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How Do I Select an Image?

When creating an ECS or BMS, you can select an appropriate image from multiple image types with different OSs based on the following factors:

Region and AZ

An image is a regional resource. You cannot use an image to create an instance across regions. For example, when creating an instance in CN North-Beijing1, you can select an image only from CN North-Beijing1. For more regions, see Region and AZ.

If you want to use an image in another region to create an instance, copy the image to the current region first. For details, see Replicating Images Across Regions.

Image Type

Images are classified into public images, private images, shared images, and Marketplace images.

Table 1 Image types

Image Type

Description

Availability/Security

Billing

Public image

A public image is a standard, widely used image. It contains an OS and preinstalled public applications and is available to all users. Public images are highly stable and officially authorized.

High

Free

Marketplace image

The Marketplace is a store where you can purchase third-party images that have the OS, application environment, and software preinstalled. You can use the images to deploy websites and application development environments with a few clicks. No additional configuration is required.

Medium high

Free/Charged

Private image

A private image contains an OS or service data, preinstalled public applications, and private applications. It is available only to the user who created it.

Medium

Free

Shared image

A shared image is a private image shared by another user and can be used as your own private image.

Low

Free

You can choose an image as follows:

  • If you only need an OS, select a public image.
  • If you need a complete software environment, such as a Magento e-commerce system, choose a Marketplace image.
  • If you want to clone an existing ECS, choose a private image.
  • If you want to use an image shared by others, choose a shared image.

Image Fee

You may be charged for using an image. For details, see What Are the Charging Standards of IMS?

OS

When selecting an OS, consider the following factors:

  • Architecture types

    System Architecture

    Applicable Memory

    Constraints

    32-bit

    Smaller than 4 GB
    • If the instance memory is greater than 4 GB, the 32-bit OS cannot be used.
    • A 32-bit OS allows addressing only within a 4 GB memory range. An OS with more than 4 GB memory cannot be accessed.

    64-bit

    4 GB or larger

    If your application requires more than 4 GB memory or the memory may need to be expanded to more than 4 GB, use a 64-bit OS.
  • OS types

    OS Type

    Applicable Scenario

    Constraints

    Windows
    • Runs programs developed on Windows (for example, .NET).
    • Supports databases such as SQL Server. (You need to install the database.)

    The system disk must be no less than 40 GB, and the memory must be no less than 1 GB.

    Linux
    • Runs high-performance server applications (for example, Web) and supports common programming languages such as PHP and Python.
    • Supports databases such as MySQL. (You need to install the database.)

    The system disk must be no less than 40 GB, and the memory must be no less than 512 MB.

Built-In Software

Marketplace images are preinstalled with an instance running environment or software. You can select an image with a desired environment or software to create an instance. For more information, see Marketplace Images.

Parent topic: Image Consulting