# Validating Overview

To expedite your journey of becoming a Testnet validator, we've created a series of tutorial videos to get your node up and running in no time.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYaUYu5HDDs>" %}
Part I
{% endembed %}

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYfTuBIxJqg>" %}
Part II
{% endembed %}

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad6abR6xEOQ>" %}
Part III
{% endembed %}

### Node roles

In the Aleph network, a node can have one of the two roles:

* an **archivist**, who only stores the blocks and can respond to queries about the network state
* a **validator**, who actively participates in the consensus and is tasked with producing new blocks. Validators can be staked upon and receive rewards for their efforts.

### Networks

There are two networks, each with a different purpose:

* Aleph Zero **Mainnet**: as the name suggests, this is the main network where the actual AZERO token is involved.
* Aleph Zero **Testnet**: the protocol and mechanisms are the same as on the Mainnet but the token is TZERO, which is available from [the faucet](https://faucet.test.azero.dev/), so users can freely experiment and test their setups.

### Steps you need to take

We recommend setting up a Testnet node before you start running on Mainnet to make sure you're familiar with the process and your hardware and setup are ok.

1. To become a validator on the Testnet, you'll need to follow these guides:
   1. [Getting and running Aleph Node on your machine](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/use/validate/broken-reference)
   2. [Making the node validate](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/use/validate/broken-reference)
   3. [Setting your on-chain identity](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/use/validate/broken-reference)
   4. [Securing your validator](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/use/validate/broken-reference)
2. Once you're ready to become a validator on the Mainnet, you will need to:
   1. [Run another instance of Aleph Node](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/use/validate/running-an-aleph-node-on-mainnet) (with slight configuration changes for Mainnet)
   2. Bond the minimum required amount and repeat [step 1.2](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/use/validate/making-the-node-validate) for your Mainnet validator.

If you want to keep track of your validator, you can set up a Telegram bot. This bot will help you stay updated in case block production is hindered and more. See the [page](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/use/telegram-notifications) for more details.

The next chapter contains the hardware requirements for running a node on your own machine or in the cloud.