---
title: "Getting Started with Compute"
description: "Deploy your first virtual machine on Edge Network in under 5 minutes. Step-by-step guide for beginners."
url: https://edge.network/docs/compute/getting-started/
---

# Getting Started with Compute

Getting Started

# Deploy Your First VM

This guide will walk you through creating and connecting to your first virtual machine on Edge Network.

## Prerequisites

- An Edge Network account ([sign up here](https://edge.network/account))
- An SSH key pair (we'll show you how to create one if you don't have one)
- An SSH client (Terminal on Mac/Linux, or PuTTY on Windows)

1

## Add an SSH Key

Before creating a VM, you'll need to add an SSH key. This allows you to securely connect to your VM without a password.

Generate a new SSH key (if you don't have one):

```
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"
```

Press Enter to accept the default file location. Optionally add a passphrase for extra security.

- Navigate to **Resources → SSH Keys** in the console
- Click **Add SSH Key**
- Paste your public key (the contents of `~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub`)
- Give it a memorable name and click **Add Key**

Screenshot: SSH Keys page with Add Key button

2

## Create a Virtual Machine

Now let's create your first VM.

- Navigate to **Compute** in the sidebar
- Click **Create VM**
- Choose a **region** close to your users (or yourself for testing)
- Select an **operating system** (Ubuntu 22.04 is a good default)
- Configure the **resources**: vCPUs: 1-2 for small workloads
- RAM: 2-4 GB for most applications
- Storage: 25-50 GB is a good starting point

- Select your **SSH key**
- Give your VM a **hostname**
- Click **Create**

Screenshot: Create VM form with configuration options

Your VM will be ready in under 60 seconds. You'll see the status change from "Provisioning" to "Running".

3

## Connect to Your VM

Once your VM is running, you can connect via SSH.

- Click on your VM to view its details
- Copy the **public IP address**
- Open your terminal and connect:

```
ssh root@YOUR_VM_IP
```

Replace `YOUR_VM_IP` with your VM's actual IP address.

Screenshot: VM Overview page showing IP address

Congratulations!

You're now connected to your Edge VM. You have full root access to install and configure anything you need.

## Next Steps

[Configure Firewall Secure your VM with firewall rules](https://edge.network/docs/compute/firewall) [Set Up Networking Add IPs and private networks](https://edge.network/docs/compute/networking) [Enable Backups Protect your data with snapshots](https://edge.network/docs/compute/backups) [Monitor Performance View metrics and set up alerts](https://edge.network/docs/compute/monitoring)
[Back to Docs](https://edge.network/docs) [Need help?](https://edge.network/support)