# Instances An instance refers to a Nova instance. An instance can be created from an image or a bootable volume. An instance is a live or running version of the image or the bootable volume, from which you have created the instance. When you create an instance, memory, a fixed IP address, and basic storage are allocated to the instance. By default, instances are created on ephemeral storage within the hypervisor. If persistent storage is required, you may attach volumes to the instance for block storage. You can deploy one or more applications on an instance. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.platform9.com/managed-openstack/5.8/instances/virtual-machines-instances.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.