The way you work in Jetstream2 will be influenced by your computing goals and your experience with cloud computing. The content of this tutorial is arranged to follow the workflow of an experienced cloud computing user who is setting up an environment for long term computing needs. Such a user might perform many of the following actions in roughly this order:

• Add an SSH key to the Jetstream2 account to enable some advanced forms of access to instances. This is only required if the advanced access is desired.
• Create an instance that will be the initial computing environment.
• Create a volume (non-ephemeral disk) in which to store code, data and results.
• Attach that volume to the initial instance. It is a best practice to use a volume to hold your work, but for short-term or small projects this step can be skipped.
• Log in to the instance for an initial session.
• Transfer files to the instance from another computer. Such files might include code and data.
• Manage the instance after using it to save on cost by shelving it until it will be used again.
• Create a custom image from the instance after it has been fully developed. This is an optional step.

A less experienced user, or one who is only setting up a short-term environment might pursue an abbreviated workflow such as this:

• Create an instance that will be the initial computing environment.
• Log in to the instance for an initial session.
• Transfer files to the instance from another computer.
• Manage the instance after using it to save on cost by shelving it until they want to use it again.

Of course, initially following the abbreviated workflow does not restrict your future options. You could later perform the steps you skipped to enhance your computing environment.