Installing an OS

# The imager The imager is what we usually use to install an OS to our Raspberry Pi's. firstly make sure that you have the most up to date imager, if you are unsure simply uninstall and reinstall it from the [official download site](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/). then continue with the step by step guide below.

1. Select your Raspberry Pi model. this is just to make sure you don't install an os that doesn't work on your Pi.

2. Next select the OS you want. if you are unsure select "Raspberry Pi OS (32-BIT)" this will install the operating system most likely to work on your Raspberry pi and install a gui so you are able use the most intuitive way to interact with your Pi for beginners.

3. Next you simply need to select the storage device you are using.

4. Next you select "edit settings", you can edit these how you want you just need to remember them. this could be mine for example. if your wondering about hostnames, its just the name of your computer so it can talk to other computers easily. You should probably also enable SSH by going into the "services" tab.

5. Now finally you just need to press save, click yes and continue to write.

# troubleshooting 1. If you are having problems I recommend you to first try reformat the device, you can do this by selecting the OS type and scrolling the bottom to find "erase". this makes sure your Pi knows how to use the SD card/USB properly. now just write to the card for this to take effect. 2. if that doesn't work you might want to change the storage device your using, either change the brand with a [tested and recommended card](https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/raspberry-pi-microsd-cards#main) because not all cards are compatible with your Pi or if available swap from a SD card to a USB and vise versa.

## Now you can plug it into your Raspberry Pi and enjoy linux!