Don’t Learn AWS Until You Know These Things

This article was authored by Carlo Acebedo, a cloud engineer and content creator at Tutorials Dojo. Carlo is also a member of the AWS Community Builders program and holds five AWS certifications. His expertise lies in designing and automating solutions within the Amazon Web Services Cloud.

Learning AWS can feel like an overwhelming task, like trying to absorb a vast amount of information simultaneously. Many people find themselves constantly switching between different tutorials and resources, attempting to grasp various concepts. For instance, one might start by studying EC2, only to discover the need to understand VPCs and networking first. Each new topic often leads to another, creating a sense of being lost in a seemingly endless maze of interconnected ideas. The more one learns the more one realizes how much more there is to understand.

It became clear that "Cloud" isn't a single technology but a combination of many components, such as networking, storage, and virtualization, all working together. Without a solid grasp of these elements and their interconnections, it's easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. This often leads to confusion, frustration, and slowed progress in learning.

While there aren't strict prerequisites for learning AWS, having a basic understanding of foundational concepts can significantly simplify the process. These essentials can make the learning journey much more manageable; this article will explore those key areas.

Networking Fundamentals

Networking plays a key role in many AWS tasks. For instance, you might need to enable communication between an EC2 instance and a database in RDS or establish a remote connection between your computer and an EC2 instance. Interestingly, many fundamental networking concepts we use today were developed long ago, and while the technology and tools have evolved, these core ideas are still just as relevant. It's essential to have a solid understanding of concepts like the OSI model, IP addressing, subnetting, and the differences between TCP and UDP. Additionally, it is crucial to be familiar with DNS basics and standard protocols and their associated port numbers, such as HTTP/S, SSH, RDP, DHCP, and FTP.

Learn Programming

While coding isn't a requirement for working with AWS, having programming skills opens up many more possibilities beyond simply navigating the console. For instance, you can automate tasks like powering resources on and off to save costs, build custom integrations for specific use cases, or combine services to create applications—all without needing to manage everything manually.

Additionally, coding fosters problem-solving skills, which can enhance debugging and troubleshooting abilities, which are crucial for AWS projects. You don’t need to be an expert—just gain enough comfort to handle tasks like data manipulation and API interactions. Although there are various programming languages to choose from, Python is often recommended due to its simple and approachable syntax, making it an excellent starting point.

Basics of Linux Operating System

Linux is the most widely used operating system in the cloud, including on AWS. Understanding how to work effectively with the underlying infrastructure that powers many AWS services is essential. Familiarity with basic Linux commands, such as navigating directories, creating and modifying files, and managing permissions, will give you greater control and insight into cloud environments. Mastering these foundational skills will simplify tasks like server management and troubleshooting in the cloud.

Security

AWS provides various tools to help secure your data and applications in the cloud. Familiarizing yourself with security concepts such as encryption, firewalls, authentication vs authorization, and VPNs will give you a better understanding of the security features and services AWS offers. These concepts form the foundation for effectively protecting your cloud environment and securing your resources.

Basic Storage Concepts

Storage is a fundamental part of any IT infrastructure. Key concepts to grasp include types of storage, RAID, file systems, storage protocols, and backup and restore methods. Additionally, AWS provides three main types of storage: block storage, file storage, and object storage. Understanding the differences between these storage types is crucial for selecting the right solution tailored to your specific needs and use cases.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these recommendations serve as a helpful guide as you dive deeper into learning AWS. Remember to approach it one step at a time—each new concept you grasp is a step forward. Keep exploring, and enjoy the journey. Happy learning!

* This newsletter was sourced from this Tutorials Dojo article.

* For more learning resources, you may visit: Free PlayCloud Guided Labs, Free AWS Digital Courses, and Free Practice Exams.