How to create a virtual machine using Lightsail in AWS

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AWS offers a tool for streamlining VM deployment called Lightsail. With Lightsail, an SMB can create an inexpensive functional VM server with just a few mouse clicks.

While Amazon Web Services (AWS) is well-established as a leader in providing enterprise-level cloud services to organizations all around the world, the suite of available services offered by AWS also includes tools specifically designed for small businesses. These SMB-sized cloud services are often simpler to use but are still potentially powerful tools for driving growth.

One of the primary use cases for cloud services is the establishment of virtual machines (VMs). AWS offers a full array of VM servers and application stacks that could overwhelm an inexperienced small business owner. However, AWS also offers a streamlined VM creation tool called Lightsail, where the creation and deployment of a fully functional VM, complete with appropriate user-chosen application, is only a few clicks of the mouse away.

This tutorial shows you how to create a virtual machine in AWS using the Lightsail tool.

Lightsail basics

Besides streamlining the technical process of creating and deploying a VM, Lightsail also streamlines the cost. The smallest Lightsail VM can be deployed for $3.50 per month. A VM with average specifications under Lightsail will cost about $20 per month with up to 4TB of data transfer.

Available Lightsail services include web apps, websites, test environments, managed environments, and storage. One-click applications with the tool include WordPress, Ubuntu Linux, Windows Server, Drupal, and Node.js, among others. A Lightsail-produced VM can always be upgraded to full-fledged Amazon EC2 at the click of a mouse.

How to create a virtual machine in AWS using Lightsail

To create a VM using Lightsail, log on to AWS with administrator credentials, and navigate through the list of services to find the Lightsail link and click it.

Also see

• How to create and deploy a virtual machine in Microsoft Azure (TechRepublic)
• How to create an administrator IAM user and group in AWS (TechRepublic)
• How to set up multi-factor authentication for an IAM user in AWS (TechRepublic)
• How to create an access key for the root user in AWS (TechRepublic)
• How to build a successful career as a DevOps engineer (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
• Serverless computing: A guide for IT leaders (TechRepublic Premium)
• Amazon AWS: Complete business guide to the world’s largest provider of cloud services (ZDNet)
• AWS rolls out new instance sizes, price reductions for Lightsail (ZDNet)
• Best cloud services for small businesses (CNET)
• Cloud computing: More must-read coverage (TechRepublic on Flipboard)