Alestic.com - A Personal AWS Blog by Eric Hammond

At SCALE 8x (Southern California Linux Expo, Feb 2010) I did a walkthrough demonstrating how to use the AWS console to run, connect to, and terminate your first Ubuntu server on Amazon EC2.

Though they do not include my talking points or the Q&A discussion during and following the session, you can download my slides and workshop handout:

http://cdn.anvilon.com/20100220-scale/scale8x-ec2.pdf

http://cdn.anvilon.com/20100220-scale/scale8x-steps.pdf

Notes:

• These slides were not created for use outside of the workshop, so they are not complete in themselves. I am making them available for the workshop participants who may wish to refer to them to refresh their memory on what was discussed.

• The instructions talk about removing the private ssh key at the end. This would not be done in a normal secure environment.

• This demo used a temporary Ubuntu AMI which had wikimedia installed. This AMI is not designed for use in production systems as it includes a known wikimedia admin password.

• This AMI is subject to being deleted at any time without notice. Did I mention you should not use it in a production system?

Matthew Sacks, of The BitSource, made the mistake of asking me some questions about Amazon EC2, so I rambled on far too long and the results are posted on the SCALE blog:

SCALE: Eric Hammond on Deploying Linux on EC2

In addition to some high level concepts, I point out that Ubuntu is, at the moment, the best choice for a Linux distro on EC2 if you want up-to-date images with modern, consistent kernels.

The 8th Southern California Linux Expo (aka SCaLE 8x) is a community organized, non-profit event. Those words and the incredibly cheap price might lead you to believe that it is not worth going to, but if this is your first time you’ll be amazed by the size, scope, and professionalism of the event with nearly a hundred exhibits and dozens of informative talks.

Even though you’re not paying hundreds of dollars for the conference fee, it’s still worth traveling to if you’re not in Los Angeles. If you are in LA, then you have no excuse.

Just like last year at SCaLE, I will be leading another “Try-It Lab” where we’ll help folks get started with using Amazon EC2 and Ubuntu Linux. More information about preparation will be posted on the SCaLE blog, so be sure to review it before attending if you’re interested in a hands-on, guided, workshop experience with EC2. The lab seats “sold out” quickly last year, so make sure you get in early.

Deal for readers of Alestic.com: When you register for SCaLE, use the code “ERIC” for 50% off of the listed price. If you sign up today, that gives you a full access pass for a ridiculously low $35. Prices may go up as the weekend gets closer.

[Upate 2010-02-16: Link to preparation instructions on SCALE blog]