#AmazonforallSeries P2 | Getting Started with AWS EC2 Instance

Today, I will be talking about the AWS EC2 Instance. So, we will be starting from the understanding of instance.

What is Instance?

An Instance is a virtual server for running different types of applications on Amazon’s EC2. It can also be understood like a tiny part of a larger computer, a tiny part that has its own resources that are the hard drive, RAM, Network, OS, etc. But obviously it's not running in your environment or you don’t have physical access to these machines so everything virtual. 

Now we will see what is EC2.

AWS EC2?

AWS EC2 stands for Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud. Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) is a web service that provides secure, resizable compute capacity in the cloud. It is designed to make web-scale cloud computing easier for developers.

Amazon EC2’s simple web service interface allows you to obtain and configure capacity with minimal friction. It provides you with complete control of your computing resources and lets you run on Amazon’s proven computing environment.

·      It is Scalable

·      It is Cost Efficient

·      It is Flexible

Now, In AWS there are different types of Instances. Let’s see what and how many types of instances available in the AWS

Types of AWS Instances?

1-   General Purpose Instances

This type of instance is best suitable for the applications that require a balance performance and cost. It is being used when you need a quick response, cost-effectiveness, and less processing.

For Example, Email Response System where you have an Email Server to just respond to different queries. In such type of system, you don’t require a huge system with a lot of resources like you don’t need a bigger RAM or CPU power.

2-   Compute Instances

This type of instance is best suitable for the applications that require a lot of processing from the CPU. For Example, you have a Live Streaming Data where your data continuously streaming in and out at the same time to and from the client. Like YouTube live streaming.

3-   Memory Instances

This type of Instances is best suitable for the application that requires a huge amount of RAM because of heavy in nature.

For Example, if you have any application that requires multitasking means it gets the data and processing it at the same time.

4-   Storage Instances

This type of instance is best suitable for applications that are huge in size or have a lot of data to manage. If you have any application that requires a lot of space or a huge number of data then you should consider this type of instance.

For Example, SAP ERP where you have a huge amount of data to manage.

5-   GPU Instances

This type of instance is best suitable for the application that requires some heavy graphics rendering. If you have any application that needs high graphical power then you should consider this type of instance.

For Example, imaging process or rendering application that needs a massive amount of graphics power

So here we should be aware of instances pricing models available in AWS 

Step by Step Demo for Creating EC2 Instance

1-   Go to the AWS Console and Sign in. If you have not done your signup, then please go and signup first with a free tier Trial for 1 year. Note: It will require your Credit Card for your identity verification and will deduct $1 which will be returned back to you after some days.

2-   Search for EC2 and go to the EC2 Console >> Instances 

3- Click on Launch Instance >>Select the OS. In my case, I will be choosing Windows Server 2019 base

4-   Select the General Purpose -Free tier eligible option. If you select any other, it will charge you. So better to stick with the free one. 

5-   On the Configure Instance Details >> Leave the defaults >> Next 

6-   On the Storage Page >> Leave the defaults and click Next

7-   On the Tags Page >> Leave the defaults and select Next

8-   On the Configure Security Group>>Check on Create a new Security Group>> Ensure there should be RDP with 3389 port should be open. Then Next

9-   Review and Click on Launch

10-   After clicking on launch a new window will open that is Select Key Pair. You have to select the “Create a new Key Pair” and Give any Name like I gave it as “Sabih” and download key pair for future use. A key pair is a combination of a public key that is used to encrypt data and a private key that is used to decrypt data

11-   Go to the EC2 Console >>Instances >>There you will see your new instance is under processing with a status of “Pending”. Just wait a while once its status converted to “Running”

12-   Right Click on your newly created instance >> Click on Connect >> Download Remote Desktop File >> Then Click on Get Password >> Upload the Key pair File which you have just downloaded earlier in step 10 and Click on Decrypt Password >> Copy the Password.

13-   Click on the Remote Desktop File you just downloaded >> Enter the Password you just copied 

Here your EC2 Instance is Up and running now. You have made it.

NOTE: Please stop your Instance by going into its settings because your trail will be ended soon if your services will be running for a longer time. So, I will recommend you to stop the instance right after your testing