# Step 4: Create an EC2 Host

Before you create your application and service using native Docker, create an EC2 Host for storage in DuploCloud.

*Estimated time to complete Step 4: 5 minutes.*

## Prerequisites

Before creating a Host (essentially a [Virtual Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_machine)), verify that you completed the tasks in the previous tutorial steps. Using the DuploCloud Portal, confirm that:

* An [Infrastructure and Plan](/docs/automation-platform/overview/quick-start/step-1-infrastructure.md) exist, both named **NONPROD**.
* A Tenant named [**dev01** has been created](/docs/automation-platform/overview/quick-start/step-2-tenant.md).

## Creating a Host

1. In the **Tenant** list box, select **dev01**.
2. In the DuploCloud Portal, navigate to **Cloud Services** -> **Hosts**. The **Hosts** page displays.
3. In the **EC2** tab, click **Add**. The **Add Host** page displays.
4. In the **Friendly Name** field, enter **host01**.
5. From the **Instance Type** list box, select **2 CPU 4 GB - t3a.medium**.
6. Select the **Advanced Options** checkbox to display advanced configuration fields.
7. From the **Agent Platform** list box, select **Linux/Docker Native**.
8. From the **Image ID** list box, select any **Docker-Duplo** or **Ubuntu** image.
9. Click **Add**. The Host is created, initialized, and started. In a few minutes, when the **Status** displays **Running**, the Host is available for use.

<figure><img src="/files/VTBqL5pVptTMbYu11IUM" alt=""><figcaption><p><strong>EC2 Add Hosts</strong> page</p></figcaption></figure>

## Checking your work

Verify that **host01** has a **Status** of **Running**.

<figure><img src="/files/DH9Wdc5yRHEH4G0iQMGH" alt=""><figcaption><p>The <strong>EC2</strong> tab displays <strong>host01</strong> with a <strong>s</strong>tatus of <strong>Running</strong></p></figcaption></figure>


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.duplocloud.com/docs/automation-platform/overview/quick-start/quick-start-duplocloud-docker-services/step-4-create-ec2-host.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
