Exploring the best resources to learn Cloud Computing for free.
Cloud computing has transformed the way organisations and individuals store data, develop applications, and manage IT resources.
Often thought of as a buzzword, cloud computing is actually a fundamental shift in how computing power and services are provided and accessed.
In this article, we’ll look at the top 7 resources available online to learn Cloud Computing for free.
But first, let’s get some background…
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services like storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and more over the Internet.
These services are hosted in remote data centres which users can access on demand without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure.
There are three main types of cloud computing services:
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) - provides access to fundamental computing resources like servers, networks, and storage. Examples are Amazon EC2, DigitalOcean.
- Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) - offers a managed platform to develop, run and manage applications without building the infrastructure. Examples are AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Heroku.
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) - allows the use of complete cloud-based apps over the Internet. Common examples are Gmail, Slack, Salesforce.
There are also different cloud deployment models like public, private and hybrid clouds.
Popular Cloud Service Providers
Leading tech companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform offer innovative cloud computing platforms, tools and services.
The global cloud computing market is expected to grow from $626.4 billion in 2023 to $1,266.4 billion by 2028 as more organisations transition to the cloud.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Some key advantages of using cloud computing services:
- Scalability to instantly adjust capacity and performance needs
- Cost savings from pay-as-you-go pricing and no hardware investments
- Flexibility to use resources on demand
- Accessibility to manage systems and data from anywhere
- High availability through redundant data centres
- Enhanced collaboration from cloud-based tools
Cloud Computing Jobs and Careers
With the huge growth in cloud adoption, careers related to cloud computing are among the most promising and in-demand tech jobs of the future.
These include roles like Cloud Architect, Cloud Consultant, Cloud Product and Project Manager, DevOps Engineer, Cloud System Administrator and Security Specialist.
Learning cloud computing skills can open doors to these lucrative careers.
In short, there has never been a better time to learn Cloud Computing than today.
And if you’re interested in getting up to speed with the latest Cloud technologies, you can get started learning with these top 7 free resources to learn Cloud Computing:
#1 - Google Cloud Skills Boost
If you're starting out in cloud computing with little to no background, the Google Cloud Computing Foundations course by Google Cloud is perfect for you.
It kicks off with "Cloud Computing Fundamentals," introducing you to the basics of cloud computing, how to navigate Google Cloud, and the different computing options available.
As you progress through the series, you'll dive into infrastructure, networking, security, and even explore data, machine learning, and AI in Google Cloud.
By the end of these courses, you'll not only understand the key concepts but also gain hands-on experience.
Plus, completing each course earns you a badge to display on your profile, showing off the skills you've developed and boosting your cloud career.
#2 - edX: AWS
The AWS Cloud Technical Essentials course on edX is an ideal starting point for learning the fundamentals of AWS products, services, and solutions, including key aspects of database, storage, networking, security, and cloud computing.
Designed for beginners, this course equips you with the skills to navigate the AWS Management Console, understand AWS security and identity management, and get familiar with services like Amazon EC2, Lambda, RDS, and S3.
It's a hands-on course that prepares you to make informed IT decisions and is suitable for anyone aspiring to work in cloud computing, including cloud developers, architects, SysOps administrators, and solutions architects.
#3 - Microsoft Learn
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals tutorials on Microsoft Learn are an excellent starting point for beginners to understand cloud concepts.
This learning path, part of a three-series set, focuses on Azure services with practical exercises for deploying your first services for free. It's ideal for preparing for the Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
Covering basic cloud computing, deployment models, and the shared responsibility model, it also dives into the benefits of cloud services such as scalability, reliability, and security.
Additionally, it provides an overview of cloud service types like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. This series is a great resource for anyone new to cloud computing or Azure.
#4 - Coursera
Coursera's IBM: Introduction to Cloud Computing course is a fantastic self-paced introductory course for anyone looking to dive into cloud computing, whether for school, business, or a career change.
This beginner-friendly course covers the essentials of cloud computing, including its characteristics, history, business aspects, and emerging technologies enabled by the cloud.
You'll go into various cloud service models like IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and cloud deployment models (Public, Private, Hybrid).
The course also explores the infrastructure components of the cloud and services from major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, and others.
You'll learn about current trends such as HybridMulticloud, Microservices, Serverless, and DevOps, along with cloud computing architecture elements like datacenters and cloud storage options.
#5 - Great Learning
The Cloud Foundations course by Great Learning offers a structured approach to understanding cloud computing.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to gain knowledge in cloud development, addressing the increasing demand in this field.
It covers an introduction to cloud computing, various cloud computing models, and the key attributes of cloud computing.
As cloud computing becomes integral to modern applications, this course ensures you'll be well-equipped with the fundamental concepts, current trends, and insights into the future of the cloud domain.
It's a comprehensive course designed to provide a solid foundation in cloud computing, preparing you for the challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
#6 - Cognitive Class
Cognitive Class's Introduction to Cloud course offers a thorough yet accessible journey into cloud computing.
Ideal for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding, this self-paced course covers the essentials of cloud computing, including its definition, history, and the business rationale behind it.
You'll explore various cloud service models like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and deployment models including Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds.
The course looks into the key components of cloud architecture such as virtualisation, storage, and networking, and addresses emergent trends like Hybrid Multicloud, Serverless, and Cloud Native technologies.
With modules on cloud adoption and emerging technologies like AI and IoT, this course is a great guide if you’re eager to grasp the fundamentals and emerging concepts in cloud computing.
#7 - Udemy
Udemy offers a variety of free cloud computing courses for beginners, whether you're interested in using cloud technology at work or home or setting up a network with services like Google or Amazon Web Services.
Courses like "Introduction to Cloud Computing" by Xavier Corbett and "A Practical Introduction to Cloud Computing" by Neil Anderson provide a straightforward understanding of cloud concepts with practical examples.
For those interested in Amazon Web Services, "Cloud Computing With Amazon Web Services" by Karan Brar offers a beginner-friendly guide. Bhavesh Goswami's "Fundamentals of Cloud Computing" and Suresh S's "Cloud Computing: The Technical Essentials" equip learners with basic knowledge of current cloud technologies.
For a quick overview, there's also a 30-minute course, "Introduction to Cloud Computing for Beginners," offering a swift understanding of cloud basics. These courses are highly rated and free, making them ideal for anyone looking to start their journey in cloud computing.
Bonus - YouTube Videos
As a bonus I’ve also included some great tutorials on YouTube where you can learn Cloud Computing - perfect for visual learners:
- Learn Cloud Computing - by Simplilearn
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification Course - by freeCodeCamp
- Cloud Computing Full Course - by edureka!
Cloud computing has transformed technology and opened up new possibilities for organisations of all sizes.
As more systems shift to the cloud, demand for skilled cloud computing professionals will continue to accelerate.
Whether you're an IT professional looking to upskill or someone keen to break into the booming world of cloud tech, the free online courses and tutorials covered in this article offer outstanding launch pads.
They deliver structured cloud learning pathways for beginners and provide hands-on experience working with leading cloud platforms.
From foundations to architectures to security, these cloud computing courses equip you with well-rounded knowledge, priming you for in-demand roles. Certifications also validate your skills, boosting employability.
I hope this gives you ideas and inspiration to continue your cloud learning journey.
The cloud skills you build today can transform your tomorrow.
The Cloud is the limit!
From your fellow ever-growing dev,
Cherlock Code
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