pi board.
Then follow these steps:
Connect peripherals and power supply.
Before starting the Raspberry Pi, make sure all computer peripherals (mouse, screen, keyboard) are connected, as is SD memory, which must also be in place before connecting the power cord to start the Raspberry Pi. Else, There is a risk of peripheral compatibility failures, as well as possible MicroSD reading problems.
Set up the wizard
Once you start the board, a settings window will pop up on the screen. The task of this is to allow us to previously fine-tune the regional data of the operating system that we are going to install, that is, set the date and time, set the time zone, set the connection method that the Raspberry Pi will use.
Once all the data is configured, you must select the drive where the operating system will be installed, this may be the Micro SD itself, or a USB stick that will serve as a backup unit for the operating system; the other options are left by default and press the option “Format”.
Select the OS to install
After the automatic settings are complete, We will be shown the operating systems available to install, a varied selection of OS will appear with different characteristics and uses that will adapt to what you have planned for your Raspberry Pi. All you have to do is select the operating systems you want to press the “button.Install”.
Enjoy your Raspberry Pi.
In spite of have been superseded by NOOBS as the most popular installer operating systems for the Raspberry Pi, Berryboot still has a wide popularity and a vast number of users they still go for the old installer over their newer counterpart.
This is largely due to the ease that Berryboot provides when installing unofficial operating systems such as Chromium OS, so in terms of operating systems management for your Raspberry Pi, Berryboot has yet to say its last word.