Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) in AWS - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is an Amazon Machine Image (AMI)?

An AMI is a template that contains the information needed to launch a virtual server (EC2 instance) in AWS. It includes the operating system, application server, and applications.

beginner

How does an AMI help in launching EC2 instances?

An AMI provides the base configuration for an EC2 instance, so when you launch an instance, it uses the AMI to know what software and settings to start with.

intermediate

Can you modify an AMI after it is created?

No, AMIs are immutable. To change the configuration, you launch an instance from the AMI, make changes, and then create a new AMI from that instance.

beginner

What are the main types of AMIs?

There are three main types: 1) AWS provided AMIs, 2) Marketplace AMIs from third parties, and 3) Custom AMIs created by users.

beginner

Why is it important to choose the right AMI when launching an EC2 instance?

Choosing the right AMI ensures your instance has the correct operating system, software, and security settings, which saves time and avoids configuration errors.

What does an AMI include when launching an EC2 instance?

A Only the application data

B Only the operating system

C Operating system, application server, and applications

D Network settings only

An AMI includes the operating system, application server, and applications needed to launch an EC2 instance.

Can you directly edit an existing AMI?

A Only if the AMI is from Marketplace

B Yes, AMIs are editable anytime

C Only if the AMI is AWS provided

D No, you must create a new AMI from an instance

AMIs are immutable; to change them, you create a new AMI from a modified instance.

Which type of AMI is created by users from their own instances?

A Custom AMIs

B Marketplace AMIs

C Public AMIs

D AWS provided AMIs

Custom AMIs are created by users from their own configured instances.

Why should you select the correct AMI before launching an EC2 instance?

A To reduce network traffic

B To ensure the instance has the right software and settings

C To increase storage size automatically

D To avoid paying for the instance

Selecting the correct AMI ensures the instance starts with the needed software and configuration.

What is the main purpose of an AMI in AWS?

A To provide a launch template for EC2 instances

B To manage user permissions

C To store data backups

D To monitor network traffic

An AMI acts as a template to launch EC2 instances with predefined settings.

Explain what an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) is and why it is important in AWS.

Think of AMI as a recipe for baking a cake, where the cake is your EC2 instance.

Describe the process to update the software on an AMI.

You cannot change the recipe directly; you bake a new cake with changes and save that as a new recipe.