Nguyễn Lê Phương Thư – 22110074

Module 4: Virtual Servers

1) Technology terminology:
a) Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2):
A web service that provides secure, resizable compute capacity in the cloud. Think of it as
renting a computer in the cloud. Amazon Web Services (AWS):
b) Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3):
A service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that stores data for users in the
cloud.
c) Domain Name System (DNS):
A naming system for computers, devices, and resources connected to a network.
d) S3 bucket:
A container of objects (such as images, audio files, video files, documents, and so on) in
Amazon S3.
e) Policy:
An object in AWS that, when associated with an identity or a resource, defines its
permissions. AWS evaluates these policies when a principal entity (user or role) makes a
request.
f) Domain name:
A label that identifies a network of computers under centralized control.
g) Amazon Route 53:
The AWS DNS web service.
h) Virtual private cloud (VPC):
A virtual network dedicated to your AWS account. It is logically isolated from other
virtual networks in the AWS Cloud. All your AWS services can be launched from a VPC.
It is useful for protecting your data and managing who can access your network.
i) JavaScript Object Notation (JSON):
A syntax for storing and exchanging data.
j) Dynamic website:
A website that changes based on user interactions; often built using Python, JavaScript,
PHP, or ASP with Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).
k) Static website:
A website that does not change based on user interactions; typically built using HTML
and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
2) Background and misconceptions:
 Amazon EC2: Provides cloud computing power for tasks like machine learning,
running applications, querying databases, and streaming video.
 Static and dynamic websites: Static websites do not require server interaction,
while dynamic websites do. You will create an S3 bucket to store a static website
and make it public.
 AWS Policies: JSON is used to control access and security. You will copy and
paste JSON code to set up a bucket policy.
 Creating a website: Use a text editor to create an index.html file, which will serve
as the code for your website.
 Domain name: You can register a domain name via Route 53 (optional, requires
payment).
 EC2 and VPC: Use EC2 as a server for your dynamic website. It is recommended
to use a VPC to enhance security and access control.
3) Questions:
a) Often, the purpose of a website (or app) is different to a user than to the creator.
For example, Google’s search engine provides a service to users by bringing them fast
and effective search abilities. For Google, however, searches provide data about users
that Google can analyze to present users with targeted advertisements. Think about a
website (or app) that you use often. What is the purpose of the website (or app) to the
user and the creator? Are these purposes similar or different?
One example of a website I often use is Facebook.
 For user: The primary purpose is to connect with friends and family, share updates,
photos, and videos, as well as join communities, follow pages, and consume
content. Users engage with the platform to socialize, stay informed, and be
entertained.
 For the creators (Facebook/Meta): The main purpose is to gather user data and
interactions to drive revenue through targeted advertisements. By analyzing user
behavior, preferences, and connections, Facebook can show ads that are more
likely to resonate with individuals, thus increasing the effectiveness of ad
campaigns and maximizing revenue.
The purposes are somewhat different. While users see it as a platform for connection and
communication, the creators use it primarily as a tool for data collection and monetization
through advertising. Both benefit from the relationship, but the underlying goals vary.
b) A website’s domain name is often our first impression of a website, even before we
look at the content. Names like Wikipedia, Twitter, and Facebook evoke ideas for how
they will be used. However, names like Google and Amazon don’t tell you much about
what they are for. What factors do you think are important when naming a website and
why? How does a website’s name impact the user’s experience and impressions of the
website? When naming your own website, what are at least two factors that will be most
important to you?
When naming a website, several factors are important to consider as the name can greatly
influence the user’s first impression and experience. Two key factors that stand out are:
 Memorability: The name should be easy to remember, pronounce, and spell. A
simple, catchy name helps users return to the website without difficulty. Websites
like Facebook and Twitter have names that are straightforward and intuitive,
making them easy to recall.
 Relevance to Purpose: While some websites like Google or Amazon have abstract
names, many websites benefit from having a name that hints at their purpose or
content. This can help users immediately understand what the site offers. For
example, "Wikipedia" gives a sense of knowledge and reference, which aligns with
its mission.
A website’s name impacts the user’s experience by setting expectations. A clear, relevant
name can make the site feel more approachable and trustworthy, while an abstract or
unrelated name might leave users curious or confused.
For my own website, the two most important factors would be memorability and
relevance. I want a name that sticks in the user's mind and gives them an idea of the
website’s purpose from the start.
c) Many websites store data about your usage of the website on your computer
(called cookies) or on the website (called session variables). This data allows the website
to not only personalize your usage, but also to learn about your patterns and history of
usage. This means that websites can give you better recommendations and quickly auto-
complete forms. However, it also means they can sell your information to advertisers.
This can mean easier and more efficient access at the cost of privacy. When it comes to
this type of data gathering, do you think the trade-off is worth it? Why or why not?
Should websites have to be more transparent about what types of data they are
gathering? Should you be able to opt out?
The trade-off between convenience and privacy in data gathering can be valuable for
faster, personalized experiences, like auto-completing forms and better recommendations.
However, the loss of privacy and potential misuse of personal information by advertisers
makes it less appealing.
Websites should be more transparent about what data they collect and how it’s used. Users
should also have the clear option to opt out of data tracking without losing access to
essential services. Transparency and user control are essential to maintaining trust.
 Module 2: Content Delivery

1) Technology terminology:
a) Amazon CloudFront:
A fast content delivery network (CDN) service that securely delivers data, videos,
applications, and application programming interfaces (APIs) to customers globally
with low latency and high transfer speeds, all within a developer-friendly
environment.
b) AWS Direct Connect:
Direct Connect is a cloud service solution that provides the ability to establish a
dedicated network connection from your on-premises environment to AWS. Using
Direct Connect, you can establish private connectivity between AWS and your data
center, office, or colocation environment, which in many cases can reduce your
network costs, increase bandwidth throughput, and provide a more consistent network
experience than internet-based connections.
c) Caching:
Storing frequently requested data in edge locations so that it can be accessed more
quickly.
d) Content delivery network (CDN):
A system of distributed servers (network) that delivers pages and other web content to
a user, based on the geographic locations of the user, the origin of the webpage, and
the content delivery server.
e) Distribution:
Instructs CloudFront where to get the information that it is caching in the edge
locations and how to track and manage the content delivery.
f) Edge location:
A site where data can be stored for lower latency. Often, edge locations will be close
to high-population areas that will generate high traffic volumes.
g) Origin:
 A complex type that describes the Amazon S3 bucket, Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(HTTP) server (for example, a web server), or other server from which CloudFront
gets your files.
2) Background and misconceptions:

When a website experiences a surge in traffic, such as viral content from a server in one
country being requested from another, it can lead to increased latency or even crashes.
CloudFront and AWS edge locations address this by caching frequently requested data
closer to users. Once cached, subsequent requests can be handled faster, reducing load on
the origin server. This method is also used locally, such as on Amazon.com, where
popular front-page products are cached for quick access. Cached data has a time to live
(TTL), meaning it is stored temporarily before refreshing.

3) Questions:
a) Have you ever tried to access a webpage, stream a video, or download a file, and
it didn’t work or it worked too slowly? What was it? How did this make you feel? Why do
you think this happens?
Yes, I’ve experienced slow loading or failure when trying to stream a video or download a
file, particularly during peak times or when using unstable internet. It can be frustrating,
especially when you’re eager to access content or complete a task quickly.
This often happens due to high traffic on the website or streaming service, causing server
overloads, or because of slow internet connections. Bandwidth limitations, server
capacity, and distance from the server also contribute to delays, making the experience
feel slow and unresponsive.
b) What does the term net neutrality mean? How does this term relate to a CDN and
CloudFront?
Net neutrality means all internet traffic is treated equally, with no favoritism or
blocking by ISPs. It relates to CDNs like CloudFront because, without net neutrality,
ISPs could slow down or prioritize certain content. CDNs optimize content delivery,
but net neutrality ensures all users can access content equally, without interference
from ISPs.
c) Should internet access be a human right? Why or why not? Should the government
be permitted to restrict certain webpages or online content? Why or why not?
Internet access is often considered a human right because it provides access to
information, education, and opportunities that are crucial for personal and professional
development. It supports freedom of expression and participation in the digital world,
which are essential for modern life.
Government restrictions on webpages or online content can be controversial. On one
hand, they might be necessary to prevent harmful content, such as illegal activities or hate
speech. On the other hand, excessive censorship can infringe on freedom of expression
and limit access to important information. Ideally, restrictions should be minimal,
transparent, and aimed at protecting public safety without undermining fundamental
rights.
d) What advantages does internet access give a student over a student without
internet access? Are there any advantages to not having internet access?
Advantages of internet access:
1. Information Access: Easy research and educational resources.
2. Learning Tools: Interactive apps and online courses.
3. Communication: Collaboration with peers and educators.
4. Educational Content: Wide range of materials and journals.
Advantages of no internet access:
1. Reduced Distractions: Fewer online distractions.
2. Focus on Offline Activities: More engagement in books and face-to-face
interactions.
3. Less Online Risk: Reduced exposure to cyberbullying and online scams.
 Module 3: AWS Console
1) Technology terminology:
a) Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3):
A service provided by AWS that stores data for users in the cloud.
b) Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2):
A web service that provides secure, resizable compute capacity in the cloud. Think of
it as renting a computer in the cloud.
c) Amazon Elastic Block Store (Amazon EBS):
Storage for specific EC2 instances. Think of it as the storage drive for your EC2
instance.
d) Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS):
This lets developers create and manage relational databases in the cloud. Think of a
relational database as a set of data with one-to-one relationships. For example, a database
of transactions in a department store would match every customer with their purchases.
Amazon RDS lets developers track large amounts of this data, and organize and search
through it easily. Relational databases are equipped with nonprocedural structured query
language (SQL) that simplifies interactions with the database.
e) Amazon DynamoDB:
The AWS nonrelational database service. Data is stored in key-value pairs.
f) AWS Lambda:
Lambda lets you run code without provisioning or managing servers. You pay only for
the compute time you consume—there is no charge when your code is not running. With
Lambda, you can run code for virtually any type of application or backend service—all
with zero administration. Upload your code, and Lambda takes care of everything
required to run and scales your code with high availability. You can set up your code to
automatically start from other AWS services or call it directly from any web or mobile
app.
g) Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC):
A service that provides a virtual network that is dedicated to your AWS account. It is
logically isolated from other virtual networks in the AWS Cloud. All your AWS services
can be launched from a VPC. It is useful for protecting your data and managing who can
access your network.
 h) AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM):
Involves the application of controls to users who need access to computing resources.
i) AWS CloudTrail:
Monitors every action that is performed on your AWS account for security purposes.
j) Amazon CloudWatch:
CloudWatch is a monitoring service to monitor your AWS resources and the
applications that you run on AWS.
k) Amazon Redshift:
The AWS data-warehousing service can store massive amounts of data in a way that
makes it fast to query for business intelligence purposes.
2) Questions:
a) What is a cloud service that you use regularly? What benefit does it provide you?
Is there any downside to using this cloud service?
I regularly use Dropbox for cloud storage. It allows me to store and access files from
any device, and share them easily with others. However, a downside is that it may have
storage limitations on free plans and requires a constant internet connection to access
files.
b) Most of you have used a SaaS type of cloud service. In the future, how might you
use a PaaS or IaaS cloud service? How can the services help you in a career or
accomplish a goal that you have?
In the future, I might use a PaaS (Platform as a Service) for developing and deploying
applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. This can streamline
development and reduce costs. For IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), I could use it to
access scalable computing resources and storage for projects or experiments. Both
services can enhance my career by providing flexibility and efficiency in managing tech
projects and meeting specific goals.
c) What experience, if any, do you have with the AWS console and services? Which
ones have you used, what have you created, are there any that you want to know more
about?
I’ve used the AWS console primarily for services like EC2 for virtual servers and S3
for cloud storage. I’ve created virtual machines and stored data. I’m interested in learning
more about AWS Lambda for serverless computing and AWS RDS for managed
databases.