Step 1 is to question why you're using a Raspberry Pi. It's almost never the correct answer.
If there's a really really good reason, step 2 is to get rid of the SD card. Personally, none of mine even have an SD card inserted (ok, one does). I use network boot/NFS for everything. Some people attach other kinds of SSDs.
The one I lied about is a reverse telnet server that has been quietly doing its thing for 4 years without a hitch, apart from the time I had to replace the (PiJuice) backup battery because it was looking a little swole. But I should take the time to at least have a backup of the card ready to swap out when it fails.
There are three uses for Pi. One is cheap computer, but Pi is never good at that and miniPCs have gotten cheap. Two is IoT, ESP32 is good choice for simple things and Pi Zero for bigger things. Three is for small servers and dedicated computers. Pi is perfect for that, it is cheaper than miniPCs, is smaller, and uses less power.
Lots of people in this post have mentioned uses like that. I want to make outdoors ADS-B receiver, and Pi will fit in enclosure and be powered by PoE. I want to make GPS time server, and Pi has PPS input on header. I want to make portable ham radio box, and Pi can be powered by 12V DC.
I’m trying to make a smart speaker where you push a button to talk and when you release it sends the audio to a server for transcription and response. It also has to do some basic logic with LEDs. I also want it to be always on and available as long as it’s plugged in. Do you have any advice on what might be a better alternative to a Pi? This is basically my first foray into hardware so I’m trying to learn as much as possible!
If there's a really really good reason, step 2 is to get rid of the SD card. Personally, none of mine even have an SD card inserted (ok, one does). I use network boot/NFS for everything. Some people attach other kinds of SSDs.
The one I lied about is a reverse telnet server that has been quietly doing its thing for 4 years without a hitch, apart from the time I had to replace the (PiJuice) backup battery because it was looking a little swole. But I should take the time to at least have a backup of the card ready to swap out when it fails.