As you navigate through my website and projects, I’m excited to share a little behind-the-scenes magic with you. The very website you are on right now, from the seamless user interface to the secure connection you’re experiencing, is the result of not just one, but two journeys in building a WordPress website.
In my initial journey into AWS, I built the website’s foundation with tools like Amazon EC2, RDS, Route 53, and VPC. Then, I decided to clean things up for better cost management and built the website again, this time using AWS Lightsail. To make everything secure, I used AWS to install an SSL certificate, ensuring a safe connection for the website. It was really fun learning the 2 different ways you can build a WordPress website on AWS.
Building with VPC, EC2 and RDS:
Step 1: VPC for Security
Accessed the VPC Dashboard and created a new VPC. Configured subnets, set up route tables, and associated the EC2 instance with the VPC.
Step 2: Amazon EC2 for Hosting
- Launched a new EC2 instance within the configured VPC. Chose the appropriate instance specifications, configured security groups, and set up key pairs for SSH access.
Step 3: Amazon RDS for Database
- Navigated to the RDS Dashboard and created a new DB instance. Chose the database engine (e.g., MySQL), configured settings, and created a database for my WordPress site.
After completing this first project, I undertook a cleanup process to save on storage and cost.
Building with AWS Lightsail & Route53:
Step 1: AWS Lightsail Server Setup
- Accessed AWS Lightsail and created a new Lightsail instance. Chose WordPress as my blueprint, configured instance settings, and launched the Lightsail instance.
Step 2: Lightsail Application Deployment
- Accessed the Lightsail Dashboard and navigated to the Applications tab. Deployed the WordPress application, customized settings, and accessed the WordPress admin panel.
Step 3: Bluehost & Route 53 for Domain Management
- Bought my domain name www.wendylovestech.com through bluehost.com. Set up a hosted zone through Route 53 and configured record sets. Updated DNS settings at Bluehost to point to my EC2 instance.
Step 4: SSL Certificate Installation
- Went to the AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) Dashboard and requested a new SSL certificate. Completed domain validation, and once approved, integrated the SSL certificate with the Lightsail application.
Step 5: Configure Security Groups and Firewall Settings:
- In the AWS Lightsail console, reviewed and configured security groups for the Lightsail instance.
- Ensured that the necessary ports (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS) were open to allow traffic to the WordPress site & configured firewall settings.
In conclusion, embarking on this AWS journey has been an awesome learning experience. With the foundation of my website solidified through this AWS project, I now pivot to a part that is oh so familiar to me – the captivating realm of website design. The new WordPress update is awesome and so easy to use. The possibilities are endless! – Wendy.Loves.Tech
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