Pi Minimal Workstation
Tags: linux, developer, systems, cybersecurity
Published: 2024-01-29 02:18:54

Greetings!

While traveling the journey of Linux, I wanted to share the setup I have to learn more about cybersecurity. Like I shared last post, my laptop has been down so the setup is minimal. One thing many need to keep in mind is that you don't need to spend many dollars to have a great workstation. Before setting up a workstation you first need to have a plan for the workstation. What is the purpose behind the workstation? How much do you really need to begin your journey? For me, it was simple. Let's go cloud with what we can and everything else, we can place on USB or external drive. Let's break down the workstation of the mighty ODOT shall we?! Aiight... let's go!


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mkkudcllavpt2ukdst30.png)


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vlmnx3180i9gvgq1sq60.png)

**Raspberry Pi 4**

The brain of my workstation would be the [Rapsberry Pi 4](https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/). The performance this device provides has been beyond the expectation. Here, I am able to plug in my usb doggles for keyboard and mouse connections. Also I have the external hard drive connected for there are 4 usb ports on the device. The monitor is connected to the HDMI port while the power is connected via wall outlet. SD card holds the distro of choice and the RAM chosen for the Pi4 is of 8GB which is enough for now. If you know about the Pi, it can be used without the case. I suggest you use a case to protect the board for important components must be protected. You don't want wires and more to show out of your laptop right?!


**Display**

Currently using a Sanyo 60 inch screen for a display which is connected to the Pi via mini HDMI. I wanted a wide screen because I always seen in movies the actors with them. The screen was literally $40 at a local pawn shop on a special. Came with a remote so I installed Kodi for media. I'll explain more about Kodi in another post.



**Case / CPU Fan / LED**

The case of the PI was purchased off of Amazon, but must be assembled. As a lego fan, it was great for me so I began to connect everything to build this amazing LED case. This case took about 20 minutes build time and the Raspberry Pi 4 fits perfectly. A CPU fan is included which is great for power users like myself allowing the Pi to keep cool.

**Micro SD Cards (2)**

When using the Raspberry Pi, you must have a SD card to run any software. In my case I have two so I can switch distros such as Rapsbian and Kali Linux. There are other options out there, but I decided SD route. Upgrades will be on the way, but this is for the budgeted workstation.

**External Hard Drive**

For the media of much, I always save to the external hard drive to save space of the SD card. Backups are also done here as well as the cloud giving multiple instances of files and more. USB connected and your good to go having a great backup for your convenience. My drive is a 1TB which is more than enough for what I am focused on at the moment.

**Onn Keyboard | Onn Mouse | Onn Mini Speaker**

Yeah yeah yeah... devs love grabbing those expensive mechanical keyboards. That's great for a social media pic, but when your money is low... go grab this Onn keyboard & Mouse. Portable, light and great on the fingers when typing. You can't go wrong with the price point as well for it's located at your local Walmart. Batteries are included like most if not all products so don't worry. I use the speaker to listen to my audio selections instead of headphones when possible. It's a must to have in the workflow for also those great podcast and tutorials visited often.


**Smartphone**

Currently I am using the Android smartphone instead of Iphone. Yeah yeah I know you iPhone users are going to go crazy, but once you dive into the world of Linux you will understand. Much can be done with an Android device and with the right knowledge you can remotely use your workstation on your smartphone. I do it daily and in time I will teach you in future posts. 

**Coffee**

As a developer now heavy in Linux and Cyber, coffee is MANDATORY. I don't know too many developers who don't have coffee while they are at the workstation, unless it's tea. A great roast while going though hours of syntax, notes and videos ... yep I can't explain the feeling.



Welp, now you have a basic setup, I hope this inspires you to create your own. Again, save that dollar and make it happen on a budget with a focus around the Pi. Great thing as well is you can take this setup anywhere if you are innovative. 

Peace and Light.