Cloud computing represents a fundamental shift in how modern applications are built and delivered. As the pioneer and undisputed leader in public cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides over 200 feature-rich services accessible over the internet.
Embracing this technology allows focusing on core business priorities rather than resource-intensive infrastructure management. However, its versatility can induce choice paralysis for the uninitiated.
Table of Contents
This comprehensive guide serves as a gently introduction to cloud computing concepts and equips beginners with a solid grasp of AWS fundamentals. By incrementally stepping through key terminology, console navigation, core services, hands-on usage, economics and support channels, readers can systematically dispel the mystique surrounding AWS. Let’s embark on a simplified yet enriching cloud journey!
Learning the Cloud
Simply put, cloud computing provides convenient on-demand access over the internet to a shared pool of computing resources. These resources include servers, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and more. Cloud providers own and maintain these complex underlying infrastructures while presenting a simple interface to customers.
Some key benefits of cloud computing:
- Cost Efficiency – Pay only for what you use instead of heavy upfront infrastructure investments
- Agility – Launch resources quickly without long hardware provisioning delays
- Resiliency – Leverage distributed infrastructure for high availability
- Productivity – Focus on innovations rather than resource-intensive IT management
Understanding AWS Services
As a pioneer in public cloud since 2006, Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the most mature, reliable and innovative cloud platform with over 200 services. A few core AWS services:
Compute
- EC2 – Launch configurable Linux or Windows virtual servers
- Lambda – Run code without managing servers
- ECS – Docker container management service
Storage
- S3 – Store and retrieve any volume of data
- EFS – Shared file storage for EC2
- Glacier – Archival data with retrieval times from minutes to hours
Databases
- RDS – Managed relational databases
- DynamoDB – Managed NoSQL database
- Redshift – Petabyte-scale data warehouse
Networking & Content Delivery
- VPC – Logically isolated virtual network
- CloudFront – Rapid content delivery network
Security & Identity
- IAM – Fine-grained access controls
This is but a small sample of the extensive services catering from startups to enterprises. Now let’s explore the console to tangibly grasp AWS!
Navigating the AWS Management Console
The AWS Management Console provides an intuitive visual interface to access and manage services. Let’s tour the key sections:
Account Creation
Visit aws.amazon.com to Create an AWS Account by following the signup process. The AWS Free Tier offers limited introductory access.
Dashboard
The console homepage provides an Overview of resource usage trends across service categories.
Global Navigation Bar
• Services Menu – Comprehensive catalog of all AWS offerings
• Management Tools – Configure account settings, credentials, billing and support
• Search Bar – Rapidly search for services
• Account Settings & Notifications – Manage user profile, contacts and service alerts
Launching Services
Services follow a similar onboarding process. For example, provisioning an EC2 virtual machine:
- Choose AMI template e.g. Amazon Linux
- Select instance type and storage
- Configure network and security groups
- Tag resource metadata for searchability
- Launch instance
Repeat for other services like S3 buckets, RDS databases etc.
Core AWS Constructs
As we access more services, common terminology includes:
- Region: Physical infrastructure location
- Availability Zones: Isolated data centers within regions
- VPC: Logically isolated virtual network
- Subnet: Segment of a VPC
- Security Group: Stateful firewall controlling access
AWS Command Line Interface
The AWS CLI allows managing services through CLI commands instead of the console, enabling scripting, automation and configuration management.
Install: Available for Linux, Mac and Windows
Configure: Provide credential Access Keys and default region
Usage: General format – $ aws
For example:
$ aws s3 cp myfile s3://mybucket$ aws ec2 describe-instances
The AWS CLI powers automation by leveraging CLI control of AWS services!
Estimating AWS Costs
Pay only for resources consumed instead of upfront infrastructure costs. Services follow a pay-as-you-go pricing model without fixed commitments. Consider the cost implications while architecting systems.
AWS offers a Free Tier across certain services for test purposes. Beyond that metering accrues charges based on usage dimensions:
- Compute – Time used for provisioned resources
- Storage – Capacity consumed per month
- Data Transfer – Volume of data transferred in/out
- Databases – Usage metrics like storage consumed, IOPS provisioned etc
The Cost Explorer provides granular visibility into expenditures. Budget alerts notify on thresholds. Refer to the AWS Cost Calculator to estimate usage costs for specific workloads.
Provision resources judiciously aligned to real usage to maximize ROI on AWS!
Getting Help on AWS
While convenient, cloud usage does not completely eliminate infrastructure responsibility. Consider leveraging managed services like RDS, Elastic Beanstalk etc which automate common administrative tasks.
If issues arise, AWS provides extensive self-service and technical support:
Basic Support
Included automatically via documentation, whitepapers, forums and AWS re:Post knowledge base.
Developer Support
Affordable plans starting at $29/month tailored for developers.
Business & Enterprise Support
Production environments demand robust SLAs. Tailored plans provide technical account managers and faster response times.
Many AWS partner network consulting firms also offer managed services customized to clients’ operating models.
Key Takeaways
This guide served as an accessible on-ramp for cloud beginners to incrementally grasp AWS fundamentals without being overwhelmed. We unpacked cloud computing concepts, toured the AWS console, launched a virtual machine hands-on, understood billing models and explored support channels available.
With over 200 services, AWS provides unmatched agility, innovation and resiliency to power next-generation applications. Focus on priority use-cases and build gradually aligned to business needs. Leverage managed services where possible. With the fundamentals now demystified, you are well equipped to make informed decisions while unlocking the possibilities in the AWS cloud!
