AWS Course from zero to hero

AWS Course for beginners

Summary

In this guide, students will learn how to effectively utilize Amazon Web Services (AWS) by creating an AWS account and working with key components such as EC2 instances, EBS, Elastic IPs, and S3 buckets.

1. Creating an AWS Account

The first step to accessing AWS services is creating an account. Here’s how:

• Visit the AWS Website: Go to aws.amazon.com.
• Sign Up: Click on “Create an AWS Account.” You’ll need to provide an email address, create a password, and choose an AWS account name.
• Provide Contact Information: Fill in your personal or organizational details, including billing information. Note that AWS requires a credit card for account verification, but you can take advantage of the free tier to explore services without incurring charges.
• Identity Verification: AWS may request a phone number for verification. You’ll receive a call or text to confirm your identity.
• Select a Support Plan: Choose a support plan that fits your needs. The Basic plan is free and sufficient for beginners.

2. Creating EC2 Instances

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) allows you to launch and manage virtual servers in the cloud. Here’s how to create an EC2 instance:

• Access the EC2 Dashboard: Log in to your AWS Management Console and select EC2 from the services menu.
• Launch Instance:
  • Click on “Launch Instance.”
  • Choose an Amazon Machine Image (AMI): Select an AMI that suits your requirements (e.g., Linux, Windows).
  • Select Instance Type: Choose an instance type based on your computing needs (e.g., t2.micro is free-tier eligible).
• Configure Instance: You can adjust settings such as network and IAM roles. For beginners, the default settings are usually sufficient.
• Add Storage: You can specify the storage type and size. By default, you get an EBS volume.
• Configure Security Group: Set up firewall rules to control traffic to your instance. For initial access, allow SSH (port 22) for Linux or RDP (port 3389) for Windows.
• Review and Launch: Review your settings and click “Launch.” You’ll need to select or create a key pair for secure access.
• Access Your Instance: Once the instance is running, use an SSH client or Remote Desktop to connect based on your instance type.

3. Understanding Elastic Block Store (EBS)

Elastic Block Store (EBS) is a storage solution designed for use with EC2 instances. It provides persistent block storage that can be attached to instances. Here’s an overview:

• Types of EBS Volumes: EBS offers several volume types optimized for performance and cost:
  • General Purpose SSD (gp2): Balances price and performance for most workloads.
  • Provisioned IOPS SSD (io1): Provides high-performance storage for critical applications.
  • Magnetic Volumes: Lower-cost options suitable for infrequent access.
• Creating EBS Volumes: You can create EBS volumes from the EC2 dashboard. Choose the type, size, and availability zone.
• Attaching and Detaching Volumes: Attach EBS volumes to your EC2 instances to expand storage. You can detach them as needed without data loss.

4. Working with Elastic IP Addresses

Elastic IPs provide a static IP address that you can associate with your EC2 instances. This is useful for maintaining consistent IPs, even if instances are stopped or restarted.

• Allocate an Elastic IP:
  • In the EC2 dashboard, navigate to the Elastic IPs section and click “Allocate Elastic IP Address.”
• Associate with an Instance: Select the instance you want to associate the Elastic IP with. This enables direct access to your instance using the static IP.
• Releasing Elastic IPs: If you no longer need the Elastic IP, remember to release it to avoid incurring charges.

5. Creating S3 Buckets

Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) is a scalable storage solution for storing and retrieving any amount of data. It is ideal for data backups, hosting static websites, and more.

• Access the S3 Console: From the AWS Management Console, select S3.
• Create a Bucket:
  • Click on “Create Bucket.”
  • Bucket Name and Region: Enter a unique bucket name and select a region. Bucket names must be globally unique.
  • Configure Options: Set options such as versioning, logging, and encryption based on your needs.
• Set Permissions: Control who can access the bucket. It’s advisable to start with private permissions and adjust as necessary.
• Upload Files: Once the bucket is created, you can upload files directly from the S3 console or using AWS CLI.

Conclusion

By following these steps, students can effectively create an AWS account and navigate essential services like EC2, EBS, Elastic IP, and S3. Understanding these components is crucial for leveraging the full potential of AWS for various applications, from web hosting to data storage and beyond. As students explore these tools, they will gain valuable skills applicable to cloud computing and IT infrastructure management.