Keep Up With Basic Technologies To Learn Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access and use computing resources, such as servers, storage, and software applications, over the internet. Instead of managing and maintaining these resources locally, users can leverage the power of the cloud to store data, run applications, and perform various computing tasks.

Cloud computing offers scalability, allowing users to easily adjust resource capacity based on their needs, and provides flexibility in resource allocation and usage. It is cost-efficient as users pay for the resources they consume, eliminating the need for upfront infrastructure investments. Overall, cloud computing revolutionises the way technology is utilised, enabling businesses and individuals to access powerful computing resources on-demand, from anywhere, and at a lower cost.

Cloud computing also brings along benefits such as increased reliability and availability. Cloud service providers typically have redundant infrastructure and backup mechanisms in place, ensuring that services are accessible and data is protected. Additionally, cloud computing enables collaboration and remote work by providing a centralised platform for users to access and share resources and collaborate on projects. With its scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, and enhanced reliability, cloud computing has become an integral part of modern technology infrastructure, powering numerous applications and services across industries.

In this article, we will explore some concepts to learn to foray into the field of cloud computing.

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Virtualisation

Virtualisation is a technology that allows you to create multiple virtual versions of computers or servers on a single physical machine. It's like having several computers running simultaneously on one powerful computer. Each Virtual Machine (VM) operates independently and can run its own operating system and applications. One can start by grasping the basic idea of virtualisation. Imagine having a single computer that can run multiple virtual computers inside it. Each virtual computer can be used for different purposes, such as running different operating systems or experimenting with software.

There are popular virtualisation software options available, such as Oracle VM VirtualBox and VMware Player, that you can install on your computer. These programmes allow you to create and manage virtual machines. You can also select an operating system that you want to install on your virtual machine. You can choose from different versions of Windows, Linux distributions, or even experimental operating systems. Follow the installation process within the virtualisation software to install the chosen OS. Once you have your virtual machine up and running, you can experiment with various functionalities. For example, you can install applications, browse the internet, or even connect multiple virtual machines together to create a virtual network.

As you become more comfortable with virtualisation, you can explore advanced features and concepts. For instance, you can learn about snap-shotting (creating a backup of a virtual machine's state), virtual networking, or configuring virtual machine settings.

Virtualisation provides a safe environment to experiment without the risk of damaging your physical computer. Try different operating systems, explore new software, or even set up virtual networks to understand networking concepts. Cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure also provide virtualisation capabilities. You can explore these platforms and learn how to create and manage virtual machines in the cloud.

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Networking and Operating systems

Knowledge of networking fundamentals is crucial in cloud computing. One can learn about concepts like IP addressing, subnets, routing, load balancing, and firewall configurations. Additionally, understanding virtual private networks (VPNs) and content delivery networks (CDNs) will be beneficial. One can also learn about networking protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, and SSL/TLS, and cloud-specific services like virtual private clouds (VPCs), load balancers, and content delivery networks (CDNs).

All of these concepts can be slightly advanced for a beginner. So you can start small by taking up some online courses like, Computer Networking for Kids on Udemy or Introduction to Networking for Kids on Kids Learning Code. Books like, How the Internet Works by Preston Gralla or How to Speak Computer: The Basics Every Kid Should Know by Kiki Prottsman are also good resources for beginners who are still in school.

Apart from this, there are networking simulators like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator) etc. that can be used to learn networking.

Similarly, familiarise yourself with popular operating systems used in cloud environments, such as Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS) and Windows Server. Understanding command-line interfaces (CLIs) will also be valuable.

Containerisation

Containerisation is a technology that allows you to package applications and their dependencies into self-contained units called containers. These containers provide a consistent and isolated environment for running applications, making it easier to deploy and manage them across different computing environments. Imagine you have a favourite video game that you want to play on your computer. However, you face a problem: the game requires specific software, libraries, and settings to run properly. Installing and configuring all these requirements on your computer can be complicated and may interfere with other software or cause conflicts.

Here's where containerisation comes in! Containerisation allows you to package the game and all its necessary components into a self-contained unit called a container. It's like placing the game, along with everything it needs, inside a special box that can run on any computer without affecting the rest of the system.

To learn about containerisation, start by familiarising yourself with Docker and its core concepts. It is the most popular containerisation tool available today. It simplifies the creation, deployment, and management of containers. Once you are comfortable with the basics, try containerising more complex applications. You can also explore popular open-source projects or develop your own applications and containerise them. This will give you hands-on experience with different types of applications and their containerisation requirements. One can also participate in online communities, such as forums or developer communities, dedicated to containerisation and Docker. These communities provide a platform to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others.

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Cloud Platforms like AWS, GCP, or Microsoft Azure

Cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provide a wide range of services to help individuals and organisations build, deploy, and manage applications and infrastructure in the cloud. They offer various services, including compute power, storage, databases, machine learning, networking, and more. Think of a cloud platform as a virtual space where you can store and access your files, run applications, and perform computing tasks. It's like having a remote computer that you can use anytime, from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. There are multiple certifications provided by AWS and GCP showcasing a person’s level of expertise in these cloud platforms.

One can begin by creating an account on AWS (or GCP ) and signing up for the free tier that allows one to use many services for free within certain limits. One can then explore the AWS services and learn about their functionalities. Some popular services to start with are Amazon S3 (a storage service), Amazon EC2 (virtual servers in the cloud), AWS Lambda (serverless computing), and Amazon DynamoDB (a NoSQL database). AWS offers documentation and tutorials for each service to help you understand their capabilities.

A fun project to start with is building a simple web application, like a calculator and hosting it on AWS. You can use services like Amazon S3 for static website hosting, Amazon EC2 to set up a virtual server, or AWS Lambda for serverless application deployment. Choose a programming language or framework you are comfortable with and explore AWS services that support that stack.

These concepts have been laid out for a beginner to start their journey into understanding cloud computing. But for folks with slightly more experience, concepts like Automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC), understanding cloud security best practices, including identity and access management (IAM), network security groups, encryption, and monitoring are highly valuable.

By learning about cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, students can gain valuable skills in cloud computing, which is in high demand in today's technology-driven world. Whether it's building web applications, deploying machine learning models, or managing databases, cloud platforms provide a playground for students to experiment, learn, and unleash their creativity.