Get Started
Fast path from sign-up to your first marketplace VM
This guide takes you from registration to a running virtual machine in seven steps.
Before you start
| You need | Notes |
|---|---|
| NodeRings account | Sign up and verify your email |
| Client organization | Default type when you create an org; use this to buy from the marketplace |
| Payment method | Required before VM create: Billing → Payment methods |
| SSH key (recommended) | Optional if you use password auth: SSH Keys |
You must be in a client organization to purchase from the marketplace. If you are in a provider org, switch orgs or create a client org from the organization switcher.
1. Create your account
Verify email
Check your inbox for the verification link. You cannot launch VMs until your email is verified.
Complete welcome flow
Follow /welcome if prompted: create or select your first organization.
More detail: Profile & account.
2. Organization
Create or select a client org
Open the organization switcher → Create organization → choose Client (Buys services from providers).
Invite teammates (optional)
Go to /organization/members?t=invites to invite colleagues. See Organization.
3. Payment method
Add a card
Open /billing?t=payment-methods → Add payment method and complete Stripe setup.
Set a default
Mark one payment method as default. VM create fails without a valid default payment method on file.
More detail: Billing.
4. SSH keys
Add a public key
Open /organization/ssh-keys → Create → paste your ssh-ed25519 or ssh-rsa public key.
Select at launch
When creating a VM, choose SSH keys as the auth method and pick the keys to install on the guest.
Alternatively use password or cloud-init user-data at launch. More detail: SSH keys.
5. Find a plan
Search the marketplace
On noderings.com use the search table, or open /platform/virtual-machines/create.
Browse by location or provider
- By location: pick a region, then compare providers and plans in that geography.
- By provider: open a seller's catalog at
/platform/providers/{providerId}and choose a plan from their matrix.
More detail: Marketplace.
6. Launch a VM
Configure the instance
Select plan, OS image, hostname, and auth method (SSH keys, password, or user-data). Review addons if the plan offers extras (IPs, backups).
Confirm and create
Review the launch summary and submit. NodeRings charges your payment method according to the plan billing type and sends the order to the provider.
Wait for provisioning
The VM appears at /platform/virtual-machines with a provisioning status until the provider's operator finishes clone and cloud-init.
More detail: Virtual machines.
7. Connect and operate
Open the VM detail page
Click the VM → Overview for IP addresses, power actions, and links to Graphs, Backups, Snapshots, and Settings.
SSH or console
SSH to the assigned IP using your key or password. For browser access, open Console (VNC) from the VM page.
Optional: firewall and support
Attach a firewall ruleset under Organization → Firewall. Open a ticket if you need provider help.
Stuck?
See Troubleshooting, or jump to a common issue:
| Problem | Read |
|---|---|
| Cannot buy / org picker appears | Troubleshooting → Client org required |
| Payment method error on launch | Troubleshooting → Payment method |
| VM stuck provisioning | Troubleshooting → Provisioning |
| Cannot SSH | Virtual machines → Connect |