# Step 1 – Launch a temporary instance
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Launch a temporary instance that you can use to install and configure the AWS PCS software and Slurm scheduler. You use this instance to create an AMI compatible with AWS PCS. 

**To launch a temporary instance**

1.  Open the [Amazon EC2 console](https://console.aws.amazon.com/ec2). 

1.  In the navigation pane, choose **Instances**, then choose **Launch instances** to open the new launch instance wizard. 

1.  (Optional) In the **Name and tags** section, provide a name for the instance, such as `PCS-AMI-instance`. The name is assigned to the instance as a resource tag (`Name=PCS-AMI-instance`). 

1.  In the **Application and OS Images** section, select an AMI for one of the [supported operating systems](working-with_ami_installers.md#working-with_ami_installers_os). 

1.  In the **Instance type** section, select a [supported instance type](working-with_ami_installers.md#working-wth_ami_installers_instance-types). 

1.  In the **Key pair** section, select the key pair to use for the instance. 

1.  In the **Network settings** section: 

   1.  For **Firewall (security groups)**, choose **Select existing security group**, then select a security group that allows inbound SSH access to your instance. 

1.  In the **Storage** section, configure the volumes as needed. Make sure to configure sufficient space to install your own applications and libraries. 

1.  In the **Summary** panel, choose **Launch instance**.