index.md

copyright	lastupdated	keywords	subcollection
years 2015, 2020	2020-11-06	getting started,watson	watson

{:shortdesc: .shortdesc} {:external: target="_blank" .external} {:tip: .tip} {:important: .important} {:note: .note} {:deprecated: .deprecated} {:pre: .pre} {:codeblock: .codeblock} {:screen: .screen} {:javascript: .ph data-hd-programlang='javascript'} {:java: .ph data-hd-programlang='java'} {:python: .ph data-hd-programlang='python'} {:swift: .ph data-hd-programlang='swift'} {:video: .video}

Getting started with Watson and {{site.data.keyword.cloud_notm}}

{: #about}

You're just a few steps away from getting started with {{site.data.keyword.ibmwatson}}. {: shortdesc}

Step 1: Getting a free {{site.data.keyword.cloud_notm}} account

{: #free-account}

Create an account on {{site.data.keyword.cloud_notm}} to try {{site.data.keyword.watson}} services for free with no time restrictions: Sign up for free{: external}. You'll receive an email to confirm and activate your account.

Step 2: Finding and creating a service instance

{: #access-console}

1. After you activate your account and log in, click Browse Services{: external} from the {{site.data.keyword.watson}} console.
2. Select a service that fits your needs.
3. Create an instance of the service for free.

{: video controls loop}

Next steps

{: #gs-index-next-steps}

You're ready to go.

Start by launching the tool, if available, to experience an integrated development environment. Or run through the the Getting started tutorial in the docs for the service.