How to Install CentOS on Raspberry Pi

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

CentOS is a robust, open-source operating system used widely in server environments due to its stability and performance. By installing CentOS on your Raspberry Pi, you can leverage these features for your projects or learn more about this powerful OS. This guide will walk you through the steps to install CentOS on your Raspberry Pi.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

  • Raspberry Pi 3 or later (preferably Raspberry Pi 4 for better performance)
  • MicroSD card (at least 8GB, but 16GB or more recommended)
  • MicroSD card reader
  • Computer with internet access
  • Stable internet connection
  • HDMI cable and monitor (for initial setup)
  • USB keyboard and mouse

Step 1: Download CentOS Image for Raspberry Pi

  1. Visit the CentOS ARM Download Page:

Navigate to the CentOS ARM download page: CentOS ARM Downloads.

  1. Download the Image:

Select the appropriate image for your Raspberry Pi model. For example, choose the armhfp version for Raspberry Pi 2 and the aarch64 version for Raspberry Pi 3 or 4. Download the .xz compressed image file.

Step 2: Prepare the MicroSD Card

  1. Insert the MicroSD Card:

Insert your MicroSD card into the card reader and connect it to your computer.

  1. Download and Install Balena Etcher:

Balena Etcher is a simple and reliable tool for flashing OS images to SD cards and USB drives. Download it from Balena Etcher.

  1. Flash the CentOS Image:

Open Balena Etcher, select the downloaded CentOS image, choose your MicroSD card, and click "Flash" to start the process.

Step 3: Initial Setup of CentOS on Raspberry Pi

  1. Insert the MicroSD Card into Raspberry Pi:

Once the flashing process is complete, safely remove the MicroSD card from your computer and insert it into your Raspberry Pi.

  1. Connect Peripherals:

Connect your Raspberry Pi to a monitor using an HDMI cable, and attach a USB keyboard and mouse.

  1. Power Up the Raspberry Pi:

Connect the power supply to your Raspberry Pi and turn it on. The Raspberry Pi should boot into the CentOS setup process.

Step 4: Configure CentOS

  1. Initial Configuration:

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the initial configuration, including setting up your user account, password, and regional settings.

  1. Update System Packages:

Open a terminal and update the system packages to ensure you have the latest updates and security patches.

sudo yum update -y

Step 5: Enable Remote Access (Optional)

  1. Install SSH Server:

If you plan to manage your Raspberry Pi remotely, install and enable the SSH server.

sudo yum install -y openssh-server
sudo systemctl enable sshd
sudo systemctl start sshd
  1. Find Your Raspberry Pi's IP Address:

You can find the IP address of your Raspberry Pi by running the following command:

ip addr show
  1. Connect via SSH:

From another computer, use an SSH client to connect to your Raspberry Pi.

ssh your_username@your_raspberry_pi_ip

Step 6: Install Additional Software

With CentOS up and running, you might want to install additional software for your specific use case. Use yum to install software packages.

For example, to install Git:

sudo yum install -y git

Conclusion

By installing CentOS on your Raspberry Pi, you can take advantage of its powerful features and stability for various projects. Whether you are using it for learning, development, or as a server, CentOS provides a robust platform to work with. Follow these steps to get CentOS running on your Raspberry Pi and enjoy exploring its capabilities!