IT Fundamentals
New to IT? This optional primer covers the foundational concepts you need before diving into AWS cloud computing. Each module is self-paced and includes hands-on labs and quizzes.
If you already have experience with computers, the command line, networking basics, and version control, feel free to skip ahead to Phase 1: Cloud Foundations.
Module 00: How to Use This Bootcamp
You're here because you're considering a career in cloud computing. Here's what that looks like.
Module 01: Computers and Operating Systems
A computer is a machine that processes instructions. Every computer, from a laptop to a cloud server, has the same fundamental components working together.
Module 02: The Command Line
The command line (also called the terminal or shell) lets you interact with the computer by typing text commands instead of clicking icons. Cloud computing relies heavily on the command line because most cloud servers do not have a graphical interface.
Module 03: Networking and the Internet
Networking is how computers communicate with each other. Every cloud service, every website, and every API call depends on networking. Understanding the basics here will make the VPC, security group, and load balancer concepts in the bootcamp much easier to grasp.
Module 04: APIs and Programming
You don't need to become a software developer for this bootcamp. But you do need to be able to read code, because cloud infrastructure involves code everywhere:
Module 05: JSON, YAML, and Configuration Files
Every application needs configuration: settings that control how it behaves without changing the code. Examples:
Module 06: Version Control with Git
Imagine this scenario: You are working on a configuration file for a web server. You make several changes, save the file, and restart the server. It breaks. Something in your changes caused an error, but you cannot remember exactly what the file looked like before you started editing. You have no wa
Module 07: Security Fundamentals
Security is a thread that runs through every module of the AWS Bootcamp. Understanding these basics now will make the IAM, encryption, and network security concepts much easier.
Module 08: Databases and Data
A database is an organized collection of data that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated. Almost every application you use (email, social media, banking, shopping) stores its data in a database.
Module 09: Cloud and Virtualization Concepts
A server is a computer that provides services to other computers (called clients). When you visit a website, your browser (the client) sends a request to a server, which processes it and sends back the web page.
Module 10: Linux Administration Basics
Over 90% of cloud workloads run on Linux. When you launch an EC2 instance on AWS, you'll almost always choose a Linux distribution (Amazon Linux, Ubuntu, or Red Hat). Here's why:
Ready for the Cloud?
Once you're comfortable with the basics, start the full AWS bootcamp curriculum.
Start Phase 1: Cloud Foundations →