Choosing an AWS or Linode account
Start with the region and quota. Then check promotional credits, delivery and support before choosing an account.
An 8-vCPU quota is not a running 8-core server.
An account gives you access to a provider. A quota limits the resources you can request; it does not mean an instance is already running or that usage is free. AWS quotas can vary by region, instance family and billing type.
Choose for the region and instance type you need. An 8-vCPU or 32-vCPU label needs that context before you compare it.
Check when promotional credits start and expire.
A $100 credit or a 60-day offer still needs an explanation: is it applied already, must you redeem it, and does the clock start at registration or purchase? Older accounts can have less time left.
Credits have eligibility, service and expiry rules. AWS account assignment and free plans, and Akamai promotional credits, have their own conditions. Being able to log in does not establish eligibility.
Check the delivery promptly.
Use the purchased listing for the region, quota, delivery and support period. If first-login support is included, log in promptly and send the order number and a redacted error screenshot if something is wrong.
First-login coverage is different from later usage issues. Resource bills, revoked credits and later account restrictions do not automatically fall under the same remedy. Send screenshots privately and hide passwords and keys.
Official references
Rules can change. Use the terms for your chosen product and provider.