# Connect to instances

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Connect to Linux (Container) instances" %}

## Connect to Linux (Container) Instances

During the launch an instance, a default user will be created, and this user will have **no** password set. Instead, your SSH key is copied to the VM and you will be able to login to the machine via SSH using the default username. The default username varies between Operating Systems. Here are the usernames for our official distributions:

| Distribution                 | Username |
| ---------------------------- | -------- |
| Ubuntu Linux                 | ubuntu   |
| Debian Linux                 | debian   |
| CentOS Linux                 | centos   |
| Fedora Linux / Fedora CoreOS | fedora   |
| Rancher Linux                | rancher  |
| Flatcar Linux                | core     |
| VyOS                         | vyos     |
| Fortigate                    | admin    |

To connect by using a terminal on Linux, macOS, or Windows Subsystem for Linux:

1. Open your terminal, and enter the command\
   \
    `ssh username@185.xx.xx.xx`

   \
   Substitute in your instance's [Elastic IP](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] address after the `@`. The username is mentioned above in the list for your desired distribution.<br>
2. Press `ENTER` and answer `yes` to the prompt that confirms the connection.<br>
3. When you've logged in, your command prompt changes, and you'll see a welcome screen.

{% hint style="info" %}
Windows users can alternatively connect with [PuTTY](https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/).
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Connect to Windows Instances" %}

## Connect to Windows Instances

To access a Windows Instance, use the RDP protocol and an RDP client for your operating system:

* Windows: [How to use Remote Desktop](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028379/windows-10-how-to-use-remote-desktop)
* macOS: [Microsoft Remote Desktop](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop-10/id1295203466?mt=12)
* Linux: [FreeRDP](http://www.freerdp.com)

Specify the [Elastic IP](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] address in the client and provide the *default username* **Administrator** and the password specified during the deployment (wizard).
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

##

[^1]: Publicly-accessible static IP address


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