My new Raspberry Pi3 and how to update the OS

(Warning! Bad cell phone pictures ahead!)

     This is my Raspberry Pi 3 B+. It is actually as small as claimed. I had to insert the RPi into the case & then the middle layer snapped on and the cover is placed on top but it doesn't snap & is easily removable to access the GPIO pins and other connectors on the board.

     It came nicely packaged in this box with almost everything you need to get started.

     You need a USB keyboard & mouse & a screen compatible with HDMI. I just used what was on another computer & the big screen TV.

     Getting started was super easy since the RPi came with a micro-SD card with the OS on it. I hooked the RPi up, inserted the card and then plugged it in a power outlet. From my research I learned how to update it and set it to doing that. The first update took about half an hour to install.

     To update the RPi 3 OS open the terminal window (button on upper left menu that looks like a black TV screen)
      There will be some green words and a couple of symbols and a blinking cursor (more on that in another post). There you type:

sudo apt-get update

and then hit the enter key. The command is case sensitive and you must use the space holder or you will get an error or download something you don't want. Then you wait for another prompt and blinking cursor. Next type:

sudo apt-get upgrade

and hit the enter key. It will ask you a question. type:

y

for yes and hit the enter key. Wait for a new prompt. If this is the first time it will take a while. Mine took about 30 minutes total but then you have the latest update and  the RPi is ready to go. 

     Unfortunately, I didn't get to play with it much that day because of previous commitments but I got it updated & shut down safely. Shutting it down safely is important because the card with the OS can get corrupted if the power is turned off suddenly. You can just select SHUT DOWN on the screen in the menu button the furthest to the left to shut it down safely and then disconnect it from the power supply or outlet. The RPi has no button to turn it off but there are modification instructions on You Tube and the web for it.