In an IaaS cloud, the most common method for provisioning new computing instances is to use an image file that contains a pre-installed operating system and software. This image file is also known as a machine image, a virtual appliance, or a template. The image file can be customized for a specific purpose, such as a web server, a database server, or a development environment. The image file can be stored in a repository or a library that is accessible by the cloud provider or the user. When a new instance is requested, the cloud provider copies the image file to a virtual disk and attaches it to the instance. The instance then boots from the virtual disk and runs the operating system and software from the image file. This method is faster and more efficient than installing the operating system and software from scratch for each new instance. It also ensures consistency and reliability across multiple instances that use the same image file. References:
* LPI Virtualization and Containerization Exam Objectives, Topic 305.1: Virtualization Concepts and Theory, Objective: Describe the concept of machine images and templates
* LPI Virtualization and Containerization Study Guide, Chapter 1: Virtualization Concepts and Theory, Section: Machine Images and Templates
* LPI LPIC-3 305 Certification Sample Questions and Practice Exam, Question 10: In an IaaS cloud, what is a common method for provisioning new computing instances with an operating system and software?