> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pictor.network/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pictor.network/docs/services/gpu-renting/connection-methods.md).

# Connection Methods

Currently, there are two primary Connection Methods available to access your Instances on the Pictor Network, determined by the Operating System (OS) type of your launched instances: **SSH** and **RDP**.

1. **SSH (Secure Shell Protocol)**: This is the standard connection method when your Instance's OS type is **Linux**. It provides efficient, secure, command-line terminal access.
2. **RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)**: This is the exclusive connection method when your Instance's OS type is **Windows**. It provides a full, interactive Graphical User Interface (GUI) desktop environment.

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th align="center"></th><th align="center"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center"><strong>SSH  - Secure Shell Protocol</strong></td><td align="center">Instance OS: <img src="/files/W3lIDDxTO2ZSztQi3Mqx" alt="" data-size="line"> Linux </td><td><a href="/files/NZyLhe7ccgRagZAVkYlJ">/files/NZyLhe7ccgRagZAVkYlJ</a></td><td><a href="https://docs.pictor.network/docs/services/gpu-renting/connection-methods/ssh">https://docs.pictor.network/docs/services/gpu-renting/connection-methods/ssh</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>RDP - Remote Desktop Protocol</strong></td><td align="center">Instance OS: <img src="/files/bXgpH0NZeOrPMXFLjpTk" alt="" data-size="line">Windows</td><td><a href="/files/taCsOiQo34QgBYVSjKmF">/files/taCsOiQo34QgBYVSjKmF</a></td><td><a href="https://docs.pictor.network/docs/services/gpu-renting/connection-methods/rdp">https://docs.pictor.network/docs/services/gpu-renting/connection-methods/rdp</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Choose the method that corresponds to your instance type to begin working immediately.