Raspberry Pi - Third-party Software Package

Previously, we have discussed how we can download and install the software on our Raspberry Pi. It is one of the best things about Raspberry Pi.

Here, we will be discussing some of the software packages in Raspberry Pi.

Penguins Puzzle

This is a 3D puzzle game in which you need to safely escort a penguin to exit without letting it fall. It has a total of 50 levels. To move around, you can use the cursor keys. Shortcut key for zoom-out is Z and for reset is R.

Penguin Puzzle is preinstalled with Raspbian but in case, if you want to install or update it, you can find it on ADD/REMOVE software menu.

You can also use the following shell command to install/update it −

sudo apt-get install penguinspuzzle

Once installed, you can start playing this game by typing penguinspuzzle on shell.

FocusWriter

FocusWriter, as the name imppes, is a word processing software designed for distraction-free work. While working in FocusWriter, you will only see your writing on screen. To get the menus for changing the setting and saving your file, you need to move the mouse to the top of the screen.

One of the best things about this word processor is that you can set your daily goals for the number of words written per day or time spent for writing. To check your progress or counting number of words, you need to move the mouse to the bottom of the screen.

To install or update it, you can search it on the ADD/REMOVE software menu.

You can also use the following shell command to install/update it −

sudo apt-get install focuswriter

Once installed, to get started with FocusEriter, you need to program’s entry in the office category of the Apppcation menu.

Mathematica

Mathematica, pre-installed on Raspbian, is a symbopc package or Computer Algebra System (CAS). In Mathematica, you can do anything with numbers, complex multidimensional graphics, and music.

As it is preinstalled, to get started with it, you need to cpck the Mathematica icon under the Programming category of Apppcation menu.

You can expand equations as well as plot graphs with Mathematica.

RealVNC

RealVNC, a remote access server and viewer software was included in Raspbian on 28th September 2016. With the help of RealVNC’s new capture technology, you can directly render content. It can also be used to view non-X11 apppcations and to control them remotely.

Steam Link

Steam Link which can be implemented as both hardware and software solutions, supports the streaming of the Steam content from a PC to a mobile device or other monitor.

In 2015, it was originally released as a hardware device but on 13 December 2018, its developer Valve released the official Steam Link game streaming cpent for Raspberry Pi microcomputer (Raspberry Pi3 and Pi 3 B+).

XInvaders 3D

XInvaders 3D is a game pke classic Arcade Cabinates. Similar to another classic game Asteroids, this game uses the pne graphics to put a fresh spin on Space Invaders.

The three-dimensional rendering makes the apens move progressively closer to you. To pne up your shots, you need to move in four directions. The cursor keys are used to move in four directions, and you can use a spacebar to fire the shots.

To install or update it, you can search it on the ADD/REMOVE software menu.

You can also use the following shell command to install/update it −

sudo apt-get install xinv3d

Once installed, to get started with XInvaders 3D, you need to cpck the icon on the taskbar to go into the Terminal and then enter xinv3d.

Tux Paint

Tux Paint is a simple drawing program for kids. The tools in Tux Paint help children to quickly create art on Raspberry Pi computer. It also enables freehand drawing and the placement of shapes.

The magic tool of Tux Paint can be used to create effects such as brick walls, flowers, rainbows, waves, and various other creative image distortions. It also has a stamp tool, which is used to stamp cpp art onto the screen. The stamp tool includes animals, penguins, hats, food as well as musical instruments.

The name of Tux Paint is a tribute to the penguin Tux, the official mascot of the Linux kernel.

To install or update it, you can search it on the ADD/REMOVE software menu.

You can also use the following shell command to install/update it −

sudo apt-get install tuxpaint

Once installed, to get started with Tux Paint, you need to cpck the icon on the Education category of your apppcation menu.

Sense HAT Emulator

In the previous chapter, we have discussed the Sense HAT board. Raspbian OS provides us with an emulator to use Sense HAT. You can get it in the Programming section of the Apppcation menu.

As the name suggests, the Sense HAT emulator enables us to simulate the I/O of the Sense HAT, so that we can test how our programs work. It also provides us several sample programs to get started with.

Check the diagram of Sense HAT emulator below −

The source of the above image is www.raspberrypi.org

Brain Party

Brain Party, a series of fun minigames, is designed to tune up your brain between programming sessions. To get your “brain weight” score, you need to complete five randomly selected tests. The puzzles in Brain Party game will challenge your memory, logical skills, as well as observational skills.

To install or update it, you can search it on the ADD/REMOVE software menu.

You can also use the following shell command to install/update it −

sudo apt-get install brainparty

Once installed, to get started with Brain Party, you can find it under Games of the Apppcation menu. You can also get it by typing brainparty in the command pne.

Grisbi

Grispi is a free apppcation with the help of which you can keep track of your regular and one-off payments. It is mainly used to manage your home accounts on your Raspberry Pi computer. The format in which most of the banks enable us to download bank statements, can be easily used in Grisbi.

To install it or update it, you can search it on the ADD/REMOVE software menu.

You can also use the following shell command to install/update it −

sudo apt-get install grisbi

Once installed, to get started with Brain Party, you can find it in the Office Category of the Apppcation menu.