Hands-on Practice: Getting Started with Cloud Computing

When learning cloud computing, theory is essential, but nothing beats hands-on practice. As a future cloud engineer, hands-on experience with real cloud environments will deepen your understanding and build the practical skills you need for a career in cloud technology. The major cloud providers—Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)—offer free tier accounts that allow you to explore their platforms, deploy resources, and work with real cloud environments without incurring significant costs.

This section will cover how to get started with these platforms, setting up free-tier accounts, and deploying cloud resources like servers, databases, and networks. You’ll gain insight into using cloud platforms in real-world scenarios, and by the end, you should feel confident navigating the foundational elements of cloud services.

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4.1 Why Hands-on Practice Is Crucial

Learning cloud computing isn’t just about memorizing concepts or passing certifications—it’s about understanding how to build, deploy, and manage resources in cloud environments. Hands-on practice allows you to:

• Understand Cloud Architecture: By deploying resources and configuring services, you’ll gain insight into how cloud architecture works in real time.
• Master Cloud Tools: Using actual cloud platforms will introduce you to a variety of tools (e.g., AWS EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, GCP Compute Engine) that you’ll likely encounter in your future career.
• Learn Troubleshooting: Deploying resources sometimes doesn’t go as planned. Troubleshooting errors and understanding logs will sharpen your problem-solving skills.
• Prepare for Certifications: Many cloud certification exams include practical questions that require you to understand how to configure and manage cloud services.
• Build a Portfolio: You can showcase your hands-on projects to potential employers as proof of your expertise and practical experience in the cloud.

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4.2 Creating Free Tier Accounts

All major cloud providers offer free-tier services, giving you limited access to their platforms to explore cloud computing for free. While these tiers are limited in terms of usage and resources, they are sufficient for learning and small-scale projects.

4.2.1 Amazon Web Services (AWS) Free Tier

AWS Free Tier offers three types of services:

• Always Free: Services that are free for all AWS users, such as AWS Lambda with 1 million free requests per month.
• 12 Months Free: New AWS users can access a range of services for free for 12 months (e.g., 750 hours of EC2 compute per month).
• Trial Offers: Services that are free for a limited time, like Amazon Lightsail.

Here’s how to set up your AWS free-tier account:

1. Sign Up: Go to AWS Free Tier, and create an account using your email address. You will need to provide a valid credit or debit card, but you won’t be charged unless you exceed free-tier limits.
2. Verify Identity: AWS will ask you to verify your identity, typically via a phone call or text message.
3. Select a Support Plan: Choose the free Basic Support plan.
4. Start Exploring: Once your account is set up, you’ll have access to the AWS Management Console, where you can start launching services.

4.2.2 Microsoft Azure Free Account

Azure’s free account includes:

• 12 months of free services: Includes 750 hours of Windows or Linux virtual machines, 250GB SQL Database, and 15GB of bandwidth per month.
• $200 credit: The free-tier account gives you $200 to spend on any Azure service during your first 30 days.
• Always Free: Azure also offers services that are always free, such as Azure App Services (10 web apps with 1 GB storage).

Steps to set up an Azure free-tier account:

1. Sign Up: Go to Azure Free Account, and click on “Start for free.”
2. Create an Account: Use a valid email address and provide your credit or debit card information (for identity verification).
3. Verify Identity: Similar to AWS, you’ll be required to verify your identity through phone or SMS.
4. Start Using Azure: After your account is created, you’ll get access to the Azure portal to start deploying resources.

4.2.3 Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Free Tier

GCP provides two types of free offerings:

• $300 credit: New users get $300 in credits, valid for 90 days. These credits can be used for any Google Cloud services.
• Always Free: GCP also offers services like 1 f1-micro VM instance per month, 5GB Cloud Storage, and 50GB Cloud Firestore database.

Setting up your GCP free-tier account:

1. Sign Up: Visit the GCP Free Tier page, and click on “Get started for free.”
2. Create an Account: Provide an email address and link a credit card for verification.
3. Verify Identity: Like AWS and Azure, GCP will send you a verification code via SMS or phone.
4. Access the GCP Console: You can now access the Google Cloud Console and use your credits to explore services like Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, and BigQuery.

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4.3 Deploying Cloud Resources: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have set up your free-tier account, it’s time to practice deploying cloud resources. The resources we will focus on are virtual machines, databases, and networks, which are foundational components of cloud computing.

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4.3.1 Deploying a Virtual Machine (VM)

A virtual machine (VM) is an essential resource that mimics a physical server but operates in a virtualized environment. VMs are commonly used for hosting websites, running applications, and creating development environments.

Let’s look at how to deploy a virtual machine on each platform.

AWS: Deploying an EC2 Instance

1. Log in to the AWS Console: Once in, go to EC2 under the Compute section.
2. Launch Instance: Click on “Launch Instance.”
3. Select AMI: Choose an Amazon Machine Image (AMI). The free-tier account allows you to use certain AMIs for free, such as Amazon Linux 2.
4. Choose Instance Type: Select the t2.micro instance, which is included in the free tier.
5. Configure Instance: Leave the default settings for now, but you can configure options like storage and networking.
6. Create Key Pair: For SSH access, you’ll need to create a key pair, download it, and save it securely.
7. Launch the Instance: Click on “Launch,” and your instance will start. You can monitor its status from the EC2 dashboard.
8. Connect to Your Instance: Once your instance is running, you can connect via SSH using the key pair you downloaded.

Azure: Deploying a Virtual Machine

1. Log in to the Azure Portal: Navigate to the Virtual Machines section.
2. Create a VM: Click on “Create a resource” and then select “Virtual Machine.”
3. Choose Image: Select the image you want to use (for example, Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS).
4. Configure Size: Select the B1S instance, which is part of Azure’s free-tier offerings.
5. Configure Networking: You can configure VNet (virtual network) settings, public IP, and security groups.
6. Create Username and SSH Key: You’ll need to create a username and generate an SSH key for logging in.
7. Review and Create: Review your settings, then click “Create” to launch the VM.
8. Connect to VM: You can connect via SSH or use the Azure CLI to manage the VM.

GCP: Deploying a Compute Engine Instance

1. Go to the GCP Console: Navigate to Compute Engine in the console.
2. Create Instance: Click on “Create Instance.”
3. Choose Machine Type: Select the e2-micro instance, which is available in the GCP free-tier.
4. Configure Boot Disk: Choose your boot disk, such as Debian or Ubuntu.
5. Configure Networking: You can choose to enable or disable external IP access depending on your needs.
6. Create and Launch: Once the settings are configured, click “Create,” and the VM will launch.
7. Connect to VM: You can use the built-in SSH button in the GCP Console to connect to your instance directly.

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4.3.2 Deploying a Database

In cloud environments, databases are an essential part of most applications. You can deploy managed databases in each cloud provider to store and manage data without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

AWS: Deploying an RDS Instance

1. Go to RDS: In the AWS Console, navigate to RDS (Relational Database Service).
2. Create Database: Click on “Create Database.”
3. Choose Database Engine: Select the database engine you prefer (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB).
4. Select Free Tier: Ensure you select the free-tier option for the database size and instance type (db.t2.micro).
5. Configure Settings: Set up the database credentials (username, password), and other options like backup and encryption.
6. Launch DB Instance: Once configured, click on “Create,” and your database will launch. You can connect to it using the database endpoint provided in the console.

Azure: Deploying a SQL Database

1. Go to SQL Databases: In the Azure Portal, navigate to SQL Databases.
2. Create Database: Click “Create” and choose the free-tier option.
3. Configure Database: Set up your database name, server, and admin credentials.
4. Review and Create: Review the settings, then click “Create” to launch your database instance.
5. Connect to the Database: You can connect via tools like SQL Server Management Studio or directly in the Azure portal.

GCP: Deploying a Cloud SQL Instance

1. Navigate to SQL: In the GCP Console, go to SQL.
2. Create Instance: Click on “Create Instance” and choose MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server.
3. Configure Database: Set up the instance with the free-tier settings, and provide the admin username and password.
4. Launch the Database: Once configured, click “Create,” and your database will launch.
5. Connect: Use the instance’s connection string to connect via the Cloud SQL interface or external tools.

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4.3.3 Configuring Cloud Networks

Cloud networking is a key part of deploying scalable and secure cloud architectures. You’ll need to configure networks to manage communication between your cloud resources.

AWS: Creating a VPC

1. Go to VPC: In the AWS Console, navigate to VPC (Virtual Private Cloud).
2. Create VPC: Click on “Create VPC” and provide the necessary settings, such as CIDR block, subnet, and routing table.
3. Launch: Once created, you can associate instances with the VPC and control traffic via security groups.

Azure: Creating a Virtual Network

1. Go to Virtual Networks: In the Azure Portal, navigate to Virtual Networks.
2. Create VNet: Click on “Create Virtual Network,” and provide the IP address range, subnet, and resource group.
3. Assign Resources: You can now assign resources like VMs to the virtual network.

GCP: Creating a VPC Network

1. Go to VPC Networks: In the GCP Console, go to VPC Network.
2. Create Network: Click on “Create VPC,” and configure your network settings.
3. Launch: Once created, you can connect instances and control traffic through firewall rules.

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4.4 Tips for Maximizing Hands-on Learning

• Start Small: Begin with simple deployments, such as launching a single virtual machine, then gradually expand to more complex architectures (e.g., multi-region deployments, load balancing).
• Experiment with Automation: Use tools like AWS CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, or Google Cloud Deployment Manager to automate resource creation and management.
• Track Costs: Even on the free tier, keep an eye on resource usage to avoid accidental charges. Use cost tracking tools provided by the platforms.
• Try Different Platforms: While AWS, Azure, and GCP are the big players, exploring others like IBM Cloud or Oracle Cloud can give you a broader perspective.
• Build Real-World Projects: Apply your learning to real-world scenarios, like setting up a simple web app or creating a backup strategy.

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By engaging in hands-on practice with free-tier accounts from major cloud providers, you’ll gain invaluable experience in real cloud environments. Deploying servers, databases, and networks will familiarize you with essential cloud computing tools, helping you to master cloud infrastructure and giving you a strong foundation for more advanced cloud computing concepts.