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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most popular cloud computing platforms, and its Free Tier is an excellent opportunity to explore its services without worrying about upfront costs. If you've always wanted to learn about AWS but didn’t know where to start, this article is for you.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to create your free account, what the Free Tier includes, and how to make the most of it while avoiding billing surprises.
What is the AWS Free Tier?
The AWS Free Tier is an offering designed to let new users explore AWS services for free, with certain limits. It's ideal for learning, experimenting, and building small projects.
What does the Free Tier include?
AWS divides the Free Tier into three main categories:
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Free for 12 months
Includes services like:- 750 hours of Amazon EC2 (t2.micro instances) per month.
- 5 GB of storage in Amazon S3.
- 750 hours of Amazon RDS (relational databases).
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Always free
Some services are permanently free with specific limits:- 1 million requests per month in AWS Lambda.
- 25 GB of storage in DynamoDB.
Limited-time free trials
Premium services like SageMaker or Redshift offer free trials for 30 days or more.
💡 Note: Be sure to review the Free Tier limits to avoid additional charges, as these may change.
Learn more about the Free Tier here.
Steps to create your free AWS account
Creating a free AWS account is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Visit the AWS website
Go to aws.amazon.com/free to get started. Here, you’ll find an overview of the Free Tier and a button to sign up.
2. Complete the registration form
Provide basic information, such as:
- Email address: Make sure it’s one you have access to.
- Username and password: Create secure credentials.
3. Set up billing details
AWS requires a credit or debit card as a security measure. Don’t worry—no charges will be made as long as you stay within the Free Tier limits.
💡 Tip: You can set up budget alerts to monitor your costs. I’ll explain how to do this later.
4. Phone verification
AWS will verify your account by sending you a code via text message or phone call.
5. Select a plan
Choose the free plan during registration. Although AWS displays advanced options, you can change them later if needed.
6. Access the AWS Console
Once your account is active, you can access the AWS Console, where you’ll manage all your services.
And that's it! Your free account is set up.
Why take advantage of the Free Tier?
Risk-free learning
It’s the perfect way to familiarize yourself with AWS without spending money. You can learn about key services like EC2, S3, and RDS while building your skills.
Quick prototyping
If you have an idea for an application or website, the Free Tier allows you to create a functional prototype without significant investment.
Explore advanced services
Interested in machine learning or data analytics? AWS lets you try tools like SageMaker and QuickSight.
Conclusion
The AWS Free Tier is an ideal gateway to exploring the cloud and its possibilities. From basic services like EC2 and S3 to advanced tools, you have everything you need to start learning and building.
Take advantage of this opportunity to experiment and develop your AWS skills. Remember to manage your resources carefully to avoid unexpected costs, and don’t hesitate to try different services.
Ready to start your cloud journey? Share your experiences or questions in the comments! 🚀
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