Wikipedia Offline - IT'S SO EASY!

Summary

This tutorial demonstrates how to set up a Raspberry Pi to run offline versions of Wikipedia and other resources like Project Gutenberg and LibreOffice. The process is simple and beginner-friendly, requiring only a Raspberry Pi, an SD card, and a few software tools. The guide walks through the steps of installing Raspberry Pi OS, downloading Keywix for offline browsing, and setting up a system for easy access to vast knowledge offline. The project provides a portable, low-power solution for accessing important information, perfect for areas with limited internet connectivity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Raspberry Pi can be used to create an offline version of Wikipedia, which is a cool, practical project for those without constant internet access.
• 😀 The Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 are suitable for this project, with only a small price difference ($5) between the two models.
• 😀 For storage, a 256 GB micro SD card is recommended to ensure you have enough space for the Wikipedia version with photos (around 100 GB).
• 😀 The Raspberry Pi Imager is a user-friendly tool for installing an operating system to your SD card and setting up the Raspberry Pi.
• 😀 The Raspberry Pi 4 model can run on a 5V 3A power supply, but the newer Pi 5 requires a 5V 5A power supply.
• 😀 Once the Raspberry Pi OS is installed and the system is updated, you can set up the Raspberry Pi by selecting language, time zone, and adjusting resolution for better performance.
• 😀 Keywix is the software used to access and download Wikipedia and other offline files, such as books from Project Gutenberg, to the Raspberry Pi.
• 😀 After installing Keywix, you can download the full offline Wikipedia (102 GB) or the text-only version (53 GB) for use without an internet connection.
• 😀 LibreOffice Writer is an optional but useful download for editing and taking notes, which complements the offline Wikipedia and other downloaded content.
• 😀 The Raspberry Pi can be powered using a small solar charger (5V, 1.5A) that supports uninterrupted use for up to 4 hours, making it a portable solution for offline access.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the project discussed in the video?

The main goal is to set up a Raspberry Pi with offline access to Wikipedia and other useful resources, creating a portable library that can be used without an internet connection.

What equipment do you need to start this project?

You need a Raspberry Pi, a micro SD card (preferably 256GB), a power supply, an HDMI cable, a keyboard, and a computer to run the Raspberry Pi Imager software.

Why is the Raspberry Pi Imager important in this project?

The Raspberry Pi Imager is used to load the Raspberry Pi operating system onto the micro SD card, which is required for the Pi to run properly and perform the necessary tasks for the offline library setup.

What is the significance of choosing the right Raspberry Pi model for this project?

The Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 (especially the 8GB version) is recommended for better performance and handling larger datasets, like Wikipedia with images. While the Pi 4 works well, the Pi 5 provides a performance boost and can be more power-efficient.

What is the role of Keywix in this project?

Keywix is the software used to download and browse offline Wikipedia on the Raspberry Pi. It allows users to access the full Wikipedia database without an internet connection.

Why is it suggested to use a 256GB SD card instead of a smaller one?

A 256GB SD card is recommended because the full version of Wikipedia, including images, requires around 102GB of storage. Smaller cards might work, but they won’t support the full offline Wikipedia experience with media.

What other resources can be downloaded besides Wikipedia?

Besides Wikipedia, other downloadable resources include books from the Project Gutenberg Library and emergency preparedness articles from Urban Prepper.

How does the Raspberry Pi handle RAM usage during the project?

Even with larger datasets like Wikipedia, the Raspberry Pi uses a minimal amount of RAM, leaving plenty of room for other tasks. For example, the 8GB model only used about 700MB of RAM during the setup, leaving over 6GB free.

Can the Raspberry Pi setup work on models with less RAM, like the 2GB model?

Yes, the Raspberry Pi can still run the offline Wikipedia setup on models with less RAM, like the 2GB version. However, having more RAM (e.g., 4GB or 8GB) allows for better performance and smoother operation.

What is the benefit of adding LibreOffice to the setup?

LibreOffice is added to the setup as an optional word processing tool. It allows users to take notes on the downloaded content, making it easier to reference or write down information from books or articles.