Before diving into the world of cloud computing with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the first step is to create your own AWS account. Having an active account will allow you to explore and use a wide range of AWS services, from compute and storage to machine learning and serverless applications.


Creating an AWS Account - Quillora
Creating an AWS Account - Quillora

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an AWS Account

Follow these simple steps to get started with AWS:

1. Visit the AWS Website

Head over to the AWS website and click on the “Create an AWS Account” button, usually located in the top-right corner of the homepage.

2. Enter Your Basic Information

You'll be prompted to enter your email address and choose an account name. This will serve as your AWS root account, so make sure to use a valid email address that you have access to. AWS will use this to communicate account-related information.

3. Set Up a Secure Password

Next, create a strong password for your AWS account. Make sure your password is unique and secure, following best practices like including numbers, symbols, and both upper and lower-case letters.

4. Choose the Account Type

You’ll need to select whether your account is for personal or business use. For most users, personal is sufficient, but if you're setting this up for a company, select business.

5. Provide Contact Information

AWS will ask for additional contact information like your name, address, and phone number. Make sure the details you provide are accurate, especially if you’re using this account for professional purposes.

6. Payment Information

To access AWS services, you need to provide payment information, such as a credit card. AWS offers a Free Tier for new users, giving you access to many of its services at no cost for the first 12 months. However, it's important to add payment details to cover any charges beyond the free tier.

7. Identity Verification

AWS will ask you to verify your identity by providing a phone number. After submitting your number, you will receive a call or SMS with a verification code that you must enter to proceed.

8. Select a Support Plan

AWS offers several support plans ranging from basic (free) to enterprise-level options. For most beginners, the Basic Support Plan is sufficient. You can always upgrade later if you need more advanced support.

9. Complete Registration

After selecting your support plan, AWS will finalize your registration. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your account is successfully set up.

10. Sign in to the AWS Management Console

Once your account is activated, you can log in to the AWS Management Console using your email address and password. This is your central hub for managing all AWS services and resources.


Using the AWS Free Tier

When you first create an AWS account, you’re eligible for the AWS Free Tier, which provides limited access to AWS services at no cost for 12 months. Some popular services available under the free tier include:

  • Amazon EC2: 750 hours of virtual machine usage per month.
  • Amazon S3: 5GB of standard storage.
  • Amazon RDS: 750 hours of database instance usage.
  • AWS Lambda: 1 million free requests per month.

This free tier is a great way to experiment and learn AWS without incurring charges, but always monitor your usage to ensure you don’t exceed the free limits.


Next Steps

Now that you’ve created your AWS account, you’re ready to explore the powerful tools and services that AWS offers. Whether you're building your first cloud application, setting up a database, or experimenting with machine learning, having an AWS account is your gateway to countless possibilities.