Cloud computing is no longer a future trend—it’s the present and the future of technology. From storing data and hosting websites to deploying machine learning models and managing company infrastructure, cloud computing plays a critical role across industries. The good news? You can start learning cloud computing from scratch, even if you don’t have a tech background.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your cloud journey.
1. Understand What Cloud Computing Is
Before jumping into tools and platforms, get a solid grasp of the basics.
Key Concepts to Learn:
- What is cloud computing?
- Types of cloud services:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
- PaaS (Platform as a Service)
- SaaS (Software as a Service)
- Cloud deployment models: Public, private, hybrid
- Benefits of cloud computing: Cost-efficiency, scalability, flexibility
✅ Free Intro Courses:
- Google Cloud Fundamentals (on Coursera)
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials (on AWS Training site)
- Microsoft Learn – Azure Fundamentals
Start with any of these to get a foundation and understand the terminology.
2. Choose a Cloud Platform
The three main cloud providers are:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Most popular and widely used
- Microsoft Azure – Strong in enterprise and Windows-based environments
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP) – Known for data and machine learning
Pick one (preferably AWS for beginners) and focus on learning it well. The fundamentals are transferable across platforms.
3. Sign Up for a Free Cloud Account
All major platforms offer free tiers:
- AWS Free Tier: Includes EC2, S3, Lambda, and more
- Azure Free Account: Includes 12 months of free services + $200 credit
- Google Cloud Free Tier: $300 credit for 90 days
Use your free account to practice creating virtual machines, launching storage buckets, and deploying basic applications.
4. Learn by Doing – Hands-On Projects
Cloud computing is best learned through real-world, hands-on experience.
Beginner Project Ideas:
- Host a simple website on AWS S3 or Azure Blob Storage
- Deploy a WordPress site on an EC2 or GCP VM
- Create a cloud-based to-do list app using serverless functions
- Set up a database using Amazon RDS or Google Cloud SQL
✅ Platforms for Guided Labs:
- AWS Skill Builder
- Qwiklabs (now part of Google Cloud)
- Microsoft Learn Sandbox
These labs walk you through interactive exercises using real cloud consoles.
5. Understand Core Cloud Services
To become cloud-proficient, focus on learning these core services:
- Compute: EC2 (AWS), Virtual Machines (Azure/GCP)
- Storage: S3 (AWS), Blob (Azure), Cloud Storage (GCP)
- Databases: RDS (AWS), Cosmos DB (Azure), BigQuery (GCP)
- Networking: VPCs, Load Balancers, DNS (Route 53, etc.)
- Serverless: AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, Google Cloud Functions
Learn what each does, when to use it, and how it fits into a larger system.
6. Study for Cloud Certifications (Optional but Helpful)
Certifications validate your skills and help you stay motivated.
Popular Entry-Level Certifications:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
These don’t require prior experience and are great for beginners.
7. Join Cloud Communities and Forums
Surround yourself with other learners and professionals:
- Reddit: r/aws, r/cloudcomputing
- LinkedIn Groups: AWS/Azure/GCP Learners
- Discord/Slack groups: Many tech learning communities host channels for cloud learning
- Cloud Skills Challenge (Microsoft): Regular free learning events
Networking with others will help you stay accountable and discover job opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Learning cloud computing from scratch may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s absolutely doable with a structured approach. Start with the basics, pick one platform, and focus on hands-on practice. With consistent effort, you’ll not only understand how cloud systems work—you’ll be ready to build, deploy, and manage real cloud solutions.
Would you like a personalized 30-day cloud learning roadmap or a list of beginner-friendly projects to try next? I can help with that too!
