title: Amazon aws snapshots and AMIs
body: <p>I am new at Amazon services so I need some questions to ask...
  Before upgrading to a newer instance I created an AMI of the current instance. 
  Can I delete that AMI now after successful upgrading, without damaging the isntance?
  Also, can I delete my snapshots, created from the running instacens volumes?</p>
  
  <p>Is a AMI(Image) or snapshot being used by a working instance or is it sepearated and represents only a backup alternative?</p>
  
  <p>It is a windows server instance</p>
  
  <p>Thanks in advance</p>