Getting Started with Cloud Computing: A Beginner's Guide to Hosting a Static Website on AWS S3

Let’s simplify how cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure work and help you choose the best one for starting your cloud journey!

What is Cloud Computing?

In a nutshell, cloud computing lets us use powerful computing resources—like servers, databases, and storage—over the internet instead of investing in and managing them ourselves. AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), and Azure (Microsoft) are the three biggest cloud platforms that make it possible.

How Do AWS, GCP, and Azure Work?

These cloud providers offer essential services such as:

• Compute: Virtual servers and containerized environments.
• Storage: Secure storage options for files, backups, and more.
• Databases: Managed databases that make storing and retrieving data seamless.

So, instead of owning and managing physical hardware, companies (and individuals!) can use these cloud resources as needed.

Which Cloud Platform to Start With?

For beginners, AWS is often recommended. It’s beginner-friendly, has a vast library of learning resources, and even provides a free tier to get hands-on without cost. AWS’s popularity also means you'll find extensive community support for any questions along the way.

Here’s a Free AWS Course to Get Started:

• AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials – This course is perfect for building foundational knowledge of AWS and cloud computing overall.

Beginner Project: Build a Static Website on AWS ??

Want a hands-on project to get started? Here’s a mini-project idea to help you dive into cloud technology! Build and host a simple, static website on AWS using S3 (Simple Storage Service).

Step-by-Step Outline:

1. Create an AWS Account – Start by signing up for a free AWS account.
2. Upload Files to S3 – Store your HTML, CSS, and image files in an S3 bucket.
3. Configure the Bucket for Static Website Hosting – Enable website hosting in your S3 settings.
4. Get Your URL – AWS will give you a URL to access your site online!

With this project, you’ll learn about AWS services, gain a taste of web hosting, and boost your cloud skills—all in one go!

Please refer for source codes for the project:

https://github.com/Hemavathi-P-ui/Build-a-Static-Website-on-AWS-

Feel free to experiment by adding more HTML pages, images, or even JavaScript files to make your website dynamic.

Let me know if you'd like any help with your next steps in cloud exploration!

Ready to Kickstart Your Cloud Journey?

Getting started with cloud computing opens doors to countless opportunities. Start small, build foundational skills, and let curiosity lead you to more complex projects. AWS, GCP, and Azure each bring incredible possibilities, so no matter which one you start with, you’re set for success!

Happy learning, cloud explorers!