Chapter 1: Introduction to AWS for Beginners

This brief course serves as my streamlined version of freeCodeCamp.org's extensive 14-hour Cloud Practitioner program, offering the essential information and additional insights I believe are vital.

The goal is to provide quick refreshers, enable text searches, and assist anyone looking to grasp the basics of AWS, with an option to prepare for the Cloud Practitioner certification exam. Essentially, you have access to my condensed study notes.

Menu: E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 (more links coming soon)

AWS Learning Pathways

freeCodeCamp.org provides guidance on which AWS courses or certifications might suit your needs.

CREDIT | freeCodeCamp.org

Looking ahead, I plan to update my notes for the following topics:

• Solutions Architect Associate
• Machine Learning Specialist
• Developer Associate
• Server Hosting

Evolution of Server Hosting

Historically, servers have transitioned through several models:

1. Dedicated Servers (one machine)
2. Virtual Private Servers (virtualized single machines)
3. Shared Hosting (one machine serving multiple businesses)
4. Cloud Hosting (multiple machines functioning as one: flexible, scalable, pay-as-you-go)

It's important to note the primary advantages of cloud hosting. The key takeaway is that cloud hosting allows multiple machines to operate as a single entity, enabling automatic scaling when more capacity is needed.

Understanding Cloud Models

The cloud manifests in several forms:

• SaaS (Software as a Service): e.g., Gmail for end-users
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): e.g., Heroku for developers, where you simply upload code for testing
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): e.g., AWS for administrators, offering full flexibility and scalability for hosting applications on remote servers

CREDIT | freeCodeCamp.org

Cloud Server Offerings

PaaS and IaaS services evolved from basic access to remote servers and now include:

• Dedicated Servers: Requires capacity estimation, often leading to wasted resources and security maintenance.
• Virtual Machines (VMs): Share costs but may still waste reserved space.
• Containers: For instance, Docker utilizes shared OS environments.
• Functions/Serverless Compute: Managed VMs running containers, allowing developers to focus solely on code, but may experience cold starts.

Core Cloud Services

AWS offers four core services:

• Compute
• Storage
• Network
• Databases

In total, there are over 200 services, including:

• S3 (Storage)
• EC2 (Compute)
• RDS (Database)

CREDIT | freeCodeCamp.org

Deployment Models

There are four primary types of cloud deployment:

1. Public Cloud (e.g., AWS)
2. Private Cloud (on-premises)
3. Hybrid
4. Cross-cloud (utilizing multiple public clouds)

AWS User Management

AWS accounts feature two user types (indicated by the email login or alias):

• Root User: Accessed via email, with full privileges (rarely used).
• IAM User: Accessed via account number or alias, with restricted privileges.

After creating the root user, it's essential to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and IAM users:

1. Type "IAM" in the search box.
2. Select "Add MFA" (multi-factor authentication for root).
3. Choose a security key or virtual MFA (e.g., cell phone app).
4. Create an alias (e.g., paul.biz).
5. Establish new IAM users (e.g., paul.pallaghy) and configure access keys and passwords.

CREDIT | freeCodeCamp.org

AWS Regions and Services

Observe the top right corner of the AWS console. Some services are global, while others are region-specific, influenced by factors like regulatory compliance, service availability, and distance to end-users.

Billing Insights

AWS billing operates on a pay-per-use basis, but background costs can arise even when services are inactive. Overbilling can occur if you accidentally configure costly services or forget to turn off unused ones.

Monitoring Spending

To avoid unexpected charges, set budgets in AWS and configure alerts for when your spending reaches 80% of your limit.

AWS Free Tier Benefits

When signing up for a new AWS account, you can enjoy free access to services for up to 12 months, including 750 hours of EC2 and 5 GB of S3 storage. You can track your free tier status in the billing section.

The Evolution of Computing Power

Different types of computing power include:

• General CPUs (e.g., Xeon)
• Tensor computing (e.g., GPUs, which are 50 times faster)
• Quantum computing (potentially 10 million times faster)

Advantages of Cloud Computing

The benefits of cloud services include:

• Agility
• Pay-as-you-go pricing
• Economies of scale
• Global reach
• Enhanced security
• Reliability
• High availability
• Scalability
• Elasticity

Additionally, cloud services consistently stay up to date.

AWS Global Infrastructure

AWS operates in various regions, with the newest services often available in US East 1. The availability and cost of services may vary based on location.

Factors to consider in zone selection:

• Regulatory compliance
• Service cost
• Service availability
• Distance/latency to end-users

Menu: E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 (more links coming soon)

I hope you find these notes helpful. Not everyone has the time to go through freeCodeCamp.org's extensive video, especially on a second viewing, so consider these a quick reference guide.

Chapter 2: Additional Resources

To further enhance your learning, check out the following videos.

Video Description: This course covers AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner concepts and strategies to help you pass the exam.

Video Description: Another comprehensive course on AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, providing insights and test preparation tips.