AWS EC2 Essentials: Launching u0026 Managing Instances Quiz Quiz

Explore the fundamentals of launching and managing EC2 instances with this beginner-friendly quiz. Perfect for users seeking to understand key features, essential settings, and operational best practices for EC2 instance deployment and management.

1. Selecting the Right EC2 Instance Type

   Which factor is most important to consider when selecting an EC2 instance type for a resource-intensive web application?

   1. The color of the dashboard
   2. CPU and Memory requirements
   3. The server's physical location
   4. Weekly billing cycle

   Explanation: Choosing an EC2 instance type should primarily depend on the needed CPU and memory resources for your application. Physical location affects latency but doesn't directly relate to instance type. The color of the dashboard is purely cosmetic and irrelevant. EC2 pricing is generally hourly or per-second, not set to a weekly cycle.

2. Purpose of Amazon Machine Images

   What is the primary purpose of an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) when launching a new EC2 instance?

   1. To store user access logs
   2. To provide the operating system and pre-installed software
   3. To increase network bandwidth
   4. To organize security groups

   Explanation: An AMI acts as a template that contains the operating system and any pre-installed software needed for your instance. Access logs and security settings are managed elsewhere. AMIs do not impact network bandwidth.

3. Role of Security Groups

   Which best describes the function of a security group when launching an EC2 instance?

   1. Backs up data stored on instances
   2. Automatically updates operating systems
   3. Increases CPU performance
   4. Acts as a virtual firewall controlling inbound and outbound traffic

   Explanation: Security groups function as virtual firewalls, controlling allowed traffic. They do not perform backups or software updates, nor do they influence CPU performance. Their main role is network security.

4. EC2 Instance States

   When you stop an EC2 instance, which of the following is true?

   1. The instance doubles its memory
   2. You are not charged for instance compute while it's stopped
   3. The instance’s data is automatically deleted
   4. The instance IP address remains permanently assigned

   Explanation: Stopping an instance means you are no longer billed for compute resources, though storage costs still apply. Data on attached volumes generally persists unless deleted. IP addresses may change unless it's an Elastic IP. Stopping an instance does not increase memory.

5. Attaching Volumes to EC2 Instances

   If you need extra storage space for an existing EC2 instance, what should you do?

   1. Attach a new storage volume
   2. Clone the security group
   3. Change the instance’s type
   4. Reset the instance password

   Explanation: Attaching a new storage volume directly provides more storage. Changing the type might improve performance but doesn't add space. Resetting passwords and cloning security groups do not affect storage capacity.

6. Utility of Key Pairs

   When launching a Linux-based EC2 instance, why is a key pair required?

   1. It enables secure SSH access to the instance
   2. It automatically installs updates
   3. It increases network speed
   4. It reduces storage costs

   Explanation: A key pair is used to securely connect via SSH to a Linux instance. It does not affect networking, cost, or automate updates. The main function is authentication and secure access.

7. Purpose of Elastic IP Addresses

   What is the main advantage of using an Elastic IP address with an EC2 instance?

   1. It doubles the instance speed
   2. It allows persistent public IP assignment after reboot
   3. It automatically encrypts all data
   4. It disables all incoming HTTP traffic

   Explanation: Elastic IP addresses provide a persistent public address for your instance, even after reboot or stop/start. They don’t affect speed, do not encrypt data, and are unrelated to traffic filtering.

8. Launching with User Data Scripts

   Why might you include a user data script when launching an EC2 instance?

   1. To shorten instance boot time
   2. To reduce instance cost by 50%
   3. To automatically configure software or settings at launch
   4. To guarantee zero downtime

   Explanation: User data scripts allow automated setup, such as installing software, during the initial launch. They do not ensure faster boot time, lower costs, or guarantee no downtime. Their role is automation at launch.

9. Terminating an EC2 Instance

   What happens to the data stored on the instance store (ephemeral storage) when you terminate an EC2 instance?

   1. It is moved to a new instance
   2. It is encrypted and archived
   3. It is lost permanently
   4. It is automatically backed up

   Explanation: Data on instance store is ephemeral and is lost when the instance is terminated. It is not backed up, moved, or archived automatically. To retain important data, use persistent storage solutions.

10. Monitoring EC2 Instances

    Which tool provides basic CPU, disk, and network metric monitoring for EC2 instances?

    1. Private DNS resolver
    2. Shared Gateway Handler
    3. Basic monitoring dashboard
    4. Elastic Load Storage

    Explanation: A basic monitoring dashboard shows essential performance metrics like CPU, disk, and network statistics. The other options either don't exist or are unrelated to EC2 instance monitoring. Proper monitoring helps track and troubleshoot system health.