Day 4: Introduction to AWS: Account Setup and IAM Basics

Back for more? In Day 3, we built Docker images locally. Today, we shift to AWS: setting up an account and understanding IAM for secure access. This is crucial for ECS.

Step 1: Sign Up for AWS

1. Go to aws.amazon.com and click "Create an AWS Account."
2. Enter email, password, and account name.
3. Provide billing info (Free Tier eligible for 12 months).
4. Verify identity via phone/email.
5. Choose support plan (Basic is free).

Enable MFA on root user for security.

Step 2: AWS Regions and Billing

AWS has global regions—choose one close to you (e.g., us-east-1). Set up billing alerts: Navigate to Billing > Billing preferences > Alert preferences.

Step 3: IAM Basics

IAM (Identity and Access Management) controls access.

1. In AWS Console, search for IAM.
2. Create a user: Users > Create user > Attach policies (e.g., AdministratorAccess for learning).
3. Create a access key ID and secret (for CLI). Select User > Security Credentials > Create access key.

Install AWS CLI: curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip" -o "awscliv2.zip" (or equivalent), unzip, install.

Configure: aws configure with keys, region (e.g., us-west-2), output (json).

Best practice: Use least privilege—create roles/policies as needed.

Today’s Takeaway

Your AWS account is ready, with secure IAM setup. Tomorrow, ECR for image storage.

What’s Next?
In Day 5, we’ll create and manage an AWS ECR repository.