If you’re looking to deploy a reliable, secure, and cost-effective Linux distribution on Amazon Web Services (AWS), CentOS Linux is a top contender. Known for its stability and enterprise-grade performance, CentOS is widely used for web servers, application hosting, and cloud infrastructure.
Step-by-Step: Deploying CentOS AMIs on AWS
1. Log into AWS Console
Start by accessing your AWS Management Console. Navigate to EC2 and click “Launch Instance.”
2. Choose a CentOS AMI
Search for CentOS linux in the AWS Marketplace. You’ll find versions like CentOS 7 and CentOS 8. Select the one that suits your workload.
3. Select Instance Type
Choose an instance type based on your needs. For testing, a t3.micro works well. For production, consider m5.large or higher.
4. Configure Instance Details
Set up networking and IAM roles, and enable monitoring. Assign a public IP if you need SSH access.
5. Add Storage
CentOS typically requires 8 GB or more. Adjust based on your application’s data needs.
6. Set Up Security Groups
Allow essential ports like SSH (22), HTTP (80), and HTTPS (443). Restrict access to trusted IPs for better security.
7. Launch and Connect
Review your settings and launch the instance. Use your private key to SSH into the server:
bash
ssh -i "your-key.pem" centos@your-ec2-public-ip
Post-Deployment Configuration
With Cloud Gigabits, launching CentOS AMIs on AWS becomes even easier—thanks to pre-configured images, 1-click installs, and optimized performance settings.
Once your CentOS instance is live, it’s time to fine-tune it.
Update System Packages
bash
sudo yum update -y
Configure Firewall
Enable and configure firewalld:
bash
sudo systemctl start firewalld
sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=http --permanent
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
Install Monitoring Tools
Use htop,iotop or install AWS CloudWatch agents for performance tracking.
Deploy Your Stack
CentOS supports LAMP, Node.js, Python, and more. Use yum or dnf to install packages.
CentOS vs. Oracle Linux on AWS
While CentOS is a solid choice, Oracle Linux Server offers enterprise-grade features that might suit more demanding workloads.
Key Differences:
| Feature | CentOS Linux | Oracle Linux Server |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free (with optional support) |
| Kernel | Red Hat Compatible | Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) |
| Live Patching | Manual | Ksplice (automated) |
| AWS Marketplace | Available | Available |
Oracle Linux on AWS is ideal for businesses needing high availability, zero-downtime updates, and advanced performance tuning.
SEO Strategy for Cloud Deployments
To boost your visibility, make sure your content includes:
- Keywords like Oracle Linux, Oracle Linux Server, and Oracle Linux on AWS
- Internal links to relevant pages on Cloud Gigabits
- Structured formatting with headers, bullet points, and tables
- Optimized meta descriptions and alt text for images
Final Thoughts
Deploying CentOS Linux on AWS is a smart move for developers and businesses alike. It’s secure, stable, and cost-effective—especially when paired with Cloud Gigabits’ optimized AMIs and deployment tools.
And if you’re scaling up or need enterprise-grade features, Oracle Linux Server on AWS is a powerful alternative worth exploring.