AWS Account Creation

Module 1.1: AWS Account Creation

Create and Configure Your AWS Account

🎯 Module Objectives

In this module, you will:

• Create a new AWS account with proper configuration
• Set up billing preferences and alerts
• Configure account settings for optimal security
• Verify account activation and access

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create AWS Account

1. Navigate to AWS Console

   https://aws.amazon.com/
   

2. Click “Create an AWS Account”

   • Email address: Enter your primary email address
   • Password: Create a strong password (8+ characters, uppercase, numbers, special characters)
   • AWS account name: Use format: ColorLab-Workshop-[YourName]

3. Contact Information

   • Account type: Select “Personal”
   • Full name: Enter your complete name
   • Phone number: Valid phone number for verification
   • Address: Complete and accurate address information

4. Payment Information

   • Credit/Debit Card: Enter valid card information
   • Billing address: Confirm billing address

   Important: Your card will only be charged if you exceed Free Tier limits. This workshop is designed to stay within Free Tier.

5. Identity Verification

   • Phone verification: Choose SMS or voice call
   • Enter verification code: Input the code you receive
   • Complete verification: Confirm your identity

6. Support Plan Selection

   • Select: Basic support (Free)
   • Complete registration: Finish account creation

Step 2: Initial Account Configuration

1. Access Account Settings

   AWS Console → Account → Account Settings
   

2. Configure Basic Settings

   • Account name: ColorLab Workshop
   • Default region: Asia Pacific (Singapore) - ap-southeast-1
   • Currency preference: USD
   • Tax settings: Configure based on your location

3. Set Up Billing Preferences

   AWS Console → Billing → Billing preferences
   

   Enable the following options:

   • ✅ Receive Free Tier Usage Alerts
   • ✅ Receive Billing Alerts
   • Alert email: Your primary email address
   • Monthly spend threshold: $5 USD

Step 3: Account Verification

1. Check Email Confirmation

   • Look for AWS account confirmation email
   • Click verification link if required
   • Confirm account is active

2. Test Console Access

   • Log into AWS Management Console
   • Verify you can access the dashboard
   • Check that all services are available

3. Verify Region Selection

   • Confirm region is set to: ap-southeast-1 (Singapore)
   • This region provides optimal performance for the workshop

✅ Verification Checklist

Before proceeding to the next module, confirm:

• AWS account created successfully
• Email confirmation received and verified
• Can log into AWS Management Console
• Billing alerts configured
• Free Tier usage alerts enabled
• Default region set to ap-southeast-1
• Account status shows as “Active”

🔍 Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

Account Creation Fails

• Verify all information is accurate and complete
• Ensure credit card information is correct
• Try using a different browser or clearing cache

Email Verification Not Received

• Check spam/junk folders
• Verify email address was entered correctly
• Request new verification email from AWS

Payment Method Issues

• Ensure card has international transactions enabled
• Try a different credit/debit card
• Contact your bank if transactions are blocked

💡 Best Practices

• Use Strong Password: Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Secure Email: Use a secure, regularly monitored email address
• Document Credentials: Safely store account information
• Monitor Billing: Regularly check billing dashboard for unexpected charges

📊 Expected Costs

This module incurs no costs:

• Account creation: Free
• Basic support: Free
• Billing alerts: Free
• All configuration: Free

🔄 What’s Next?

With your AWS account created and configured, you’re ready to implement security best practices.

Great job! Your AWS foundation is taking shape. 🏗️