Amazon Linux: The Optimized Operating System for AWS
Overview of Amazon Linux
- Introduction to Amazon Linux: Amazon Linux is a Linux distribution developed and maintained by AWS. It is a derivative of the Fedora distribution, optimized for running on AWS infrastructure.
- Reasons for Creating Amazon Linux: AWS created Amazon Linux to have an operating system that is highly optimized for the AWS hardware, software, and services. This includes optimizations for EC2 instance types, security, maintenance, and integration with other AWS services.
Key Features and Benefits of Amazon Linux
- Optimization for AWS: Amazon Linux is the default operating system used when launching EC2 instances without specifying another option. It is tailored to the specific hardware and software configurations of AWS.
- Security-focused: AWS continuously reviews security vulnerabilities (CVEs) and releases patches as quickly as possible. Amazon Linux also includes security features like SELinux and kernel live patching.
- Simple Maintenance: Amazon Linux offers bi-weekly security updates and a predictable maintenance schedule, with the option to lock repositories to a specific release version.
- Open-source and Cost-effective: Amazon Linux is open-source and available at no additional cost beyond the EC2 instance charges.
- Fedora-based with Customizations: While Amazon Linux is Fedora-based, AWS makes customizations to match their specific needs and release cycles.
Migrating to Amazon Linux 2023
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Challenges and Lessons Learned: Nick Barber from Genesis Cloud shared their experience migrating from Amazon Linux 2 to Amazon Linux 2023. Key lessons include:
- Importance of an automated pipeline for testing and verification
- Understanding the impact of changes, especially related to compliance requirements like FIPS
- Keeping dependencies and libraries up-to-date
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Amazon Linux 2023 Road Map:
- Extended support for Amazon Linux 2 until June 30, 2026
- Standard support for Amazon Linux 2023 until June 30, 2027, followed by 2 years of maintenance support
- Ongoing addition of popular requested packages to the Amazon Linux 2023 distribution
- FIPS 140-3 compliance for the cryptographic modules in Amazon Linux 2023
Conclusion
Amazon Linux is a highly optimized and secure operating system for running workloads on AWS. The latest version, Amazon Linux 2023, offers numerous benefits and a clear road map for future support and enhancements. Customers are encouraged to migrate to Amazon Linux 2023 to take advantage of the latest features and security improvements.