---
title: "Getting started"
---
To get started, you'll need to ((sign up)) for a runZero account. The default account is a trial of the full runZero Platform. After the trial expires, you will have the option to convert to the free Community Edition or purchase a subscription.
- [Sign up for a runZero account](https://www.runzero.com/try/)
- Read up on [creating an account](creating-account.md) for help activating your account, changing your password, and adding a profile picture.
- Once your account is set up, there are a couple of paths you can take to deploy runZero.
- [Quickstart](getting-started.md/#quickstart-guide)
- [Full deployment plan](getting-started.md/#full-deployment-plan)
## Quickstart guide {#quickstart-guide}
The quickstart path is ideal for those who want to jump into using runZero and explore its core functionalities. This section covers the initial setup, running basic scans, and configuring integrations.
### 1. Set up an Explorer {#set-up-explorer}
To begin asset discovery, you need to deploy an Explorer:
- Navigate to Deploy > Deploy Explorers in the runZero Console.
- Review the system requirements and choose the appropriate binary for your platform.
- Ensure the Explorer connects to your organization. Each download link is organization-specific.
### 2. Run your first scan {#run-first-scan}
Once the Explorer is installed:
- Go to Scan in the console.
- Click Start standard scan and configure the discovery scope:
- Choose an Explorer.
- Set the target subnets or CIDR ranges.
- Run the scan and monitor progress from the console.
We recommend starting with a `/24` or handful of small CIDR blocks to verify connectivity in the network and then scaling out from there.
### 3. Configure integrations {#configure-integrations}
Enhance your data with third-party integrations:
- Navigate to Integrate.
- Select and configure supported integrations for EDR, Vulnerability Management, Cloud, etc.
- [Documentation for each inbound integration](integrations-inbound.md) is available.
- Ensure appropriate permissions are set in the integrated systems.
- Run sync tasks to import data and merge with existing asset information.
### 4. Review scan results {#review-scan-results}
After the scan completes:
- Check results under Inventory > Assets.
- Use the Query library to better understand misconfigurations and other noteable findings in the inventory.
- Review reports and customize dashboards for deeper insights.
- Here are a few sample reports to check out:
- SNMP default communities
- SSH authentication methods
- TLS supported versions
If you have no results with the `matches:>0` search, you may need to wait for the metrics to be calculated. You can see the status of the metrics calculations here.
## Full deployment plan {#full-deployment-plan}
For organizations planning a production deployment, careful preparation ensures a smooth and scalable setup. Follow these steps:
### 1. Plan your deployment {#plan-deployment}
- Determine the goals for asset visibility, network segmentation, or compliance.
- Ensure adequate resources for Explorers and network access points.
- Familiarize yourself with runZero-specific terms in the glossary.
### 2. Initial setup {#initial-setup}
- Deploy Explorers across key network segments.
- Configure credentials for access to devices and services (e.g., SNMP, EDR, MDM, etc).
- Use network communication guidelines to verify connectivity.
### 3. Run discovery and assess {#run-discovery-assess}
- Perform discovery scans on all required segments.
- Validate data integrity and optimize scan settings as needed.
- Identify any scanning gaps and adjust configurations.
### 4. Automate and optimize {#automate-optimize}
- Implement scan schedules for continuous monitoring.
- Use integrations for enriched asset data.
- Set up alerting and reporting tailored to your organization’s needs.
### 5. Rollout and monitor {#rollout-monitor}
- Deploy across remaining network segments based on your plan.
- Monitor scan results and network health regularly.
- Document configurations and processes for ongoing management.
For detailed instructions, refer to the [production deployment documentation](deployment-plan.md). For assistance, please contact [support](mailto:support@runzero.com).