AWS Cloud EC2
AWS EC2 - Virtual Cloud Server
EC2 is a virtual server in the AWS Cloud.
AWS EC2 is short for AWS Elastic Cloud Compute.
It makes scaling of capacity up and down easy.
Why AWS EC2?
It makes the process of increasing and decreasing capacity easier.
As a result, you can access the resources at demand.
No upfront investment is needed.
You only pay for what you need.
EC2 is secure.
Get Started With AWS EC2
You can get started with EC2 in three steps.
1. Launch
Start with selecting a template with basic configurations.
The config includes the operating system, application server, or applications.
Next, decide the instance type and hardware configuration of your instance.
Finally, specify the security settings to control the traffic in and out of your instance.
You will learn more about cloud security later in this tutorial.
2. Connect
There are many ways to connect an instance.
Programs and applications have multiple connection methods to exchange data.
Users can connect and access the computer desktop by logging in.
3. Use
Once connected, you can use the instance.
Execute commands to install software, add storage, copy, and organize files, and much more.
AWS EC2 Instance Types
There are different instance types.
Which one to use depends on the needs.
More About EC2 Instance Types
The types are best used for different things.
Therefore, when selecting an instance type, consider the needs.
For example, needs can be a requirement for compute, memory, or storage.
General Purpose Instance
The General Purpose Instance balances computing, memory, and networking resources.
It fits many purposes. Such as:
- Application servers
- Gaming servers
- Backend servers for companies
- Small and medium databases
The General Purpose Instances are best when there is a balance between the resources.
Compute Optimized Instances
The Compute Optimized Instances are best there is a need for high compute.
This type is also good for application servers, gaming servers, and web applications.
The main difference is that this type is ideal for high-performance and compute-intensive needs.
Memory Optimized Instances
This type can deliver large dataset workloads fast.
Memory is a temporary storage area.
It loads from storage, holds the data, and processes it before the computer can run it.
The processing allows for a preloading process and gives the CPU direct access to the computer program.
The Memory Optimized Instances are best when huge amounts of data need to be preloaded before running the app.
Accelerated Computing Instances
This type use hardware accelerators.
The accelerators boost the data processing.
The Accelerated Computing Instances are best for graphics applications and streaming.
Storage Optimized Instances
This type is best when you have large datasets on local storage.
Some examples:
- Large file systems
- Data warehouses
- Online transaction systems
The Storage Optimized Instances are designed to deliver many inputs as fast as possible.
AWS EC2 Pricing
With AWS EC2 you pay for the compute time.
You only pay for the compute time that you use.
It offers different pricing options.
On Demand Instances
On Demand Instances are best used for short-term workloads.
It requires no upfront costs or minimum amount on the purchase.
The instances run until you stop them.
You pay for what you use.
AWS EC2 Savings Plan
The savings plan is a commitment for usage over a 1-year or 3-year term.
Committing to a period gives a discounted price.
If you surpass the budget, the cost goes to normal (on-demand) prices.
You will learn more about AWS Cost Explorer later in this tutorial.
AWS Cost Explorer is a tool that helps to plan usage with AWS Cloud.
Reserved Instances
The Reserved Instances are used to reserve instances for an agreed period.
The options are for 1-year or 3-years. The latter one gives the highest discount.
Spot Instances
This pricing model is best for workloads with flexible start and end times, which can take interruptions.
Spot instances can give up to a 90% cost savings.
The reason behind the discount is that AWS can optimize its capacity, giving you better prices.
Dedicated Hosts
Dedicated hosts are physical servers fully dedicated to you.
You can use your existing VM software licenses.
The Dedicated Host is the most expensive model.