Challenge your knowledge of Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) and Snapshots with these easy questions covering key features, use cases, and best practices. Understand how AMIs and Snapshots are managed, shared, and restored to enhance your cloud computing skills.
Which of the following is a core component stored in an Amazon Machine Image (AMI)?
Explanation: The operating system is a fundamental component of an Amazon Machine Image, defining the environment for instances launched from the AMI. Internet browser history and user desktop settings are not stored within an AMI. The host IP address refers to instance-specific networking and is not part of the AMI‘s contents.
What does a snapshot create a backup of in a cloud environment scenario?
Explanation: A snapshot is a backup of a block storage volume, capturing its state for future restoration. Network gateways, application logs, and database credentials are not directly saved by a snapshot. Only the data stored on the block storage volume is preserved.
When launching a new instance using an AMI, what is the primary benefit?
Explanation: Launching from an AMI ensures each new instance has an identical configuration. Faster network speed and lower hardware costs are unrelated to how AMIs work. AMIs do not automatically create backups unless specifically set up.
Which option allows a user to make an AMI available to other accounts or users?
Explanation: Sharing an AMI enables other users or accounts to access and launch instances from it. Exporting an instance, attaching a snapshot, or cloning a disk are different processes and do not directly allow AMI sharing.
If you create a snapshot from an encrypted block storage volume, what is true about the snapshot?
Explanation: Snapshots made from encrypted volumes retain encryption for security. Snapshots do not lose data or become unencrypted by default, and they are not deleted automatically after creation. Encryption persists to help protect your data.
What step is commonly required before creating an AMI from a running server?
Explanation: Stopping or rebooting a server ensures data consistency in the new AMI. Installing a new processor, changing account permissions, or upgrading networks are not typical prerequisites for AMI creation. A clean system state during the snapshot is important.
What is the main purpose of restoring a volume from a snapshot?
Explanation: Restoring from a snapshot lets users return a volume to a previous data condition. Neither internet speed nor hardware upgrades are performed by restoring a snapshot, and enabling multi-user sign-in is unrelated to this process.
If you mark an AMI as private, who can use it to launch instances?
Explanation: A private AMI is restricted so only your account can launch instances from it. It is not accessible to all users globally, others in your network, or anyone with just a link unless shared explicitly. Privacy ensures limited access.
Which is a typical reason to retain multiple snapshots of a volume over time?
Explanation: Retaining multiple snapshots allows for data versioning, granting the ability to recover specific states. Keeping snapshots does not enhance internet speed, shrink storage usage, or speed up the CPU. Versioning helps with backup management.
How can you ensure that a custom AMI includes the latest software updates?
Explanation: By updating the instance prior to creating the AMI, you ensure the image contains the latest software and patches. Renaming snapshots, increasing instance size, or deleting old backups do not update the content captured in the AMI.