Getting Started with AWS Cloud

Introduction

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a public cloud computing platform provided by Amazon. It offers a mix of infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and packaged software as a service (SaaS) offerings. This guide aims to provide you with the basics to kickstart your journey with cloud computing and AWS.

Intro to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a revolutionary technology that provides computing services—like servers, storage, databases, networking, and software—over the Internet ("the cloud"). This innovation offers faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. To understand cloud computing better, we need to understand some important concepts such as the cloud deployment models and the cloud abstractions. 

Cloud deployment models, such as public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud, define how cloud services are provided in terms of management, location, and access. We can read more about cloud computing and cloud deployment models at cloudericks.com/blog/getting-started-with-cloud-computing-part-1.

Cloud abstractions refer to the different levels of managed services provided in cloud computing, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), each offering varying degrees of control and customization to the user. We can learn more about cloud abstractions and the benefits of the cloud at cloudericks.com/blog/getting-started-with-cloud-computing-part-2.

What is AWS?

AWS provides a wide array of cloud services and solutions like compute power, database storage, and content delivery services to help businesses scale and grow. It's an extensive, cloud-based platform used by individuals, companies, and governments, on a metered pay-as-you-go basis.

Why Choose AWS?

1. Flexible and Scalable: AWS allows you to select the operating system, programming language, web application platform, database, and other services you need. As your needs change, you can easily scale up or down.

2. Cost-Effective: You pay only for the compute power, storage, and other resources you use, with no long-term contracts or up-front commitments.

3. Reliable and Secure: AWS offers a secure and durable technology platform with industry-recognized certifications and audits.

Getting Started with AWS

Step 1: Set Up an AWS Account

Create an AWS account by visiting the AWS homepage. You will need to provide some basic information and payment details (don’t worry, there's a free tier you can use to explore services).

Step 2: Learn the AWS Management Console

The AWS Management Console is your home base for everything. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with its layout and the services available.

Step 3: Start with AWS Free Tier

AWS Free Tier offers you the ability to explore and try out AWS services free of charge up to certain limits for 12 months. This is a great way to get hands-on experience without incurring costs.

Step 4: Explore Key AWS Services

• Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud): Provides scalable computing capacity.
• Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service): Offers scalable object storage.
• Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service): Makes it easy to set up, operate, and scale a relational database.
• AWS Lambda: Lets you run code without provisioning or managing servers.

Step 5: Educate Yourself

AWS provides various resources for learning:

• AWS Training and Certification: Offers both digital and classroom training.
• AWS Whitepapers and Guides: Provides extensive technical content.
• AWS Support and Documentation: Comprehensive documentation for all services.

Step 6: Experiment and Build

Start experimenting with different services. Begin with simple projects like hosting a static website on Amazon S3 or creating a simple server on EC2.

Step 7: Join a Community Study Group

You cannot learn it all from books, blogs or videos. You may have to learn from the experiences of others, too. Join our KEWA study group for AWS to get insights, tips, and support from other AWS users worldwide. KEWA study groups come with 24/7 Zoom meetings for community discussions. Members can get free subscription renewals if they contribute by sharing knowledge. You can read more about KEWA groups at Cloudericks.com/wa.

You can also get a free entry ticket to the community group if you purchase any AWS books written by our mentor, Heartin Kanikathottu. For more details, contact us using the contact form.

Conclusion

Getting started with AWS is about exploring and understanding the vast array of services it offers. The key is to start small, learn the fundamentals, and gradually expand your knowledge and use of AWS's capabilities. Remember, every cloud journey is unique, and AWS provides the flexibility and resources to support your path.