Cloud Computing Basics
IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, regions, pricing — the cloud explained for everyone.
Taught by Prakash Shrestha · Cloud Solutions Architect
What you'll learn
- Explain cloud computing using the five NIST characteristics and contrast it with on-premises hosting
- Classify any cloud product as IaaS, PaaS or SaaS and state who is responsible for what
- Describe regions, availability zones and edge locations and choose a region for a given workload
- Identify the core compute, storage, networking and database services on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
- Read a cloud bill, compare on-demand, reserved and spot pricing, and set up a budget alert
- Apply day-one security habits such as MFA, least-privilege IAM policies and audit logging
About this course
Cloud computing basics for anyone who keeps hearing about AWS, Azure and Google Cloud but has never had it explained properly. This free beginner course is for students, career changers, managers and developers who want a clear mental model of how the cloud works before they touch a console. You will learn the service models (IaaS, PaaS and SaaS), the deployment models (public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud), how regions and availability zones keep applications online, which core compute, storage, networking and database services every provider offers, and how pay-as-you-go pricing really adds up. You will also cover the shared responsibility model, identity and access basics, and the certifications and job roles a cloud career starts with. There are no prerequisites beyond basic computer literacy; every command shown is optional and works on a free-tier account. Independent study material, not affiliated with or endorsed by Amazon Web Services, Microsoft or Google.
Course content
7 lessons- 1What Cloud Computing Actually IsA plain-English definition of the cloud, how it differs from owning servers, and why businesses moved.Preview
- 2Service Models: IaaS, PaaS and SaaSThe three service models, who manages what in each, and how to pick the right one for a workload.
- 3Deployment Models and the Major ProvidersPublic, private, hybrid and multi-cloud, how AWS, Azure and Google Cloud compare, and opening a free account.
- 4Regions, Availability Zones and the EdgeHow providers lay out data centres around the world and how to choose where your application should live.
- 5Core Services: Compute, Storage, Networking and DatabasesThe four families of building blocks every provider offers, with hands-on commands for a virtual machine and an object store.
- 6Cloud Pricing and Keeping Costs Under ControlHow pay-as-you-go billing works, the discount models, the traps that surprise beginners, and how to set up alerts.
- 7Security Basics and Starting a Cloud CareerIdentity, least privilege, encryption and logging, then the certifications and job roles a cloud career starts with.