LAMP Stack AMI – Comprehensive Documentation for the users (website)

The LAMP Stack AMI is a ready-to-deploy Linux-based server environment, pre-configured with Apache, MySQL, and PHP, designed to simplify web development and hosting. Whether you're a developer, a small business owner, or someone managing multiple websites, this AMI offers everything you need to get a server up and running with minimal configuration.

 Built on a robust and scalable Amazon EC2 infrastructure, this AMI allows you to focus on building your application rather than managing the server setup. 

Key Features 

1. Pre-configured LAMP Stack: This AMI comes with the full LAMP stack pre-installed and configured, including: 

○ Linux: Ubuntu (or Amazon Linux) base operating system. 

○ Apache: The most popular web server in the world. ○ MySQL: One of the most widely used relational databases. 

○ PHP: Fully configured with the required extensions for dynamic web development.

 2. Instant Deployment: Once launched, the server is ready for immediate use. No need for manual installation or troubleshooting. 

3. Optimized for Performance: Apache is configured for optimal performance out-of-the-box, and MySQL settings are tuned for small to medium-sized applications. 

4. Secure Configuration: Basic security settings such as firewalls (UFW) and MySQL hardening are pre-configured to ensure a secure environment. 

5. PHP Ready: PHP is fully integrated with Apache, and a test script is included to verify proper functionality. Popular extensions like php-mysql are included. 

6. Flexible and Scalable: Built on AWS EC2 infrastructure, this AMI can scale with your project, allowing you to adjust server resources as your needs grow. 

7. Customizable Environment: Although pre-configured, you have full root access to the server, allowing for complete customization to meet your specific requirements. 

 8. Supports Multiple Applications: The server can handle multiple virtual hosts, allowing you to run multiple websites or applications on a single instance. 

Use Cases 

● Web Development: Ideal for developers who need a consistent development environment for building, testing, and deploying web applications. 

● Website Hosting: Perfect for businesses or individuals who need an easy-to-use hosting environment for blogs, company websites, or e-commerce platforms. 

● Testing and Staging Environments: A great option for creating a staging server to test your applications in a real-world environment before going live. 

● SMB (Small-Medium Business) Web Hosting: Cost-effective and scalable hosting solution for small to medium-sized businesses. 

How to Get Started 

Step 1: Launch the AMI 

1. Log in to your AWS account. 

2. Navigate to the EC2 Dashboard and click on Launch Instance. 

3. In the Choose AMI section, search for the LAMP Stack AMI. 

4. Select your instance type (for most users, the t2.micro instance is suitable and free-tier eligible). 

5. Configure your instance, add storage, and launch it. 

Step 2: Connect to Your Instance, Once the instance is running: 

1. Use SSH to connect to the server: Copy code ssh -i /path/to/your-key.pem ubuntu@<your-ec2-public-ip>

2. Your LAMP stack is now ready! 

Step 3: Access the Server 

● Open your browser and visit the public IP of your EC2 instance to access the Apache default page. 

● To test PHP functionality, visit http://<your-ec2-public-ip>/info.php, where you will see the PHP info page. 

Step 4: Configure and Customize 

● You have full root access to the server, allowing you to: 

○ Install additional software. 

○ Customize Apache or MySQL configurations. 

○ Deploy applications such as WordPress, Joomla, or custom web apps.

AMI Features Breakdown

1. Linux Operating System 

The base OS is Ubuntu 20.04 (or Amazon Linux), providing a stable, secure, and up-to-date Linux environment optimized for web applications.

2. Apache 

● Version: Apache 2.4 

● Pre-configured: For high-performance, with virtual host support. 

● Enabled modules: Rewrite, Headers, SSL, and more for common use cases. 

3. MySQL Database 

● Version: MySQL 8.0 

● Initial Security Setup: Automated basic security using the mysql_secure_installation tool.

 ● Optimized Configuration: Tuned for general-purpose use with small to medium traffic websites. 

4. PHP 

● Version: PHP 7.4

● Installed Extensions: Includes critical extensions like php-mysql, php-json, php-curl, and others commonly required for most web apps. 

5. Firewall Configuration 

● Firewall: UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is pre-configured to allow traffic on ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS)./info.php, where you will see the PHP info page. Step 4: Configure and Customize 

● You have full root access to the server, allowing you to: 

○ Install additional software. 

○ Customize Apache or MySQL configurations. 

○ Deploy applications such as WordPress, Joomla, or custom web apps. AMI Features Breakdown 

1. Linux Operating System The base OS is Ubuntu 20.04 (or Amazon Linux), providing a stable, secure, and up-to-date Linux environment optimized for web applications. 

2. Apache 

● Version: Apache 2.4 

● Pre-configured: For high-performance, with virtual host support. 

● Enabled modules: Rewrite, Headers, SSL, and more for common use cases. 

3. MySQL Database 

● Version: MySQL 8.0 

● Initial Security Setup: Automated basic security using the mysql_secure_installation tool. 

● Optimized Configuration: Tuned for general-purpose use with small to medium traffic websites. 

4. PHP 

● Version: PHP 7.4 8 

● Installed Extensions: Includes critical extensions like php-mysql, php-json, php-curl, and others commonly required for most web apps. 

5. Firewall Configuration 

● Firewall: UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is pre-configured to allow traffic on ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS).