Week 2: Exploring Compute Services – EC2, Containers, and Server-less Technologies

During Week 2, I was introduced to the fundamentals of cloud computing on AWS, focusing on compute services. I began with Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), which offers scalable compute capacity in the cloud. The EC2 architecture provides flexibility, enabling users to operate virtual servers tailored to specific workloads.

This module also explored the differences between containers and virtual machines (VMs). Containers, utilizing AWS’s container services, provide lightweight, isolated environments ideal for microservices. Unlike VMs, containers do not require a full operating system, which reduces overhead and accelerates deployment.

I also explored serverless computing through AWS Lambda. Serverless computing allows code to run in response to events without the need to manage servers, presenting a cost-effective solution for certain tasks. I found this approach particularly intriguing for event-driven applications where resources only need to be active intermittently.

Networking concepts, including Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), offered insights into securely connecting cloud resources. VPCs create isolated networks within AWS, providing control over IP ranges, subnets, and network security.