What The Hell is AWS EC2 ?

Hey there! I am Back! So, imagine you have this amazing tool that lets you create your own computer in the internet world, sounds cool right? now before you start thinking you can toss your laptop out the window, hold on to it – you're gonna need it, after all, you cannot really run virtual computers virtually in the air.

So EVERYONE !! Grab your Coffee, Hold on to your device, keep your back straight or it will hurt like mine, and get ready to unfold this Over-Hyped concept of AWS EC2 !!

But Why this service is even needed?

Okay as a little pre-requisite before moving forward let's give a minute about why we even need Cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, etc.

So most of us don't have our own servers or architecture to host our applications right? This is the time when Cloud Service Providers come into play. Cloud service providers are like the landlords of the internet. They offer places(Cloud Servers) to put your software and computing stuff. Services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are like super-powered places where your software can live and grow. They're a big help in modern software making.

In the old days, companies had to buy and manage their servers, like owning a whole building. Now, with cloud service providers, it's more like renting a space in a well-equipped business center. You focus on your work (software and computer tasks), while they handle the logistics of maintaining the space.

Understanding Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)

Alright, imagine you're at a tech store, In this store, you can rent your very own computer whenever you need it. That's what Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, or EC2, is all about! And the best part I find is, that it's not just any computer – it's your customizable, do-whatever-you-want kind of computer. It's like telling your friend, "Hey, I need a computer with lots of power today," and EC2 saying, "Gotcha covered!".

You get to choose what type of computer you want – whether it's super speedy, memory-packed, or storage-friendly, all these depend on the type of work you want to do with the cloud server after all it's just like a normal system.

Hey but are you only comfortable with Ubuntu? well, that is not an issue because you get to choose which operating system you want to run on these cloud servers with just one click, it can be Ubuntu, Kali Linux, or whatever you want!

And get this, you only pay for the time you spend on your cloud server, you can pause/restart/restart your server whenever you want! Cool, right? 🌟

What are Instances?

One common term that you will hear whenever there is a talk about AWS is instance! even EC2 is commonly referred to as " EC2 Instance " but what is an instance in AWS?

instance is a virtual server that you can rent from Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) service. Exactly like we were talking about you would be choosing different types of computers with specific configurations to suit your needs. Each of these rented virtual servers, tailored to different requirements, is referred to as an instance.

So, when you're thinking "instance," just picture it as a rented virtual computer with its own set of capabilities within AWS! 🚀💻

Some Examples of Instances are :

• T2 Instances: T2 instances are like your everyday buddy, ready for a bit of everything. Whether it's running a website, handling small databases, or managing applications with varying workloads, T2 is the go-to choice for balanced performance without breaking the bank.

• M5 Instances: If you're into memory-intensive tasks like big databases or analytics, M5 instances are your go-to heroes. They have high memory and good computing power, making them perfect for tasks that require a bit more brainpower.

• C5 Instances: When your applications demand raw computing power for tasks like scientific modeling, batch processing, and high-performance computing, C5 instances are what you need.

• P3 Instances: P3 instances are the graphic powerhouses. If you're into machine learning or need serious graphics processing, P3 instances come equipped with powerful GPUs, ready to tackle complex visual tasks.

• D2 Instances: D2 instances are your data storage powerhouses. When your applications need a ton of disk space, like in big data processing or data warehousing, D2 swoops in with massive storage capacity, ensuring you have room for all your data.

Security concerns?

When it comes to safety, EC2 has its security measures, making sure your online space is protected. AWS EC2 is designed with security as a top priority. Amazon Web Services (AWS) takes extensive measures to ensure the safety of EC2 instances and the data they process. EC2 instances are launched within a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), allowing you to define a network environment with controlled access. Additionally, EC2 provides features like Security Groups that let you control inbound and outbound traffic to your instances. The concept of security groups is cool and even if you are a developer, you will surely be coming across these in the future.

Moreover, EC2 instances can be configured to use key pairs for secure access, ensuring that only authorized individuals can connect to the instances. AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) allows you to manage user access to AWS resources, adding an extra layer of security.

It's important to note that while AWS provides a secure infrastructure, users are responsible for securing their own applications and data. Following best practices for security and implementing proper access controls contribute to maintaining the overall safety of your EC2 environment.

Is it Free? : false :/

Let's talk about the dollars and cents of AWS EC2 – because that is what everyone is waiting for and who doesn't love a good deal, right?

First off, AWS operates on a pay-as-you-go model. You only pay for the computing power and storage you consume. No need to break the bank with upfront costs or commit to long-term contracts. This flexibility is a game-changer for businesses, students, and anyone who wants to dip their toes into the cloud without a huge financial burden.

Now for all the Guys like me, let's talk about the AWS Free Tier - For the first 12 months, AWS gives you a taste of their cloud services for free. It includes a certain amount of EC2 compute time, storage, and data transfer. Perfect for experimenting, learning the ropes, or running small applications without burning a hole in your wallet.

But Hey !! make sure to turn off your EC2 instance once you are done and only use free tier services, also pay attention to the Limit Reached email from AWS in case you end up consuming all your free resources and services for the month, otherwise, you will end up with a bill just like I did :')

Conclusion

This was it! This was the EC2 of AWS that everyone was so confused about. AWS is not only about EC2, all the other services provided by AWS are really useful whether it is S3 buckets, ECR, ECS, etc. The learning curve doesn't stop and neither do we.

Thank you for staying till the end, I hope this blog will give you a kickstart in your AWS journey!

The best way to learn is by doing and it's time to start your AWS journey and witness the transformational power of the cloud firsthand. Go Ahead and explore this Tech, Elevate your projects, and Come back better next time. All The Best!