# IBM SoftLayer 1. Create an [IBM SoftLayer account]( https://www.softlayer.com/cloud-servers/). 2. Log in to the [SoftLayer Customer Portal]( https://control.softlayer.com/). 3. From the *Devices* menu select [*Device List*](https://control.softlayer.com/devices) 4. Click *Order Devices* on the top right of the window below the menu bar. 5. Under *Virtual Server* click [*Hourly*](https://manage.softlayer.com/Sales/orderHourlyComputingInstance) 6. Create a new *SoftLayer Virtual Server Instance* (VSI) using the default values for all the fields and choose: - The desired location for *Datacenter* - *Ubuntu Linux 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin - Minimal Install (64 bit)* for *Operating System*. 7. Click the *Continue Your Order* button at the bottom right. 8. Fill out VSI *hostname* and *domain*. 9. Insert the required *User Metadata* and place the order. 10. Then continue with the [*Ubuntu*](ubuntulinux.md#ubuntu-linux) instructions. ## What next? Continue with the [User Guide](../userguide/index.md).