Virtual Machines are your scalable computing instances in the cloud. Think of them as virtual computers you can launch, configure, and manage as needed.
a. What is a Virtual Machine?
A VM runs an operating system (like Linux or Windows) and provides CPU, memory, and network resources.
You can choose different sizes depending on your workload requirements.
VMs rely on Volumes for persistent storage (see next section).
b. Creating Your First VM
Log in to your Raff Technologies Cloud dashboard.
Click the Create button located on the right, above the VM list.
Configuration: You'll need to configure the following:
Name: A descriptive name for your VM (e.g.,
web-server-prod-01).Image/OS: Select the operating system you want to run (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS, Windows Server).
Size/Flavor: Choose the CPU and RAM allocation appropriate for your needs.
Authentication:
Linux: Use SSH keys. The default username to connect with is
root.Windows: Set an administrator username (any name except
Administratoris allowed) and password.
Boot Volume: Configure the primary disk where the OS is installed.
(Optional) Additional Volumes: You can create and attach additional data volumes during VM creation or add them later via the Volumes page.
Review & Launch: Double-check your settings and click the final button to launch the VM.
Provisioning: It will take a few moments for your VM to be provisioned. You can monitor its status in the VM list. Note its assigned Public IP and Private IP Address once it's running.
c. Accessing Your VM
Linux: Use an SSH client with your private key. Bash
ssh -i /path/to/your/private_key.pem root@[VM_Public_IP_Address]
Windows: Use a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client. Connect using the VM's Public IP Address, the username you set (not 'Administrator'), and the password you configured.
d. Basic Management
From the VM list in the dashboard:
Start/Stop/Reboot: Control the VM's power state.
Settings: Access VM settings by opening its details.
Resize: Go into the VM's settings; under the VM section within settings, you can resize the VM (adjust CPU/RAM).
Terminate/Delete: Permanently remove the VM. Be careful, this is irreversible!