Cloud Computing – The 5 Most Talked About Tech Skills and Where to Learn Them for Free
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Blog by Dr Paula Beer, Educational Consultant, Academic and TechUP Tutor.
In the previous blog posts I spoke about resources for AI & ML, Data Science & Analytics, Cybersecurity and Software Development….now it’s the turn of the fifth -and last- essential skill in tech I’ll be talking about: Cloud Computing.
Skill 5: Cloud Computing
Cloud computing allows businesses to store and access data over the internet, providing scalability and flexibility. What you will find is that much of the cloud computing offer is vendor-specific so it focuses on training users of the main three cloud platforms AWS (Amazon Web Services), Azure, and Google Cloud. The vendors of these cloud computing platforms want to provide comprehensive, high quality, education so that businesses use their services.
These skills are considered to be very much in high demand. But before embarking on a specific vendor-specific path it is probably a good idea to seek out some introductory vendor-agnostic courses. This is an article which can be found on “freecodecamp” to get you started.
Free Resources to Learn Cloud Computing:
1. AWS Training
What is it?
AWS are Amazon Web Services, so they provide compute, storage, databases, networking, and more, allowing users to build, operate, and manage applications without managing physical hardware. AWS training is their training service. They provide hundreds of hours of free, self-paced training, resources, and labs specifically designed for new-to-the-cloud learners.
What is it like?
AWS has a vast training offer, which includes a lot of free services plus paid for courses. To access the free courses requires registering. However, once registered there is a wealth of training, though formal certification is chargeable. A good course to start with is AWS “Cloud Practitioner Essentials”. The fully online version of this has text, quizzes and very professionally presented video to teach you about AWS cloud computing. Sign in via this link (AWSeducate), rather than Googling it yourself as this can lead to wasting quite a bit of time…..I know that because I’ve done it!
Are there any quirks?
Unlike most other providers you cannot register using your Google account directly, though you could use your Gmail address and create a profile on AWS. It is quite faffy (is that a word) but they are just being ultra careful about security, so just take your time to get your profile right before you embark on any training with AWS.
There are lots of versions of AWS so be careful and know that you can certainly sign up for training without giving your debit/credit card details, though you will be asked for them if you take the wrong route!
2. Microsoft Learn:
What is it?
Microsoft Learn offers free learning paths for Azure. It has a wealth of training and beginners can certainly start their journey on the free paths.
What is it like?
The resources are basically text interspersed with narrated animations followed by short multiple choice quizzes.
Are there any quirks?
Again, you can’t just sign in using your Google account but can use your Gmail address. Signing in means that Microsoft can help you track your learning and you are given short acknowledgements at the end of each module, accumulating badges and experience points (XP) as you progress.
3. Google Cloud Training:
What is it?
Google Cloud Training provides free introductory courses and hands-on labs. To get straight into the course catalogue open a browser window already signed into the Google account that you are using for your training. Then sign in using this link to the Cloud Skills Boost.
What is it like?
Google encourages your involvement by getting you to enrol via your Google account and join the Google Cloud Skills Boost which has various learning paths, some which are free and some which are paid for. As a beginner one of the suggested paths would be the “Getting Started with Google Cloud Learning Path”. This is then broken down into individual timed courses and labs.
Are there any quirks?
When you are initially signing up to the Google Cloud Skills Boost avoid clicking a button which says Get started. Now this seems counterintuitive but the Get started button leads you to a free trial which asks for your card details. So, to avoid this just choose the Google Cloud Learning Path and choose Start learning path.
Conclusion
Mastering these tech skills will not only enhance your career prospects but also equip you to contribute to the technological advancements shaping our world. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upskill, the free resources mentioned in this blog post series will help you on your learning journey.