FAQ - Virtual machines

Can I import virtual machines from a different hypervisor like VMware or Hyper-V?

Yes, however some preparation is required: installing VirtIO drivers, cloud(base)-init, converting virtual disks and some other steps. You can find information about this process online.

Is it possible to access an Instance out-of-band?

Generally yes. An instance can be accessed through the web interface under Instances → <Name der Instanz> → Console as long as it is in a functioning and active state. However for this at least one user on the machine must have a set password. This is not the case by default with Linux cloud images.

Can I set multiple SSH keys when creating an instance?

Yes. There are two ways to achieve that:

Import all public SSH keys listed sequentially as a single key file when launching an instance.
When launching an instance you can enter the following cloud-init configuration under Configuration → Customization Script either directly in the text field or as a separate file:
```
        #cloud-config
        ssh_authorized_keys:
          - ssh-rsa ... 001
          - ssh-rsa ... 002
          - ssh-rsa ... 003
          - ssh-rsa ... 004
      
```

I am currently not using an on-demand instance but I don't want to delete it. Can I disable the instance to avoid costs?

Yes. On-demand instances cause costs as long as they are active and use resources. To avoid these costs you can either shutdown the instance on OS level (Shut Off Instance) or suspend it (Suspend Instance). On-demand instances that are merely paused (Pause Instance) still cause costs since an image of the instance's memory is still stored in the memory of the hypervisor.

Are there any special considerations when using Windows instances?

Yes. you can find more all information regarding the use of Windows instances here (German).