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# Set Up Your Node

This guide walks you through the basic steps to get your 3Node connected to the ThreeFold Grid and start farming.

## Overview

Setting up a node involves:

1. Creating a ThreeFold account
2. Creating a farm on the dashboard
3. Downloading and booting Zero-OS
4. Verifying your node is online

## Prerequisites

Before you begin:

- ✅ Hardware ready (purchased or built)
- ✅ Reliable network connection (wired Ethernet)
- ✅ Power supply connected
- ✅ USB drive (16GB+) for Zero-OS boot image

## Step 1: Create Your ThreeFold Account

### Get a Wallet

You'll need a ThreeFold Connect wallet:

1. Download **ThreeFold Connect** app:
   - iOS: [App Store](https://apps.apple.com)
   - Android: [Google Play](https://play.google.com)

2. Create a new account
3. **Save your seed phrase securely** - This is critical!
4. Complete the setup wizard

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### 🔐 Security Warning

Your seed phrase is the **only** way to recover your account. Write it down and store it safely offline. Never share it with anyone.

</div>

## Step 2: Create Your Farm

### Access the Dashboard

1. Go to [dashboard.grid.tf](https://dashboard.grid.tf)
2. Connect with your ThreeFold Connect wallet
3. Select the appropriate network (usually **mainnet**)

### Register Your Farm

1. Navigate to **Farms** section
2. Click **Create Farm**
3. Fill in farm details:
   - **Farm Name** - Choose a unique name
   - **Pricing Policy** - Usually default is fine
   - **Certification** - Select appropriate level
4. Save your farm

You'll receive a **Farm ID** - save this number, you'll need it for the next step.

## Step 3: Download Zero-OS

### Create Boot Image

1. In the dashboard, go to your farm
2. Click **Bootstrap Image**
3. Select options:
   - **Network**: Choose your network interface
   - **Format**: USB or ISO (USB for most cases)
4. Download the image

The image is customized with your Farm ID, so your node will automatically connect to your farm.

### Write to USB Drive

**On Linux/Mac:**
```bash
# Find your USB device
lsblk

# Write the image (replace /dev/sdX with your USB device)
sudo dd if=zero-os-farm-XXXX.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
sync
```

**On Windows:**
- Use [Rufus](https://rufus.ie/) or [balenaEtcher](https://www.balena.io/etcher/)
- Select the downloaded image
- Select your USB drive
- Click Write/Flash

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### ⚠️ Warning

Double-check you're writing to the correct device. The dd command will overwrite whatever device you specify!

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## Step 4: Boot Your Node

### BIOS/UEFI Configuration

Before first boot, configure your node's BIOS:

1. **Boot Order**
   - Set USB as first boot device
   - Enable boot from USB

2. **Virtualization**
   - Enable Intel VT-x / AMD-V
   - Enable VT-d / AMD-Vi (if available)

3. **Network Boot** (optional)
   - Can enable PXE for future use
   - Not required for USB boot

4. **Power Management**
   - Disable deep sleep modes
   - Enable "restore on AC/power loss" for automatic recovery

### First Boot

1. Insert the USB drive with Zero-OS
2. Power on the node
3. Select USB boot (or it should auto-boot)
4. Zero-OS will start loading

**What to expect:**
- Initial boot takes 2-5 minutes
- Node will download latest Zero-OS version
- Screen will show node information
- After setup, displays Farm ID and Node ID

## Step 5: Verify Your Node

### Check Dashboard

1. Go to [dashboard.grid.tf](https://dashboard.grid.tf)
2. Navigate to your Farm
3. You should see your node listed
4. Check status shows **Online**

### Node Information

Your node displays:
- **Node ID** - Unique identifier
- **Farm ID** - Your farm
- **Status** - Should be "Up"
- **Resources** - CPU, RAM, Storage capacity
- **Uptime** - Connection time

### Troubleshooting

**Node not appearing?**
- Wait 5-10 minutes for initial sync
- Check network cable connection
- Verify farm ID on boot screen matches dashboard
- Check firewall isn't blocking connections

**Node shows offline?**
- Check power and network
- Verify BIOS settings
- Ensure USB drive is properly inserted
- Check Zero-OS boot logs on screen

## Step 6: Monitor & Maintain

### Regular Monitoring

Check your node periodically via the dashboard:
- Uptime percentage
- Capacity utilization
- Rewards accumulation
- Network connectivity

### Maintenance Tasks

**Monthly:**
- Verify node is online
- Check reward accumulation
- Monitor uptime statistics

**As Needed:**
- Update Zero-OS (usually automatic)
- Replace failed drives
- Clean dust from hardware
- Verify network connectivity

### Maximize Uptime

For best rewards:
- Keep node powered 24/7
- Use reliable network connection
- Monitor for hardware issues
- Join farmer community for alerts

## What's Next?

🎉 **Congratulations!** Your node is now farming on the ThreeFold Grid.

### Advanced Topics

For more details, check the advanced manual:
- Multiple node management
- Advanced networking setup
- GPU farming
- Farmerbot automation

**Resources:**
- [Manual](https://manual.grid.tf/farmers) - Comprehensive farming guide
- [Dashboard](https://dashboard.grid.tf) - Manage your farm
- [Telegram](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers) - Community support
- [Forum](https://forum.threefold.io) - Discussions and updates

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:::tip Growing Your Farm

Once you're comfortable with one node, you can add more nodes to your farm to increase capacity and earning potential!
:::