> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.denvrdata.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.denvrdata.com/docs/overview/getting-started/launch-a-virtual-machine.md).
# Launch a virtual machine
Explore the functionality of the Virtual Machines screen, which provides a comprehensive overview and control of your virtual machines, including creation, management, and monitoring features.
## Overview
Navigate to the Virtual Machines overview screen by selecting the 'Virtual Machines' item directly from the left navigation menu. This view will display running and stopped instances.
## **Creating a new VM**
To launch a new Virtual Machine instance, click the 'Create Virtual Machine' button:
Begin by entering a unique name for the instance and highlight the `on-demand` or `reserved` resource pool to use (if your tenant has reservations).
Select the operating system type and release version. Denvr Cloud can optionally install current stable releases of GPU drivers and required toolkits.
Finally, choose what types of network attached storage to use with your instance, and paste your SSH public key in the 'SSH Keys' box. Click 'Launch Instance' to begin provisioning.
You will be redirected back to the overview screen where the new VM appears. You will notice the VM status changing as it progresses from PENDING to ONLINE.
Once the Virtual Machine you created reaches ONLINE status, it is ready for use, and you can try pinging it throught the Public IP.
```
% ping 130.250.171.45
PING 130.250.171.45 (130.250.171.45): 56 data bytes
64 bytes from 130.250.171.45: icmp_seq=0 ttl=51 time=46.607 ms
64 bytes from 130.250.171.45: icmp_seq=1 ttl=51 time=43.375 ms
64 bytes from 130.250.171.45: icmp_seq=2 ttl=51 time=43.511 ms
64 bytes from 130.250.171.45: icmp_seq=3 ttl=51 time=44.528 ms
64 bytes from 130.250.171.45: icmp_seq=4 ttl=51 time=43.767 ms
64 bytes from 130.250.171.45: icmp_seq=5 ttl=51 time=44.102 ms
64 bytes from 130.250.171.45: icmp_seq=6 ttl=51 time=43.524 ms
^C
--- 130.250.171.45 ping statistics ---
8 packets transmitted, 7 packets received, 12.5% packet loss
round-trip min/avg/max/stddev = 43.375/44.202/46.607/1.050 ms
```
Connect to the instance using your SSH:
```
$ ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_rsa ubuntu@130.250.171.45
```
{% hint style="info" %}
You don't need to provide the -i parameter to SSH if your private key is the default key (id\_rsa) or your key is setup in `$HOME/.ssh/config` file.
{% endhint %}
You should see output similar to this:
```
kyle@kyles-macbook-pro ~ % ssh ubuntu@130.250.171.45
The authenticity of host '130.250.171.45 (130.250.171.45)' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:zDgLTz7gwIGPBf2uXg0YgVdLkEySO2g+fwLgS99nmdM.
This key is not known by any other names
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])? yes
Warning: Permanently added '130.250.171.45' (ED25519) to the list of known hosts.
Welcome to Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS (GNU/Linux 5.15.0-101-generic x86_64)
* Documentation: https://help.ubuntu.com
* Management: https://landscape.canonical.com
* Support: https://ubuntu.com/pro
System information as of Wed Jul 3 14:39:36 UTC 2024
System load: 0.30029296875 Processes: 239
Usage of /: 0.3% of 457.75GB Users logged in: 0
Memory usage: 0% IPv4 address for enp2s0: 172.16.0.143
Swap usage: 0%
Expanded Security Maintenance for Applications is not enabled.
0 updates can be applied immediately.
Enable ESM Apps to receive additional future security updates.
See https://ubuntu.com/esm or run: sudo pro status
The list of available updates is more than a week old.
To check for new updates run: sudo apt update
The programs included with the Ubuntu system are free software;
the exact distribution terms for each program are described in the
individual files in /usr/share/doc/*/copyright.
Ubuntu comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
To run a command as administrator (user "root"), use "sudo ".
See "man sudo_root" for details.
ubuntu@vm-2024070310348308:~$
```
## **Managing VMs**
The main screen for Virtual Machines serves as a control hub, allowing you to start, stop, delete, and view detailed information about each instance.
Use the 3 vertical dots icon next to each VM for lifecycle actions:
* Start - resume a stopped VM
* Stop - stop a running VM. Resources are freed, while the root disk remains persisted
* Delete - fully release a VM. This action can't be undone and removes all instance data
VM details are provided by selecting the instance Name:
## Usage metrics
To track the real-time usage of your tenants' virtual machines, explore the 'GPU Utilization' screen. It offers a graphical and tabular representation of your Virtual Machines' usage, providing daily insights and performance data analysis for up to the last two months.
Each utilization record begins at the moment a Virtual Machine is provisioned and continues until the Virtual Machine is stopped, ensuring accurate and continuous tracking of usage.
