> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.arct.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start Guide

> Deploy a server and connect to it.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add a Payment Method (Recommended)">
    Go to **Billing** > **Payment Methods**. Add a credit/debit card (Stripe) or use cryptocurrency (Cryptomus). You can also complete payment during deployment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add an SSH Key">
    Go to **Settings** > **SSH Keys** and click **Add SSH Key**.

    If you don't have one, generate it:

    ```bash theme={null}
    ssh-keygen -t ed25519
    ```

    Paste the contents of `~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub` into the form.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy a Server">
    Go to **Virtual Machines** and click **Create Server**.

    1. Choose a location
    2. Select a plan
    3. Pick an operating system
    4. Set billing cycle (monthly or yearly)
    5. Select your SSH key
    6. Set a hostname
    7. Choose payment method
    8. Click **Deploy**

    The server will be ready in about 30–60 seconds.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect">
    Once the server status is **Running**, connect via SSH:

    ```bash theme={null}
    ssh ubuntu@YOUR_SERVER_IP
    ```

    For Debian servers, use `debian@YOUR_SERVER_IP` instead. Find the IP address on your server's detail page in the dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>