Set up your wall calendar
UPDATE RASPBIAN AND INSTALL FIREFOX
Before you can physically transform your Raspberry Pi into a wall calendar, you need to connect the device to the internet, and open the Terminal app. Run sudo apt-get update and then sudo apt-get upgrade to bring your RPi up to date. Next, enter sudo apt-get install iceweasel to install Firefox Extended Support Release on to your mini computer.
SET FIREFOX FOR FULL-SCREEN
This step is optional but recommended. Visit addons.mozilla. org/en-US/firefox/addon/r-kiosk to install the Real Kiosk add-on — this disables menus and toolbars. Firefox needs to restart for it to work. Remember, you can still close the window by connecting a keyboard to the Raspberry Pi and pressing ‘Alt-F4’.
CONNECT IT UP
The specific steps to connect your monitor vary from device to device. If you are using the official Raspberry Pi Touchscreen Display, assembly instructions are available from The Pie Hut, tinyurl.com/apc440-pihut.
SET FIREFOX PREFERENCES
Go to ‘Menu > Internet > Firefox ESR’ to open Firefox. Visit your calendar address — calendar.google.com, for example — and sign in if necessary. If Firefox prompts you to remember your preferences, say ‘Yes’. Once you can see your calendar, go to ‘Edit > Preferences’ and click the ‘Set to Current Page’ button to make sure Firefox always displays the calendar.
PERFORM TWEAKS
Make sure the calendar is in the view you want — for example, Monthly. Next, follow the steps in the ‘Calendar Tweaks and Tips’ box (opposite) to hide the mouse when not in use, disable the RPi’s sleep function, and make Firefox start every time you switch on the machine, if you wish. Restart the RPi to ensure your changes have taken effect.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Once you’ve connected your Raspberry Pi up to a screen, you’ll want to position it somewhere that everyone can access. If it’s in your home, you’ll probably also want to make it look as good as possible. You can let your imagination run wild here — take a look online to see what other people have achieved.