Step 1 — Log into AWS
Go to aws.amazon.com and sign in to your account. Once inside, you land on the AWS Console — the dashboard for all AWS services.
Step 2 — Find EC2
EC2 is the service that gives you virtual servers.
In the search bar at the top → type "EC2" → click it Then click the orange "Launch Instance" button
Step 3 — Configure Your Server
You'll fill in several settings:
Name your server:
Name: Docker-Server (or whatever you want)
Choose your OS (AMI):
Select: Ubuntu Version: Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS (recommended) Architecture: 64-bit (x86)
Choose your size (Instance Type):
`t2.micro = free tier eligible, good for learning t2.small = a bit more power t2.medium = for heavier workloads
→ For learning Docker, t2.micro is perfectly fine`
Create a Key Pair (your server key):
`Click "Create new key pair" Name it: my-docker-key Type: RSA Format: .pem (for Mac/Linux) or .ppk (for PuTTY on Windows) Click "Create key pair"
→ It automatically downloads to your computer → SAVE THIS FILE. You cannot get it again. → Put it somewhere safe — your Desktop or Documents`
Network Settings: