7 Effective Ways to Boost Productivity with Raspberry Pi
Initially, I was simply intrigued by the buzz surrounding the Raspberry Pi, but what I discovered was that this compact computer quickly became my go-to tool for enhancing productivity. Below, I outline seven ways in which the Raspberry Pi transformed my daily routine for the better.
1. Comprehensive Network Ad Blocking
I appreciate the role of advertisements in sustaining websites like MakeTechEasier, yet the internet has become increasingly congested with them. Therefore, I’ve been discerning about which sites permit ads, and utilizing AdGuard on my Raspberry Pi has been pivotal in this regard.
Setting up AdGuard is a breeze, requiring just a single command, and its ad-blocker works remarkably well right from the start. By deploying it on a Raspberry Pi, you can shield every device linked to your network, from laptops to smart TVs.
2. Compact Coding Station
While I’m not a seasoned software engineer, I do love exploring personal coding endeavors during my leisure time. The challenge arises when I find these moments happen away from my main computer. Thus, I repurposed my Raspberry Pi into a compact coding station, with Geany serving as my integrated development environment (IDE) of choice.
This setup shines in terms of accessibility. Thanks to Tailscale, I can connect to my Pi-based workstation securely from any public machine. This ensures I always have immediate access to my projects and coding framework, just as I left them. Plus, the energy efficiency of the Raspberry Pi allows me to keep it powered around the clock without incurring hefty electricity bills.
3. Offline AI Assistant
The emergence of ChatGPT has sparked my interest in AI’s capacity to enhance productivity. However, I was reluctant to compromise my data privacy with major tech firms or rely solely on internet connectivity. My Raspberry Pi stepped in to fill this gap. By utilizing Ollama, I’ve created a local AI assistant that is always ready to help—no internet connection needed.
I typically use Microsoft’s Phi-3 model, which, despite its compact size, offers powerful capabilities. It assists me in brainstorming, debugging code, and editing my texts. Although it may not perform as quickly as cloud solutions, the benefits of privacy and offline accessibility definitely outweigh this drawback.
4. Focused Writing Space
When engaging in writing activities—particularly fiction—my main computer often proves to be a source of distractions. Notifications, incoming emails, and the urge to check social media can interrupt my creative process. This prompted me to establish a dedicated, distraction-free writing space using my Raspberry Pi.
I employ a dedicated microSD card containing a minimal installation of Raspberry Pi OS that automatically launches Typora, my top choice for markdown editing. Without notifications pulling my attention away and no competing applications, my concentration remains steadfast, allowing me to produce significantly more written content within this focused environment.
5. Self-Managed Time Tracking
Tracking the time allocated to various projects is essential for managing my productivity and client invoices. To that end, I have established a self-hosted version of Kimai, an open-source time tracking solution, on my Raspberry Pi. It’s readily accessible over my local network and can also be reached remotely via a VPN, enabling me to start and stop timers effortlessly from any device.
My choice of Kimai stems from its user-friendly interface that simplifies time tracking, even across multiple projects. It offers the capability to generate detailed reports and professional invoices directly from my time records, which has greatly streamlined my billing processes. Furthermore, Kimai’s extensive plugins provide the flexibility to tailor its features to suit my specific requirements.
6. Wi-Fi Adapter for Older Devices
Do you have an aging printer that sits unused without Wi-Fi support? I used to face the same problem. Thankfully, I revitalized it by configuring my Raspberry Pi as a Wi-Fi bridge (for a straightforward guide on how to do it, check out my instructions).
A Wi-Fi bridge acts as a device that connects wirelessly to your network, distributing that connection through Ethernet. Now my network printer, which originally only had Ethernet connectivity, integrates seamlessly with all my wireless devices, saving me the inconvenience of purchasing a new printer.
7. Network Storage System
If you’re like me and have some extra hard drives lying around, I transformed mine into a highly efficient Network Attached Storage (NAS) setup using my Raspberry Pi (this serves as a file-level computer data storage solution linked to a computer network).
Using OpenMediaVault, I can effortlessly store, share, and back up files within my home network. The configuration is straightforward, and the Raspberry Pi’s low energy consumption makes it an excellent choice for continuous operation without the worry of escalating electricity costs.
This unassuming yet affordable device is impressively versatile, addressing various everyday tech challenges. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations as well. For instance, I wouldn’t recommend using it as a mini PC for regular computing tasks for specific reasons.
Cover image and screenshots by David Morelo.
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