Hi - I just wanted to double-check something that I think I already know but that I suspect others may wonder as well:

Do I get billed even when my linode is turned off (not booted)? Based on this page in the library, it looks like the answer is yes. Of course, it would be a nice feature to have!

Thx!

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What the heck is KJH up to?
http://friendfeed.com/kjhosein

You mean after you sign up for a Linode VPS, and it's resources are dedicated to your setup, and you and only you have the password to access it's management console - that if you decide not to place YOUR VPS online they charge you - well that's just crazy talk (I mean common sense).

/me builds a t(r)oll-free bridge next to vonskippy's.

Also, yes. You pay for the (virtual) machine. Is it running or not, doesn't matter. On the other hand, if you need one only for a few days a month, consider creating it only then and deleting afterwards. You are charged for a month up front, but if you cancel a node before that month passes, remaining time ends up as account credit, and is used to pay your next bill (or part of it).

Creating and deleting a node, (and, probably, copying a disk image from another one, if you don't want to rebuild the OS each time) surely can be automated via Linode API.

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rsk, providing useless advice on the Internet since 2005.

Rent an apartment somewhere, don't move in, and see if you get billed

I think Linode operates on a similar principle. The resources are being reserved for you, whether you use it or not.

EC2 is a different story... If your usage pattern fits EC2 better, maybe Linode is not the best solution for you. But most of us are fine with long-running Linodes...

Does this mean that if I have a balance that exceeds the monthly cost, say $40 and I bring up a VM the cost of the time used will come out of the $40 rather than have my credit card billed for that one?

yep