# Acquire a Server

Running a validator on Findora requires you have a server running 24x7x365. We suggest using a cloud provider and virtual server to run your node, but a personal server would suffice as well. 

## Step 1: Get a server

To run a validator you need a server that can run 24x7. You can run it on your personal server or get one from a cloud provider such as Contabo, Digital Ocean, AWS, GCP, or Azure.

{% hint style="info" %}
We do not recommend using your home computer. Issues with your home computer software, hardware, connection, or power will create downtime for your node and your stake will be slashed as a result.
{% endhint %}

If you do not have a server now, we suggest renting a VPS on Contabo for a combination of affordability and performance.

**Click this** [**link**](https://contabo.com/en/vps/vps-l-ssd?addons=1415\&image=ubuntu.267\&qty=1\&contract=3\&storage-type=vps-l-800-gb-ssd) **to rent a server.**

<figure><img src="https://2562093386-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRzwHg4ShKVrXd4rywBQ8%2Fuploads%2Fx7crwD1fI4aNgBmdNyNn%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d12df450-859e-4c8f-89f1-24f9d7c43b45" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2562093386-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRzwHg4ShKVrXd4rywBQ8%2Fuploads%2FFch3XQboEYZSVkSG4SDS%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c5d77fb0-fd33-4893-b8ea-5ea2ac4d5b65" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

As an example, the Contabo VPS L server meets the recommended specs to run a Findora validator node. The minimum storage required for Findora Mainnet Validator is 200GB, but we suggest opting for 400GB NVMe for peace of mind.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://2562093386-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRzwHg4ShKVrXd4rywBQ8%2Fuploads%2FJ4pGcg3Tu3IbpfCmlRFb%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8be09daf-b202-429f-bd90-df669676ab68" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Enter a password and keep all other options default.&#x20;

Once you have acquired a server, you may proceed to set up your new validator on Findora.&#x20;

## Step 2: Node Setup

Two options are available for you when it comes to the setup:

* [**Manual Setup**](https://docs.findora.org/validator-materials/node-setup-guides/manual-setup)
  * This method walks you through the process, step-by-step, one command at a time. This is recommended for first timers as you get to learn the process before taking shorter, easier paths.
* [**Toolbox Setup**](https://docs.findora.org/validator-materials/node-setup-guides/validator-toolbox-setup)
  * This method uses a toolbox to do much of the heavy lifting for you. The toolbox provides you with a set of tools for managing and troubleshooting your validator.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
You can install the toolbox separately after following the steps in Manual Setup.
{% endhint %}

Proceed with one of the options above to setup a validator on your new server.