What is Amazon Linux?
Amazon Linux is a Linux distribution developed and maintained by AWS, specifically optimized for the AWS Cloud. The distribution offers long-term support, fast security updates, and seamless integration with AWS services.
Amazon Linux 2023 (AL2023) is the current version with a release model that delivers quarterly updates in named versions. This enables controlled, deterministic upgrades without unexpected changes.
Core Features
- AWS Optimization: Kernel and packages tuned for EC2 performance
- Long-Term Support: 5 years of standard support with security updates
- Deterministic Updates: Quarterly named releases for controlled upgrades
- SELinux Enforcing Mode: Mandatory Access Control enabled by default
- Minimal Images: Slim variants for containers and Lambda runtimes
Typical Use Cases
EC2 Production Workloads: Optimized performance on EC2 with pre-installed AWS CLI and SSM Agent. Automatic security updates via dnf and lifecycle policies.
Container Base Image: Minimal Amazon Linux container images for ECS and EKS. Consistent base image across development and production.
Lambda Custom Runtimes: Amazon Linux 2023 as the basis for Lambda custom runtimes with full control over the runtime environment.
Benefits
- No license costs
- Fast security patches directly from AWS
- Optimal performance on EC2 instances
- Seamless integration with AWS services and tools
Integration with innFactory
As an AWS Reseller, innFactory supports you with Amazon Linux: migration from other distributions, AL2023 upgrade strategies, hardening, and optimal configuration for your workloads.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Amazon Linux cost?
Amazon Linux is free. There are no license fees. You only pay for the EC2 instances or other AWS services running Amazon Linux.
What is the difference between Amazon Linux 2 and Amazon Linux 2023?
Amazon Linux 2023 (AL2023) is the successor with quarterly updates, deterministic upgrades, and improved security. AL2 receives support until June 2025. New workloads should use AL2023.
Can I use Amazon Linux outside of AWS?
Yes. Amazon Linux is available as a container image and VM image. It can be used locally for development and testing but is optimized for AWS workloads.