[How-To] Install Fresh OS on Raspberry Pi

Purpose

The best method for getting a fresh operating system on a Raspberry Pi regardless of its generation of specifications is to use the Raspberry Pi Imager. This doc will walk through getting that software and using it to Image you Pi.

Prerequisites

List of prerequisites:

• Raspberry Pi Hardware with Micro SD card and Power cable.
• Micro SD card reader for computer
• Internet connection

Instructions for Installing the OS on Raspberry Pi

Step 1: Download the Image Utility

First, browse to this link and download the raspberry pi imager software for your desired operating system. This is not the operating system you want the pi to have but the OS of the machine you are going to use to provision the OS. 

https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/

After download, install and launch the imager.

Step 2: Prepare the Imager

Once the imager is launched, you will be prompted to fill out three sections:

• Raspberry Pi Device: select the generation of Raspberry Pi that you are working with so that it only allows you to select operating systems that are compatible with that generation. If you don't select one no OS's will be omitted and you could end up installing one that isn't going to function or be optimal.
• Operating System: select the desired operating system you want installed, be careful to not if you select one that has a desktop interface or not as depending on the generation that can bog down the server quite a bit. 
• Storage: select the micro usb storage device plugged into your computer.  

Once you have these selected, press next. You will then be prompted to edit some systems defaults, it is recommended to do some of this as well, such as the user configuration, device name, time zone, enabling ssh server, and setting wifi config if you won't be connecting to ethernet. If you do connect via ethernet, it will get a DHCP address as long as your router is configured to provide that.

Step 3: Start the Raspberry Pi

Once the imager is totally done, get the micro usb card back in the raspberry pi, connect the power cable and the ethernet cable to the pi as well, and it will begin booting up. Once its booted, try to SSH into it from your machine via ip address. If you don't know what IP address it is, run a IP Scanning tool like advanced ip scanner or angry ip scanner to find it then ssh in with username and password.

Once this is completed and you have SSH access remotely you are in! You have setup your fresh install of Raspberry Pi.