> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zylon.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Choose your installation mode based on your security and connectivity needs

Zylon supports three installation modes. Choose based on your network environment and security requirements.

## Quick Comparison

|                              | Online               | Semi-Airgap               | Full-Airgap                             |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **Installation Type**        | Online               | Online                    | Offline                                 |
| **Operational Connectivity** | Full                 | Restricted/Zero           | Restricted/Zero                         |
| **Use Case**                 | Standard deployments | Controlled network access | Offline installation & Maximum security |
| **Complexity**               | Simple               | Moderate                  | Complex                                 |
| **Installation Time**        | 30-90 min            | 1-2 hours                 | 2-3 hours                               |
| **Update Time**              | 15-40 min            | 30-60 min                 | 1-2 hours                               |
| **Update Downtime**          | Rare                 | Rare                      | Always (15-60 min)                      |

***

## Installation Modes

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Online">
    ### Online Installation

    **Use when**: Standard deployments with full internet access

    **How it works**: Server downloads packages and images directly from official repositories.

    **Key characteristics**:

    * Automated setup and updates
    * Minimal downtime for updates
    * Standard security posture

    **Installation Guide** → [Online Installation](/en/operator-manual/installation/online)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Semi-Airgap">
    ### Semi-Airgap Installation

    **Use when**: Networks with controlled internet access via proxy/firewall

    **How it works**: Online installation through whitelisted domains and proxy configuration.

    **Key characteristics**:

    * **Installation**: Online (requires internet connectivity)
    * **Operation**: Can run with restricted/zero connectivity
    * Requires open domains and ports during installation/updates
    * Minimal downtime for updates
    * Proxy support

    **Installation Guide** → [Semi-Airgap Installation](/en/operator-manual/installation/semi-airgap)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Full-Airgap">
    ### Full-Airgap Installation

    **Use when**: Offline installation required, no internet access during setup

    **How it works**: Transfer 70-100 GB bundles from online machine via offline media to target server.

    **Key characteristics**:

    * **Installation**: Offline (no internet required on target server)
    * **Operation**: Can run with restricted/zero connectivity
    * Requires two linux machines (online and offline)
    * Manual update process (download, transfer, apply)
    * Always requires downtime (15-60 min)

    **Installation Guide** → [Airgap Installation](/en/operator-manual/installation/airgap)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Installation Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose Your Mode">
    Select the mode matching your security policy and network environment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Installation">
    Follow the guide for your chosen mode. All modes use the Zylon CLI installer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post-Installation">
    Configure [AI Presets](/en/operator-manual/ai-presets), set up [backups](/en/operator-manual/operations/backup), and review the [User Manual](/en/user-manual/quick-start-guide).
  </Step>
</Steps>