# Getting started

To host a modeling hub, you must decide where to host, store, and archive the data. We support [three data storage options](../overview/data-storage.md), but for this quickstart guide, we will focus on GitHub.

## Step 1: Create or open your GitHub account

_If you already have a GitHub account, you can move on to the next step._ If you do not have a GitHub account, follow these [instructions to create a GitHub account](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/signing-up-for-github/signing-up-for-a-new-github-account) (a free account is fine).

## Step 2: Make a copy of the GitHub template repository

Go to [hubTemplate](https://github.com/hubverse-org/hubTemplate) and click on "Use this template". Select "Create a new repository".

```{image} ../images/hubTemplate.png
:alt: Instructions to create a copy of the hubTemplate repository
:class: bordered
:target: https://github.com/hubverse-org/hubTemplate
```

## Step 3: Name and create the repository

Enter a name for your repository---you can use any name.  Then click on "Create repository".

```{image} ../images/repo-nam.png
:alt: Naming your repository on GitHub
:class: bordered
```

 
 
- This repository ("repo") will be saved on your GitHub account.

```{image} ../images/repo-woman.png
:alt: Example of saved repository
:class: bordered
```

(clone-repo)=
## Step 4: Clone your repository

Clone the repo to your computer so that you can work with it locally.  GitHub has [instructions on how to clone a repository](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/creating-and-managing-repositories/cloning-a-repository).

## Congratulations!

You have just created your first hub repository from the Hubverse. You can read about the [structure of hub repositories](../user-guide/hub-structure.md) and explore the repository on your computer.