Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Free Tier Account Set up

Creating an AWS account is the first step to access these powerful tools. Once your account is set up, you'll be able to use AWS's vast range of services, making it easier to manage and scale applications.

In this article, you'll learn the process of setting up your AWS account and logging into the AWS Management Console for the first time.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

• Email address: You’ll need a valid email address to create an AWS account.
• Credit card or debit card: AWS requires a credit or debit card for identity verification purposes, although the Free Tier usage is free.

Eligibility for the AWS Free Tier

The AWS Free Tier offers limited access to various AWS services for new AWS customers to explore and try out the platform at no cost for a specified period. Eligibility criteria for the free tier include:

• New AWS Customers: Anyone who signs up for an AWS account for the first time.
• Limited Time: The Free Tier is available for 12 months after sign-up and varies by service. Some services have ongoing free tiers beyond the first year.
• Usage Limits: Each service within the Free Tier has usage limits. As long as your usage stays within these limits, you won't incur any charges.
• Service-Specific Limits: Different services have different usage limits. For example, Amazon EC2 provides a certain number of hours of compute time, while Amazon S3 offers a limited amount of storage.
• Geographic Availability: The Free Tier is available worldwide, but certain services or features might not be available in all regions.
• Payment Method: You must have a valid payment method on file when signing up. However, you won't be charged unless you exceed the Free Tier limits.
• Account Verification: You need to verify your identity to access the Free Tier.
• Educational Institutions: Students and educators can also access the AWS Educate program, which provides additional benefits and credits for learning purposes.

Steps to Create an AWS Free Tier Account

Follow the below steps to create an AWS Free Tier Account:

Step 1: Visit the AWS Free Tier Sign-Up Page

To get started, go to the official AWS website. Click on "Create Free Account" button to begin the sign-up process.

Step 2: Create an AWS Account

• Enter Your Email and Account Name: You’ll need to provide your email address and choose a unique AWS account name.
• Verify Your Email: AWS will send a verification code to your email address. Enter this code on the sign-up page to confirm your email.
• Click "Verify Email Address": After entering the code, click on "Verify Email Address" to move to the next step.

Step 3: Set the Root User Password

• Create a Password: Choose a strong password for your root user account. This is the account with full access to all AWS resources.
• Confirm the Password: Re-enter the password to confirm.
• Click "Continue (Step 1 of 5)": Once you’ve set the password, click on "Continue" to proceed.

Step 4: Select Account Type

• Choose "Personal": Since you are creating the account for your own use, select "Personal - for your own projects."
• Enter Your Personal Information: Fill in details like your full name, contact number, country, and address.
• Click "Continue (Step 2 of 5)": After entering your information, click on "Continue."

Step 5: Billing Information

• Enter billing details.
• Click "Verify and Continue".

Step 6: Verify Your Identity

• Choose Your Verification Method: AWS will ask you to confirm your identity using your mobile number or email.
• Enter the Verification Code: AWS will send a verification code to your chosen method (mobile or email). Enter the code on the verification page.
• Click "Continue": Once your identity is verified, click "Continue" to proceed.

Step 6: Select a Support Plan

• Choose "Basic Support - Free": Select the free support plan offered by AWS. This plan provides access to basic support resources, and it’s perfect for beginners.
• Click "Continue": After selecting the support plan, click "Continue."

Step 7: Confirm Your Account

• Complete the Setup: Once you’ve gone through all the steps, your AWS account is successfully created.
• Ready to Use: You can now log in to your AWS account and start using the Free Tier services.

Enter your email address and previously-configured password.

Benefits of AWS Free tier Account

• Hands-On Experience: Users can experience cloud services firsthand in a risk-free and realistic setting with the AWS Free Tier. This is very helpful for people who are just learning about AWS and cloud computing.
• Cost-Efficient Learning: New users can expose to new services of AWS with out thinking about the cost. Which makes it cost efficient.
• Wide Range of Services: AWS offers wide range of services where a new user can explore different services can experience the real use of cloud computing.
• Scalability Testing: Users can test there applications by deploying it in AWS. They can test the application in different environments and in different conditions.
• Hosting Small Applications: Small applications can hosted on AWS for free as long as they adhere to the Free Tier usage restrictions.

Applications of AWS Free Tier Limit

Following are the some of the applications of AWS free tier limit.

• Learning and Training: Students and the professionals who are new to AWS can learn using AWS free tier. Through practical experience with cloud services, it enables users to investigate and comprehend AWS services, infrastructure, and best practices.
• Development and Testing: Developers can use AWS free tier account to test there application in different environments with out incurring cost.
• Startup and MVP Development: The AWS Free Tier is a useful tool for startups and entrepreneurs to create early-stage prototypes or minimal viable products (MVPs).
• Technical Certifications: The students who want to attend aws solution architect associate exam can use AWS free tier account full fledged to prepare for the exam.

Conclusion

The AWS Free Tier Account is a great way for new users to explore and experiment with AWS services at no cost for the first 12 months. It provides access to a wide range of services like EC2, S3, and RDS, allowing you to learn, test, and build applications without worrying about charges.

The Free Tier is perfect for students, startups, and developers who want to gain hands-on experience in cloud computing. After the 12 months, services are charged at standard rates, but you can manage usage to avoid unexpected costs.

The AWS Free Tier is an ideal starting point to dive into AWS and grow your cloud skills.