EC2 Fundamentals Flashcards
What is Amazon EC2?
How is Amazon EC2 defined in the context of AWS services?
Explain the key characteristics and functionalities of Amazon EC2.
Summarize the significance of Amazon EC2 in cloud computing.
Answer: Amazon EC2, or Elastic Compute Cloud, is a web service provided by AWS that allows users to rent virtual servers, known as instances, on which they can run their applications. EC2 provides scalable compute capacity in the cloud.
Real world Use-Case: Consider a scenario where a company needs additional computing resources for a new project. They can use Amazon EC2 to quickly provision virtual servers based on their specific requirements without the need to invest in physical hardware.
Clarifier: Amazon EC2 instances come in various types optimized for different use cases, offering a wide range of compute, memory, storage, and networking capabilities to meet diverse application requirements.
Elastic Computing Cloud (Infrastructure as a service)
Amazon EC2 is a fundamental AWS service that forms the backbone of many cloud-based applications.
It enables users to quickly scale compute resources up or down based on demand, providing flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficient resource utilization in cloud computing.
What are the main capabilities of AWS EC2?
How is the functionality of Amazon EC2 characterized in terms of capabilities?
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Explain the key features and capabilities that define Amazon EC2.
Summarize the overarching strengths of AWS EC2.
The main capabilities of AWS EC2 include:
- Scalability: EC2 enables users to scale compute capacity up or down based on demand, providing flexibility to handle varying workloads.
- Variety of Instance Types: EC2 offers a diverse range of instance types optimized for different use cases, including compute-optimized, memory-optimized, and storage-optimized instances.
- Customizable: Users can configure instances with specific CPU, memory, storage, and network capacities, tailoring resources to meet the requirements of their applications.
- Security: EC2 provides features like Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Security Groups, and key pairs to ensure secure and isolated computing environments.
- Load Balancing: EC2 instances can be used in conjunction with Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) to distribute incoming traffic across multiple instances for improved availability and fault tolerance.
Real world Use-Case: Consider an e-commerce website that experiences increased traffic during holiday seasons. AWS EC2 allows the company to seamlessly scale its compute resources to handle the surge in demand.
The versatility and customization options of EC2 make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from web hosting to complex data processing tasks.
EC2: “E” is for “Elastic” - it’s like a resizable, cloud-based computer
AWS EC2’s main capabilities revolve around providing a scalable, customizable, and secure computing environment.
Its flexibility and diverse instance types make it a cornerstone service for various cloud-based applications and workloads.
What is bootstrapping?
How is bootstrapping defined in the context of computing and software deployment?
Explain the purpose and process of bootstrapping.
Summarize the significance of bootstrapping in software development.
Answer: Bootstrapping refers to the process of initializing or loading the basic components of a system, often in the context of starting up a computer or launching software. It involves using a minimal set of instructions or code to bring a system to a functional state.
Real world Use-Case: Think of a computer booting up when you turn it on. During the bootstrapping process, the system loads essential components, enabling it to start running applications and performing tasks.
Clarifier: Bootstrapping is commonly used in software deployment, where a small and efficient piece of code, the bootstrap code, is responsible for setting up the environment and initiating the execution of more complex processes.
Bootstrapping is a foundational concept in computing, playing a crucial role in initializing systems and applications.
It ensures a smooth and organized start-up process, allowing systems to become operational and ready to execute more complex tasks.
What are different types of EC2 instances optimized for various use case
How does Amazon EC2 cater to diverse workloads through specialized instance types?
Explain the characteristics and purposes of different EC2 instance types
Summarize the flexibility offered by AWS EC2 through its instance variety.
Answer: AWS EC2 offers various instance types optimized for different use cases, including:
- Compute-Optimized Instances: Designed for compute-intensive workloads requiring high performance, such as batch processing and scientific modeling.
- Memory-Optimized Instances: Suited for memory-intensive applications, such as databases and in-memory caching, requiring large amounts of RAM.
- Storage-Optimized Instances: Ideal for storage-intensive tasks, like large-scale data warehouses and distributed file systems, with a focus on high-speed, low-latency storage.
- GPU Instances: Equipped with Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), these instances are tailored for tasks like machine learning, video rendering, and graphics processing.
- Accelerated Computing Instances: Combining powerful processors with specialized hardware accelerators, these instances are suitable for demanding workloads like machine learning inference.
Clarifier: AWS EC2’s diverse instance types allow users to choose the optimal configuration for their specific applications, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
The variety of EC2 instance types enables users to match their computing needs with the right resources, providing flexibility and efficiency for a wide range of workloads in the AWS cloud.
What do you understand by m5.2xlarge
m: instance class
5: generation
2xlarge: size within the instance class
m5.2xlarge is a specific instance type within the Amazon EC2 service. The “m5” indicates it belongs to the M5 family, optimized for general-purpose workloads. The “2xlarge” signifies the size, indicating that it has more resources compared to smaller variants in the M5 family.
The m5.2xlarge instance type is part of the M5 family, providing a combination of compute and memory resources.
It is well-suited for applications that require a balance of both and is commonly used for general-purpose workloads with moderate to high resource requirements.
What makes general-purpose EC2 instances significant?
How are general-purpose EC2 instances defined in terms of their significance in AWS?
Explain the key characteristics and use cases that make general-purpose EC2 instances significant.
Summarize the overall importance of general-purpose instances in the AWS ecosystem.
General-purpose EC2 instances are significant due to:
- Versatility:
These instances provide a balance of compute, memory, and networking resources, making them suitable for a wide range of applications and workloads. - Cost-Effectiveness:
General-purpose instances offer a cost-effective solution for workloads that do not have specialized requirements, allowing users to pay only for the resources they need. - Adaptability:
Well-suited for applications with varying resource demands, general-purpose instances can efficiently handle workloads that may change over time. - Ease of Use:
With their balanced configuration, general-purpose instances are easy to launch and manage, making them accessible for users with diverse requirements.
Real world Use-Case: Consider a development environment where developers work on different types of projects. General-purpose instances are ideal for this scenario, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
General-purpose EC2 instances serve as a foundational option for various workloads, striking a balance between performance, cost, and adaptability.
The significance of general-purpose EC2 instances lies in their ability to cater to a broad spectrum of workloads, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution for users with diverse computing needs on the AWS platform.
What are common applications that use Compute Optimized EC2 instances
How are Compute Optimized EC2 instances defined, and what applications are they well-suited for?
Clarifier: Explain the key characteristics and use cases for Compute Optimized EC2 instances.
Summarize the significance of Compute Optimized instances in supporting specific workloads.
Answer: Compute Optimized EC2 instances are well-suited for applications requiring high computational power and performance.
Common applications include:
- Batch Processing:
Compute Optimized instances excel at handling batch processing tasks, such as data analysis, rendering, and simulations, where parallel computation is essential. - Scientific Modeling:
For scientific applications that involve complex simulations, calculations, or modeling, Compute Optimized instances provide the necessary compute power. - High-Performance Computing (HPC):
HPC workloads, including scientific research, financial modeling, and engineering simulations, benefit from the enhanced compute capabilities of these instances. - Media Processing:
Applications dealing with video encoding, transcoding, and other media processing tasks can leverage Compute Optimized instances for efficient and fast processing.
Real world Use-Case: Imagine a research project that involves analyzing vast datasets to simulate climate patterns. Compute Optimized instances can accelerate the computations required for this scientific modeling.
Compute Optimized EC2 instances are tailored to deliver high computational performance, making them suitable for applications with demanding processing requirements.
Instances from this family start with ‘C’ like C6g, C6gn, C5, C5a, C5n, C4
Compute Optimized instances play a crucial role in supporting compute-intensive workloads, providing the necessary power and efficiency for applications such as batch processing, scientific modeling, high-performance computing, and media processing on the AWS platform.
What are common applications that use InMemory Optimized EC2 instances
How are InMemory Optimized EC2 instances defined, and what applications are they well-suited for?
Explain the key characteristics and use cases for InMemory Optimized EC2 instances.
Summarize the significance of InMemory Optimized instances in supporting specific workloads.
Answer: InMemory Optimized EC2 instances are well-suited for applications requiring high memory capacity and fast access to in-memory data. Common applications include:
- In-Memory Databases:
Instances like these are ideal for running in-memory databases, such as Redis or Memcached, where data is stored and processed in-memory for rapid access. - Big Data Processing:
InMemory Optimized instances are suitable for big data analytics workloads, including applications that require the fast processing of large datasets stored in-memory. - Real-Time Analytics:
Applications that demand real-time processing and analysis of streaming data benefit from the high memory capacity and low-latency access provided by InMemory Optimized instances. - SAP HANA:
InMemory Optimized instances are commonly used for hosting SAP HANA, an in-memory data platform, for high-performance analytics and data processing.
Real world Use-Case: Consider an e-commerce platform that needs to process and analyze customer behavior in real-time. InMemory Optimized instances enable quick access to large datasets for real-time analytics.
InMemory Optimized EC2 instances are designed to excel in scenarios where high memory capacity and fast in-memory data access are critical requirements.
InMemory Optimized instances play a vital role in supporting memory-intensive workloads, offering the necessary resources for applications like in-memory databases, big data processing, real-time analytics, and hosting platforms like SAP HANA on the AWS platform.
What are common applications that use Storage Optimized EC2 instances
How are Storage Optimized EC2 instances defined, and what applications are they well-suited for?
Explain the key characteristics and use cases for Storage Optimized EC2 instances.
Summarize the significance of Storage Optimized instances in supporting specific workloads.
Answer: Storage Optimized EC2 instances are well-suited for applications requiring high storage capacity and optimized I/O performance. Common applications include:
- Big Data Analytics:
Storage Optimized instances are ideal for processing and analyzing large datasets in big data applications, where storage and I/O performance are crucial. - NoSQL Databases:
Applications using NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB or Cassandra, benefit from the high storage capacity and low-latency I/O offered by Storage Optimized instances. - Data Warehousing:
For data warehousing solutions that require substantial storage for historical data and efficient data retrieval, Storage Optimized instances are a suitable choice. - Distributed File Systems:
Workloads that involve distributed file systems, like Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS), can leverage the storage capacity and performance of Storage Optimized instances.
Real world Use-Case: Imagine a data analytics platform that stores and analyzes vast amounts of historical data. Storage Optimized instances provide the necessary storage capacity and I/O performance for efficient data processing.
Storage Optimized EC2 instances play a key role in scenarios where high storage capacity and optimized I/O performance are critical requirements.
Storage Optimized instances are designed to support workloads with significant storage demands, providing the necessary resources for applications such as big data analytics, NoSQL databases,** data warehousing**, and distributed file systems on the AWS platform.
Provide analogy of a resort for relating to each of the instance types
Analogies for instances type offered by AWS for easy understanding.
General Purpose (e.g., m5.2xlarge):
- Imagine a versatile resort with a variety of amenities. It has swimming pools, tennis courts, and entertainment options, catering to a broad range of guests—families, solo travelers, and couples.
- This resort provides a balanced and flexible experience for different preferences and needs.
Compute Optimized (e.g., C5 instances):
- Picture a resort designed specifically for sports enthusiasts. It has state-of-the-art gyms, sports fields, and tracks.
- This resort caters to guests who prioritize high-performance activities, whether it’s intense workouts, sports competitions, or fitness training.
Memory Optimized (e.g., R5 instances):
- Envision a tranquil wellness retreat with spacious meditation halls, yoga studios, and relaxation areas.
- This resort is perfect for guests seeking a serene environment with ample space for mindfulness, meditation, and rejuvenation—a haven for those valuing memory and mental focus.
Storage Optimized (e.g., I3 instances):
- Think of a resort that specializes in preserving and showcasing unique artifacts. It has expansive museums, archives, and secure storage rooms to house valuable collections.
- This resort is tailored for guests who appreciate vast storage capacity and optimized spaces for preserving and retrieving important items.
InMemory Optimized (e.g., X1e instances):
- Envision an exquisite art gallery that showcases masterpieces in a bright, spacious environment. This gallery is designed for art connoisseurs who want to appreciate and access high-quality artwork quickly.
- An InMemory Optimized resort caters to guests who prioritize fast access to a large collection of valuable in-memory data.
These analogies highlight how different resorts cater to diverse preferences and needs, just as various EC2 instance types in AWS serve specific workloads and applications.
What are On-Demand Instances?
How are On-Demand Instances defined in the context of Amazon EC2?
Explain the purpose and characteristics of On-Demand Instances.
Summarize the significance of using On-Demand Instances in AWS.
Answer:
On-Demand Instances in Amazon EC2 are a pricing model where users pay for compute capacity by the hour or second with no upfront costs or long-term commitments.
On-Demand Instances provide flexibility and scalability, allowing users to launch and terminate instances as needed.
Real world Use-Case: Consider a startup testing a new application. On-Demand Instances offer the flexibility to scale resources up or down based on demand without any upfront investment or commitment.
On-Demand Instances are well-suited for dynamic workloads or short-term projects where users require instant access to compute capacity without the need for long-term commitments.
On-Demand Instances provide users with the flexibility to access compute capacity on demand, making them ideal for scenarios with variable workloads, unpredictable resource needs, or projects with short durations on the AWS cloud.
What are Reserved Instances?
How are Reserved Instances defined in the context of Amazon EC2?
Explain the purpose and characteristics of Reserved Instances.
Summarize the significance of using Reserved Instances in AWS.
Answer: Reserved Instances (RIs) in Amazon EC2 are a pricing model that allows users to reserve capacity in advance for a specific instance type in a particular AWS region. Users commit to a one- or three-year term, receiving a significant discount compared to On-Demand pricing.
Real world Use-Case: Imagine a company with stable and predictable computing needs. By purchasing Reserved Instances, they commit to a term, securing cost savings over the long run for their consistent workloads,
Reserved Instances offer substantial cost savings compared to On-Demand instances, making them suitable for applications with steady and predictable usage patterns.
Reserved Instances provide a cost-effective solution for users with predictable workloads, allowing them to commit to a term and enjoy discounted pricing while ensuring reserved capacity for their EC2 instances on the AWS cloud.
What are Savings Plans?
How are Savings Plans defined in the context of AWS cost optimization?
Explain the purpose and characteristics of Savings Plans.
Summarize the significance of using Savings Plans in AWS.
Answer: Savings Plans in AWS are a flexible and cost-effective pricing model that provides significant savings on compute usage compared to On-Demand pricing. Users commit to a consistent amount of usage (measured in $/hr) for a 1 or 3-year term, with the flexibility to change instance types or regions.
Real world Use-Case: Imagine a company with steady, predictable usage. By purchasing Savings Plans, they commit to a specific amount of usage, securing substantial cost savings over the term, while retaining flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
Savings Plans offer users a balance between significant cost savings and flexibility. Users can benefit from discounted pricing for their committed usage while maintaining the adaptability to change instance types and regions.
Savings Plans are a strategic cost optimization tool in AWS, allowing users to achieve substantial savings on compute usage by committing to a consistent amount of usage over a term. This model combines cost-effectiveness with adaptability, making it a valuable option for users with predictable workloads.
What are Spot Instances?
How are Spot Instances defined in the context of Amazon EC2?
Explain the purpose and characteristics of Spot Instances.
Summarize the significance of using Spot Instances in AWS.
Answer: Spot Instances in Amazon EC2 are a pricing model that allows users to bid for unused EC2 capacity at potentially lower costs than On-Demand instances. Users specify the maximum price they are willing to pay per hour, and if the current spot price is below that, the instance runs.
Real world Use-Case: Imagine a batch processing job that can be interrupted and resumed. Spot Instances are ideal for such workloads, **offering cost savings **while taking advantage of available capacity during low-demand periods.
Spot Instances are well-suited for workloads with flexible start and end times, enabling users to access cost-effective compute capacity when available.
Spot Instances provide users with an economical option to access spare EC2 capacity. While offering significant cost savings, they are best suited for fault-tolerant and flexible workloads that can handle potential interruptions on the AWS cloud.
What are Dedicated Hosts?
How are Dedicated Hosts defined in the context of Amazon EC2?
Explain the purpose and characteristics of Dedicated Hosts.
Summarize the significance of using Dedicated Hosts in AWS.
Answer: Dedicated Hosts in Amazon EC2 are physical servers with EC2 instance capacity fully dedicated to a single AWS account. Users have control over the placement of instances on a Dedicated Host, allowing for better visibility and control over the underlying infrastructure.
Real world Use-Case: Consider an organization with specific compliance requirements or licensing constraints. Dedicated Hosts provide isolation and control over physical resources, meeting compliance needs and allowing for software licensing flexibility.
Dedicated Hosts are ideal for scenarios where users need to meet regulatory or licensing requirements that mandate physical isolation. They offer greater control and visibility into the infrastructure supporting EC2 instances.
Dedicated Hosts offer a dedicated and isolated environment for EC2 instances, providing users with control over the physical resources.
This is valuable for meeting compliance requirements, optimizing licensing costs, and ensuring resource isolation on the AWS cloud.
