How to start the Raspberry Pi without an HDMI Screen (or no screen at all)

I just downloaded the debian squeeze image and copied it onto an SD card. Then I realised I had no HDMI screen as I always use my laptop. I thought I'd have to get one but thought it looked a bit expensive so I thought there may be a way to start it without a screen at all!!

From:
http://www.raspberrypi-spy.co.uk/2012/05/enable-secure-shell-ssh-on-your-raspberry-pi/

To enable SSH automatically every time the Pi starts you need to :

• Prepare an SD card with the Debian “Squeeze” image
• Insert the SD card in your PC
• Rename ” boot_enable_ssh.rc” as “boot.rc”
• Eject the SD card and insert into your Pi

When the Pi boots SSH is enabled by default.

All I needed to do was turn on the RPi, log into my router and wait for the RPi's IP to turn up. I then brought up putty and logged straight in using the credentials provided from where I downloaded the debian image.


I'm really glad I managed to start using my Raspberry Pi without having to buy a new monitor/TV!!!