> 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

Learn about the methods to connect to Instances on Pictor

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="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2FPdB7LglWE198HL7kuXiT%2FTux.svg.png?alt=media&amp;token=4a40544b-fa0c-43bb-9355-635fc6973643" alt="" data-size="line"> Linux </td><td><a href="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2F7aAz1uSTFfipuApM2a2j%2FSSH.png?alt=media&amp;token=53e6a0b4-11db-4dc5-b085-ea8874b457ce">SSH.png</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="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2FPJYeeqCa2hmONL0Nqe8a%2FWindows_logo_and_wordmark_-_2021.svg.png?alt=media&amp;token=8ac86847-f639-4403-9754-3345868e8fed" alt="" data-size="line">Windows</td><td><a href="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2FhFryUK6Va583QNHEoaNT%2FRPD.png?alt=media&amp;token=04e7e05a-a8dc-487c-95b7-83d6b8e45f4e">RPD.png</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.