AMIs – Amazon Machine Images 🍳
Welcome back, cloud adventurer! 🌤️
Now that you know about EC2 families and sizes, it’s time to learn about AMIs – the pre-cooked OS and apps that make launching an EC2 super easy.
What is an AMI?
AMI = Amazon Machine Image.
Think of it like a pre-built kitchen:
- Everything you need is already set up
- You don’t have to install anything yourself
- Just “walk in and start cooking” 🍳
In EC2 terms, AMI is a template that contains:
- Operating System (OS) – Linux, Windows, or macOS (just kidding, no macOS here 😅)
- Applications – Pre-installed software for your needs
- Configuration – Settings to help your EC2 run smoothly
Types of AMIs
| AMI Type | Best For | Fun Analogy |
|---|---|---|
| Linux / Ubuntu / Amazon Linux | Dev environments, servers | Standard kitchen 🍽️ |
| Windows | Windows-based apps | Windows kitchen with a fancy oven 🪟🍳 |
| Preconfigured apps | WordPress, Docker, Machine Learning | Fully-stocked kitchen with all appliances ready 🧰 |
| Marketplace AMIs | Paid & community AMIs | Specialty restaurant kitchen 🍕 |
Pro tip: Start with Amazon Linux or Ubuntu if you’re a beginner. They’re free, lightweight, and well-supported 😎
How AMIs Work
- Pick an AMI – Choose the OS or preconfigured app you want 🍽️
- Launch EC2 using AMI – Your cloud computer will be ready in minutes ⏱️
- Connect to your instance – SSH for Linux, RDP for Windows 🖥️
- Start working – Run apps, host websites, experiment freely 🎉
Why AMIs Are Awesome
- Saves time – no need to install OS manually
- Easy replication – launch multiple EC2s with the same AMI
- Preconfigured apps – just like ordering a pizza instead of making it 🍕