Since i am a big fan of Node.js and wanted to use the latest version on my Raspberry, i´ll explain how to install it in this article. We´ll take the pro route this time and compile Node.js on our own, because we want the latest Node.js version and they are not very fast with the ARM builds. And because it´s cool.
raspbian
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – Minecraft Server
While the older Raspberry versions (A/B/B+) may not be up for the task, you can easily use the Raspberry 2 for a Minecraft server. At least 5 concurrent users are no problem at all, depending on your bandwidth. My Raspberry 2 did not use more than 300% CPU in a test, which is actually 75% – most of the time it was even below 200% (=50% on the Raspberry 2). It seems that Minecraft scales well over the 4 cores, at least with the version i am using.
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – Monitoring
After getting your Raspberry Pi up and running, you may want to know what´s going on with the processor, memory, temperature and stuff. You can do this with your own scripts and Cron Jobs, but i´ll also present some advanced tools in this article.
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – Startup Scripts
You already know how to run scripts periodically with a cron job if you read my last blogpost about the Raspberry Pi. This time i will explain how to run scripts on startup. Because you do want to restart your Minecraft server when the Raspberry Pi crashes, right? 😉
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – Cron Jobs
I´ve explained the basics of Scripting with Python in my former article, but what if you want to run a script periodically on your Raspberry Pi? Well, there is this crazy little thing called “Cron Job”. It is quite easy to set them up on your Raspberry, this is how.
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – Network Share with Samba
Before getting serious with a headless Raspberry, it´s a good idea to set up a folder to be uses as network share in Windows. That is, if you are a Windows user. If you are a Linux user, i expect that you know how to reach your Raspberry. In that case, you would not even read my N00b posts, i guess 😉
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – WLAN
So you already know how to connect to the LAN, but sometimes the Router is not right next to the Raspberry Pi and you need a wireless connection. Not every WLAN stick is compatible, check the compatibility list before you buy one. I am using a TP-LINK 150Mbps Nano, no additional driver needed and you almost don´t see it when it´s in the Rasbperry. With “ifconfig“, you can see if the WLAN stick is up and running with the correct driver:
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – Firmware Update
Every now and then, it is a good idea to update the Firmware of your Raspberry Pi. There is a very nice tool out there to make that easy for you: https://github.com/Hexxeh/rpi-update
It is quite easy to install the tool, first you have to install GIT:
sudo apt-get install git-core
Raspberry Pi For N00bs – Linux Basics
After installing a Linux distribution as explained in my article “Raspberry Pi for n00bs – Installation“, it is time to change some basic settings. This article covers everything you need to know to get your system ready to use. I only run my Raspberries “headless”, without a monitor/TV. Saves an expensive gold-plated HDMI cable and all the cool kids do it 🙂
Raspberry Pi for N00bs – Installation
A complete PC for only 30 Euros, super-silent without active cooling, the operating system on SD card. That is the Raspberry Pi 🙂
Shopping List
…ok, to get it up and running, you will need a few more Euros, here´s the minimal configuration:
- Raspberry Pi – B/B+ (30-35 Euros)
- Ethernet cable (1-2 Euros)
- Power supply with at least 0,7A (better 1A) and Micro USB (5-10 Euros)
- One of the countless Raspberry cases (5-10 Euros)
- SD card with at least 4GB, better 8 or 16 (10-20 Euros)
Now we´re already at ~50 Euros, but the Mini-PC only needs 2-3 Watts and practically no space.
A HDMI cable and a USB keyboard are optional, for the first installation and if you don´t just want to administrate the Raspberry Pi with SSH. Check your local supplier for all the items, SD cards are pretty cheap at Amazon. It´s a good idea to check the compatibility list first: http://elinux.org/RPi_SD_cards