# EC2 Basics — AWS

Source: https://www.geekswithgeeks.com/en/aws/aws-ec2-basics

> Virtual servers you rent by the hour or second.

## What is an EC2 instance

**EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud)** gives you a virtual server — an **instance** — with CPU, memory, storage, and networking, running in minutes without buying physical hardware.

## Launching one, conceptually

Launching an instance means choosing an **AMI** (a template OS + software image), an instance type (CPU/RAM size), storage, a network (VPC/subnet), and a **key pair** for SSH access.

## Renting a car, not buying one

An EC2 instance is like renting a car from a lot full of models: pick the size you need today, use it, and return it (terminate it) when done — no garage, no maintenance.