Which Operating Systems Run on Raspberry Pi?

Discussion Raspberry Pi
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Embarking on your Raspberry Pi journey starts with choosing the right operating system (OS) that matches your project’s needs. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a beginner in electronics, the flexibility of the Raspberry Pi can be fully unlocked by pairing it with an OS that suits your goals. At OpenELAB, we understand the importance of making these choices accessible and effective for all users.

Understanding Raspberry Pi OS Options

Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS: Previously known as Raspbian, this is the official OS designed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It’s user-friendly, lightweight, and supports all Raspberry Pi models. Ideal for beginners, it includes a suite of educational tools to get you started with coding and electronics.
Ubuntu for Raspberry Pi: This version of Ubuntu is optimized for Raspberry Pi, providing a stable and comprehensive platform for software development, particularly for those familiar with Ubuntu’s robust environment.
LibreELEC: For media enthusiasts, LibreELEC is a go-to. It turns your Raspberry Pi into a powerful media center, specializing in handling video and audio playback efficiently.
Manjaro ARM: If you’re inclined towards a cutting-edge experience, Manjaro ARM offers a rolling release model, ensuring you always have the latest software updates. It’s perfect for advanced users who enjoy customizing their operating system.
DietPi: This lightweight Linux OS is targeted at those who need a slimmed-down yet functional OS. DietPi allows you to tailor the software to specific applications, reducing unnecessary overhead and optimizing performance.

Choosing the Right OS for Your Needs

The choice of an OS should align with your project’s requirements:

Educational Projects: Raspberry Pi OS offers extensive learning tools.
Media Centers: LibreELEC provides specialized media services.
General Computing: Ubuntu for Raspberry Pi gives a familiar desktop experience.
Custom Projects: DietPi and Manjaro ARM offer great customization.

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I’m probably 50 50 here between Pi OS and Motion Eye OS. My Pi OS version varies a bit. Most are the 64 bit desktop, but there are a few Legacy installs in there. And a few older versions of Pi OS that have been working for years. I’m a don’t fix it if it isn’t broken kind of guy.

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What and why I use an OS.
1st is ease of use and syntax. I am still upset debian 12 doesn’t have ifconfig by default anymore.

Cross compatability.

So rasp OS offers intel/AMD a flavor of linux
Thats nice if an Rpi feel is your preferred for some devices.

Very similar, is Armbian (debian from an ARM focused community). Because rasp pi SBCs are not the only pi type SBC I use, and its archives allow me to find a same version of armbian for as an rpi3b and say an orange pi with an H618 or H6 comparable core. Now I can attempt to do similar tasks on various devices with more of the same general tasks.
Beats trying to build a version for multiple varying devices.

I will say I love the KDE desktop but it is more reasource intensive then XFCE or LXDE. I cannot do the gnome. Its too much like Andriod which I do loath. Not as bad as Mac or MSwindows, but i find it uncomfortable as a desktop.