Connect the Raspberry Pi to the internet and to power

The final connection to be made to the Pi is to provide access to the internet. The Pi does not have built-in Wifi connectivity, so this needs to be done using a traditional Ethernet network cable strung between the Pi and a router or modem. (It is possible to add wireless-network facilities later but it is not straightforward.)

Push one end of the cable into the network port on the right-hand side of the Pi, making sure the small plastic lug is facing downwards. Once inserted far enough, the plug should make an audible click and resist being pulled out again.
The other end of the cable should be connected to a router, ADSL modem or cable modem.

Finally, the Pi needs power – and this should come from a USB mains adapter using a micro-USB cable (the same type that many smartphones and the Amazon Kindle ebook reader use to charge their batteries). As soon as the Pi is connected to the power, it will switch on. Unlike most computers, there is no power switch other than the one on the wall socket.

If the Pi does not work, or crashes a lot, try a different USB mains adapter. Some cheap adapters can’t provide enough power for the Pi. Make sure the adapter you use is marked on its underside as providing at least 1A of power.

More in the Raspberry Pi series:
Download an operating system
Install Raspbian
Raspberry Pi hardware
Choose a display for the Raspberry Pi
Connect peripherals to the Raspberry Pi
Log on to the Raspberry Pi
Explore Raspbian
Build or buy a case