> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gitbook.humanode.io/mainnet-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gitbook.humanode.io/mainnet-guide/launcher/installing-the-workspace-remotely.md).

# Installing the Workspace Remotely

You can use any remote system.

This guide will walk you through the following steps:

* Creating a Virtual Machine in the cloud with a cloud provider you prefer, and
* Connecting the Humanode Launcher to Virtual Machine.

If you already have a VM, then skip the [#creating-a-virtual-machine-in-the-cloud](#creating-a-virtual-machine-in-the-cloud "mention") section and go straight to [#connecting-the-humanode-launcher-to-virtual-machine](#connecting-the-humanode-launcher-to-virtual-machine "mention").

### Creating a Virtual Machine in the Cloud

To create a Virtual Machine in the cloud, follow the guidelines of your preferred cloud provider.

You can use Amazon AWS, Google GCP, Azure, Hetzner, Scaleway, DigitalOcean, or any other cloud. 

**Note that currently, validators receive $25 if they complete 84 epochs so choose the cloud provider accordingly.**

* [How to create an instance on Google GCP](https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/machine-images/create-instance-from-machine-image)
* [How to create an instance on Hetzner](https://docs.hetzner.com/cloud/servers/getting-started/creating-a-server/)
* [How to create an instance on Scaleway](https://www.scaleway.com/en/docs/compute/instances/how-to/create-an-instance/)
* [How to create an instance on DigitalOcean](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/droplets/how-to/create/)

When prompted about what OS to install, choose **Ubuntu 20.04**.

{% hint style="info" %}
We highly recommend using SSH keys for authenticating on the VM, and the Desktop App will detect and try to use the keys automatically if it detects any on your system.
{% endhint %}

### Connecting the Humanode Launcher to the Virtual Machine

After you've created a VM, you can press **Start Remotely**.

On this page, you'll see input fields for entering the parameters of your remote VM.

<figure><img src="/files/PTL3NwoRqfc1vq0iNQk2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The standard SSH connection parameters that are given to you by the cloud provider usually look like this:

```shell-session
ssh user@host
```

where

* `user` is the username (typically `root` for our case), and
* `host` is the IP address or domain name to connect to.

Use those parameters to fill in your host and username.

For instance, with a connection string `ssh root@51.15.107.249`, the inputs should look as follows:

<figure><img src="/files/sKvZ5OeR7p8eazMJvJXQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After you press **Connect,** the app will establish the connection to your VM.

Upon successful connection, the installation process will begin.

Now on the launcher screen, Choose the **Mainnet** chain and click **Install** to initiate the installation process

<figure><img src="/files/3cRnqJz58TYZWK4fB0gz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The installation will take a few minutes.

<figure><img src="/files/C8Gc4yogJi3nJR1SFy0V" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
When the progress bar fills to 100%, you will be redirected to the **Home screen** where the initial configuration begins. This screen indicates that the Mainnet was successfully installed and that you must configure your node before starting it.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Move to [Step 3 - Configuring and Launching the Node](/mainnet-guide/launcher/step-3-configuring-and-launching-the-node.md)

**Additional Info:** Other authentication options are available if the automatic authentication flow does not work for you. They can be found by pressing **More connection options** and selecting **Auth Mode**:

<figure><img src="/files/Ah3nexnnT90eASn2T3rw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>