How to Set Up AWS EC2 Ubuntu Server with Apache2 Using Free Tier

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a powerful EC2 Free Tier that allows developers and beginners to deploy servers at zero cost. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up an AWS EC2 Ubuntu server with Apache2 step by step.

What Is AWS EC2?

Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) is a scalable cloud service that allows you to run virtual servers called instances. These instances can host websites, APIs, and applications.

AWS Free Tier Eligibility

• 750 hours per month of t2.micro or t3.micro instance
• Ubuntu Server supported
• Free for 12 months from account creation

Prerequisites

• An AWS account
• Basic Linux knowledge
• SSH client (Terminal or PuTTY)
• Internet connection

Step 1: Create an AWS Account

Visit https://aws.amazon.com and sign up using your email, phone number, and credit card. AWS will not charge you if you stay within Free Tier limits.

Step 2: Launch an EC2 Ubuntu Instance

Select AMI

Choose Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS (Free Tier Eligible).

Select Instance Type

Choose t2.micro or t3.micro.

Step 3: Create and Download Key Pair

• Create a new key pair
• Download the .pem file
• Store it securely

Step 4: Configure Security Group

• SSH – Port 22 (Your IP)
• HTTP – Port 80 (Anywhere)
• HTTPS – Port 443 (Anywhere)

Step 5: Connect to EC2 Ubuntu via SSH

For Mac / Linux

chmod 400 your-key.pem
ssh -i your-key.pem ubuntu@your-ec2-public-ip

For Windows (PuTTY)

• Convert .pem to .ppk using PuTTYgen
• Username: ubuntu
• Host: EC2 Public IP

Step 6: Update Ubuntu Server

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 7: Install Apache2 Web Server

sudo apt install apache2 -y
sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2

Step 8: Configure Firewall for Apache

sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
sudo ufw reload

Step 9: Verify Apache2 Installation

Open your browser and enter your EC2 public IP address. You should see the Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page.

Step 10: Apache Document Root Location

Your website files are located at:

/var/www/html

You can upload your HTML or PHP files here.

Best Practices for AWS Free Tier

• Stop EC2 instance when not in use
• Monitor usage in AWS Billing Dashboard
• Use IAM users instead of root account
• Delete unused volumes and IPs

Common Issues and Fixes

• Permission denied (publickey) – Check key permissions
• Connection timeout – Verify security group rules
• Apache page not loading – Check port 80 access

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