> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nuvolos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nuvolos.com/getting-started/readme.md).

# Welcome to Nuvolos

Nuvolos is a cloud platform that brings computation, data management, and collaboration together in a single browser-based environment. Everything runs in containerized [*Applications*](/concepts/applications.md) inside your own [*Instance*](/concepts/nuvolos-basic-concepts/organisational-hierarchy.md#instances), so there is nothing to install locally.

<div data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="/files/MPn3ixq2vY7riqris2nU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Core Capabilities at a Glance

Nuvolos is designed to support the full lifecycle of scientific and educational work:

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="247"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Capability</strong></td><td><strong>Description</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Run <em>Applications</em></td><td>Launch RStudio, JupyterLab, MATLAB, VS Code, and more. Scale resources from single CPU to dedicated GPU nodes.</td></tr><tr><td>Manage Data</td><td>Store files on the <em>High-performance File System</em>, a dedicated <em>Large File Storage</em>, query the <em>Scientific Data Warehouse</em>, or attach add-on databases.</td></tr><tr><td>Version Your Work</td><td>Take <em>Snapshots</em> to create immutable, point-in-time records of files, tables, and configurations.</td></tr><tr><td>Distribute &#x26; Collaborate</td><td><em>Distribute</em> materials in one step. Work in parallel <em>Instances</em> and merge results when ready.</td></tr><tr><td>Automate Workflows</td><td>Use the CLI and Python API to script <em>Application</em> runs and build reproducible pipelines.</td></tr><tr><td>Control Costs</td><td>Track usage through resource pools, right-size applications, and use "resting" states to optimize spend.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### How to Use Our Documentation

To help you find exactly what you need, our content is organized into four modes:

* [Tutorials](/tutorials/tutorials-for-instructors.md): Learning-oriented guides that take you from zero to a meaningful result. Use these if you are a newcomer wanting to build confidence.
* [How-to Guides](/how-to-guides/common-workflows.md): Task-oriented instructions that answer "How do I do X?". Use these if you already know what you want to achieve.
* [Reference](/reference/applications.md): Information-oriented, technical descriptions. Use these when you need precise answers about APIs, commands, or specifications.
* [Concepts](/concepts/nuvolos-basic-concepts.md): Understanding-oriented discussions of design decisions and system relationships. Use these when you want to know "why" something works the way it does.

### Support and Administration

Beyond the core learning paths, we provide specialized sections for specific needs:

* [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/troubleshooting.md): Designed for "interrupt-driven" needs when you are stuck and need to get back to work fast. This covers login issues, application errors, and content problems.
* [Administration](/administration/user-account-management.md) & [Billing](/billing/pricing-structure.md): A dedicated area for PIs, IT staff, and Instructors. Here you can manage *Organization* settings, monitor NCU (*Nuvolos Compute Unit*) usage, and handle subscriptions.

#### Where to go next

* For tutorials and how-to guides tailored to your role, see [Getting Started › Choose your role](/getting-started/choose-your-role.md).
* If you would rather get oriented in the interface first, see [Getting Started › Find your way around](/getting-started/find-your-way-around.md) for a short tour of the Dashboard, breadcrumbs, sidebar, and Account & Settings menu.
* If a term on this page (*Space*, *Instance*, *NCU*, *Snapshot*, *Distribution*) is unfamiliar, see [Getting Started › Glossary](/getting-started/glossary.md).