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Quickstart is intended for users that want to spin up a virtual machine in the cloud as fast as possible.
To create a virtual machine, you need to
* sign in to the MetaCentrum cloud web interface,
* create an *ssh* key pair,
* set up security groups,
* start a virtual machine,
* log in to the running instance using *ssh*.
## 1. Sign in to the MetaCentrum cloud web interface
The web interface is available at [https://cloud.muni.cz](https://cloud.muni.cz). We recommend using the English version of the interface.
To sign in,
* select `ENIFRA CESNET`,
* click `Sign In`,
* select your institution from the drop-down list (use search box at the top as a filter),
* provide your institution-specific sign-in credentials,
* wait to be redirected back to our web interface.
## 2. Create an SSH key pair
To create a first instance accessible from the network you typically need to go through a few one-time steps that are not required later on. The first step is to create/import SSH keys.
1. To create a new SSH key pair, go to **Project > Compute > Key Pairs** and click the button "Create Key Pair"
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2. Name your new key and click on "Create Key Pair" again. Avoid using special characters, if possible.
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3. You can see your newly created key pair and its fingerprint. We recommend you save it in a safe location and back it up in case you accidentally delete it.
## 3. Set up Security Groups
In OpenStack, all incoming network traffic is blocked by default. You need to explicitly grant access to individual virtual machines by utilizing the concept of security groups. You need to add two new rules to be able to connect to your new instance (or any instance using the given security group). This is similar to setting up firewall rules on your router or server. If set up correctly, you will be able to access your virtual machine via SSH connection from your local terminal.
1. Go to **Project > Networks > Security Groups** You can see a default security group. You can either create a new one or edit the default group by clicking on "Manage Rules".
2. Click on the button "Add rule", choose "SSH" and leave the remaining fields unchanged.
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3. Click on the button "Add rule", choose "ALL ICMP" and leave the remaining fields unchanged.
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1. To spin up a new virtual machine, navigate to **Project > Compute > Instances** and click on the "Launch Instance" button.
3. From the drop-down menu, choose **"Image"** as a source and select an operating system that you desire to run on your instance.
4. Choose a suitable configuration of RAM/CPUs/Disk space, also known as a flavor.
5. Add a virtual network for your instance.
6. You can leave the rest of the fields unchanged.
## 5. Log in to a virtual machine