---
title: "Deploy your first VM"
description: "Deploy your first virtual machine on Edge Network in under five minutes: add an SSH key, create a VM and connect to it over SSH."
url: "https://edge.network/docs/compute/getting-started"
section: "Compute"
---

# Deploy your first VM

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

## Prerequisites

- An Edge Network account ([sign up here](/console/access/new))
- An SSH key pair (we'll show you how to create one if you don't have one)
- An SSH client (Terminal on macOS/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 connect to your VM securely without a password.

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

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

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

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

![SSH Keys page with Add Key button](/media/docs/control-ssh-keys.svg)

## 2. Create a virtual machine

Now let's create your first VM.

1. Navigate to **Compute** in the sidebar.
2. Click **Create VM**.
3. Choose a **region** close to your users (or to yourself for testing).
4. Select an **operating system** (Ubuntu 22.04 is a good default).
5. 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
6. Select your **SSH key**.
7. Give your VM a **hostname**.
8. Click **Create**.

![Create VM form with configuration options](/media/docs/control-compute-create.svg)

> [!NOTE]
> 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.

1. Click on your VM to view its details.
2. Copy the **public IP address**.
3. Open your terminal and connect:

   ```bash
   ssh root@YOUR_VM_IP
   ```

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

![VM Overview page showing IP address](/media/docs/control-vm-overview.svg)

> [!TIP]
> 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](/docs/compute/firewall) — Secure your VM with firewall rules
- [Set up networking](/docs/compute/networking) — Add IPs and private networks
- [Enable backups](/docs/compute/backups) — Protect your data with snapshots
- [Monitor performance](/docs/compute/monitoring) — View metrics and set up alerts