Cloud Computing Foundations: AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
Understand cloud computing concepts and compare AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. A great first step toward cloud certifications.
About this course
Cloud computing powers almost every modern application. This course explains the core concepts — virtualisation, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, regions, pricing and the shared responsibility model — and shows how the three major providers implement them.
You will launch virtual machines, store files in object storage, set up a simple database and explore serverless functions using free-tier accounts. The course also maps each topic to popular entry-level cloud certifications so you can plan your next step.
What you'll learn
- Explain IaaS, PaaS, SaaS and serverless models
- Compare core services across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
- Launch and secure a virtual machine
- Use object storage and managed databases
- Estimate and control cloud costs
- Plan a path toward entry-level cloud certifications
Syllabus
5 modules · 4 weeks · approx. 16 hours total
Module 1Cloud concepts
- What the cloud really is
- Service and deployment models
- Regions, availability zones and the edge
Module 2Compute
- Virtual machines
- Containers
- Serverless functions
Module 3Storage and databases
- Object, block and file storage
- Relational vs. NoSQL databases
- Backups and durability
Module 4Security and identity
- The shared responsibility model
- Identity and access management
- Networking basics: VPCs and firewalls
Module 5Costs and certifications
- Pricing models and the free tier
- Cost-optimisation tips
- Choosing your first certification
Requirements & who it's for
Prerequisites
- Basic IT literacy
- No prior cloud experience required
Who this is for
- IT professionals moving to the cloud
- Developers deploying their first apps
- Business and project managers working with cloud teams
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to pay for cloud services?
All exercises are designed to fit within the providers' free tiers. The course also shows you how to set up billing alerts.
Which provider should I learn first?
The course compares all three so you can decide. Our guide AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud also covers this in depth.
Read before you start
What Is Cloud Computing? A Beginner's Guide to IaaS, PaaS and SaaS
How the cloud works, the difference between IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, and why cloud skills are valuable in almost every tech career.
AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud: Which Cloud Platform Should You Learn First?
A side-by-side comparison of the big three cloud platforms — services, strengths, certifications — and a simple way to decide which to learn first.
Docker vs Kubernetes: What's the Difference and Which Should You Learn?
Containers, images and clusters explained simply — how Docker and Kubernetes work together and the right order to learn them.
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