AWS Fundamentals: Step-by-Step Guide in 2024

Introduction to AWS Fundamentals

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern Information Technology (IT), the pervasive impact of cloud computing has grown to be a cornerstone for corporations striving for agility, scalability, and performance. Cloud computing has transformed the conventional paradigms of infrastructure management, providing a dynamic and bendy method to computing resources. This AWS Fundamentals article will help you learn everything about AWS and it’s services.

Among the plethora of cloud carrier companies, Amazon Web Services (AWS) sticks out as a trailblazer, playing a pivotal role in shaping the cloud computing panorama. As a subsidiary of Amazon.Com, AWS has emerged as a pacesetter, supplying a complete suite of cloud services ranging from computing electricity and garage to system mastering and Internet of Things (IoT) answers. With a global presence and an intensive client base spanning various enterprise, AWS has become synonymous with reliability, innovation, and scalability inside the cloud area.

For groups and IT experts, a strong know-how of AWS fundamentals has grown to be more and more essential. The potential to harness the energy of AWS services empowers agencies to build and install programs rapidly, scale resources dynamically, and optimize costs correctly. Moreover, as more companies migrate their operations to the cloud, skill ability in AWS permits IT professionals to live competitive within the job market and meet the developing demand for cloud expertise. Get AWS Certification and become a certified Amazon Web Services expert.

Section 1- Cloud Computing Essentials

1.1 The Evolution of Cloud Computing-

In AWS Fundamentals, Cloud computing refers back to the shipping of computing services, together with garage, processing electricity, and packages, over the internet. The evolution of cloud computing can be traced through numerous levels, from the early principles of application computing to the complete surroundings we see these days.

Initially, application computing laid the foundation, envisioning computing resources as a application much like power. This concept advanced into the idea of virtualization, where software program turned into used to create digital times of hardware. However, it was with the appearance of cloud computing that those principles have been completely found out and converted into a scalable and bendy version for delivering IT offerings.

Cloud computing has revolutionized traditional IT infrastructure by way of decoupling bodily hardware from the offerings it offers. Instead of counting on devoted servers and on-premises information centres, corporations can now leverage shared sources in virtualized surroundings. This shift has caused multiplied efficiency, fee financial savings, and the capacity to scale sources dynamically primarily based on demand.

1.2 Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing-

• OnDemand Self-carrier- Cloud computing permits users to provision and manipulate computing resources as wanted, without requiring human intervention from the service company.
• Broad Network Access- Services are available over the community and may be accessed through widespread mechanisms, promoting ubiquity and enabling get right of entry to from various gadgets.
• Resource Pooling- Computing assets are pooled and shared amongst a couple of customers, with special physical and virtual sources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand.
• Rapid Elasticity- Cloud assets may be hastily and elastically scaled to accommodate varying workloads. This guarantees that agencies can effortlessly scale up or down primarily based on call for fluctuations.
• Measured Service- Cloud structures mechanically manage and optimize resource usage by using leveraging metering abilities, providing transparency for both the company and client concerning usage and charges.

These characteristics differentiate cloud offerings from conventional website hosting models with the aid of imparting a degree of pliability, scalability, and efficiency that become formerly unattainable. Unlike traditional hosting, cloud computing lets in corporations to get admission to resources on a foundation, fending off the need for massive prematurely investments in hardware. The ability to scale sources dynamically also guarantees that companies can adapt to converting requirements without the restrictions of fixed infrastructure. In essence, the key traits of cloud computing redefine how IT offerings are consumed, delivered, and controlled in the virtual age.

Check out AWS Interview Questions for better preparation for upcoming interviews.

Section 2- Introduction to AWS

Now, we are going to have a look at the 2nd most important topic of AWS Fundamentals, which is the introduction to AWS. Let’s have a look:

2.1 Overview of Amazon Web Services (AWS)-

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) stands as a leading cloud offerings platform, offering a considerable array of computing strength, storage, and other functionality to help businesses scale and grow. AWS is known for its reliability, protection, and versatility, making it a preferred preference for agencies starting from startups to big corporations.
• Global Infrastructure- AWS boasts a global network of records centres strategically allotted throughout geographical regions. Each vicinity consists of multiple availability zones, which might be basically isolated records canters with redundant electricity, networking, and cooling. This design complement’s fault tolerance and guarantees excessive availability. Currently, AWS operates in multiple regions, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East.
• Regions and Availability Zones- AWS areas are distinct geographical areas that house more than one availability zones. Availability zones are records centres with independent energy, cooling, and networking, yet are linked thru highspeed, low latency hyperlinks. This shape guarantees resilience and minimizes the effect of disasters.

Check out the AWS Tutorial for Beginners to learn more about it.

2.2 AWS Service Model- IaaS, PaaS, SaaS-

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)- IaaS offers virtualized computing resources over the net. AWS offers services like Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) and Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) as part of its IaaS services. Users have manipulated over the running machine, applications, and network configuration, at the same time as AWS manages the underlying infrastructure.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)- PaaS simplifies the improvement and deployment of applications through imparting a platform with integrated services. AWS Elastic Beanstalk and AWS Lambda exemplify PaaS offerings, where users can cognizance on coding without traumatic about infrastructure issues. AWS handles factors like runtime, middleware, and running device renovation.
• Software as a Service (SaaS)- SaaS supplies software program programs over the net on a subscription foundation. While AWS is more acknowledged for its IaaS and PaaS services, a few AWS services support SaaS fashions not directly. For example, Amazon S3 can be used for information garage in SaaS packages.

Section 3- Core AWS Services

3.1 Compute Services-

• Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud)- Amazon EC2 is an AWS fundamental compute provider, offering scalable and resizable digital servers within the cloud. It lets in customers to run virtual machines with numerous configurations, catering to various workloads. Use cases for EC2 range from web hosting websites and jogging packages to handling complicated statistics processing obligations. EC2 instances are to be had in distinctive families optimized for various use cases, including compute optimized, memory optimized, and GPU instances.
• AWS Lambda- AWS Lambda is a serverless compute service that permits builders to run code with out provisioning or dealing with servers. It’s ideal for occasion driven architectures and microservices. Developers can add code snippets (functions) and trigger them in reaction to events, inclusive of changes in statistics or HTTP requests. Lambda is well ideal for eventualities like Realtime document processing, information transformation, and building serverless applications.

3.2 Storage Services-

• Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service)- Amazon S3 is a relatively durable and scalable item garage carrier. It permits customers to store and retrieve any amount of information from everywhere on the net. S3 is typically used for backup and restore, archiving, and serving static internet content material. Its durability, availability, and simplicity of use make it a cornerstone for diverse storage wishes.
• Amazon EBS (Elastic Block Store)- Amazon EBS affords persistent block level storage volumes for use with EC2 times. It is suitable for applications that require long lasting block storage, including databases and report structures. EBS volumes can be attached to EC2 instances, supplying dependable and occasional latency storage.

3.3 Networking Services-

• Amazon VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)- Amazon VPC permits users to launch Amazon Web Services assets right into a virtual network. It presents control over the network environment, which include IP cope with stages, subnets, and routing tables. VPCs are essential for developing isolated and stable environments inside the AWS cloud. Users can personalize their network configuration, outline get right of entry to manage guidelines, and connect VPCs to on-premises statistics centres.
• Security Groups- Security Groups are an imperative a part of AWS networking, acting as virtual firewalls for instances in a VPC. They manipulate inbound and outbound traffic via specifying guidelines, making sure that handiest legal communique happens among instances. Security Groups are vital for imposing robust safety features within AWS environments.

To get started, check out the Cloud Architect Course that will help you to understand AWS Fundamentals and core services like EC2, AWS Lambda, S3, EBS, VPC, etc.

Section 4- Managing AWS Resources

4.1 Identity and Access Management (IAM)-

In AWS Fundamentals, Identity and Access Management (IAM)- IAM is a essential AWS service that permits customers to manage get admission to to AWS sources securely. It allows the introduction and management of AWS users and agencies, defining regulations to control their permissions. IAM plays a vital function in implementing the principle of least privilege, making sure that users and systems have best the necessary permissions for their tasks.

Examples of IAM Configurations-

• Creating IAM users and corporations.
• Assigning permissions using IAM regulations.
• Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) for improved security.
• Integrating IAM roles for EC2 instances to supply brief permissions.
• Utilizing IAM regulations to manipulate access to particular AWS services.

4.2 Security Best Practices-

• Encryption Options- AWS gives diverse encryption alternatives to steady records both in transit and at rest. Users can leverage services like AWS Key Management Service (KMS) for dealing with encryption keys, encrypting Amazon S3 buckets, and enabling SSL/TLS for steady communique.
• AWS Key Management Service (KMS)- KMS is a managed carrier that allows customers to create and control encryption keys used to encrypt records. It integrates seamlessly with other AWS offerings, presenting a centralized and secure key management solution.

Other Security Best Practices-

• Regularly rotate get right of entry to keys and credentials.
• Implement secure community configurations using Amazon VPC.
• Regularly replace and patch EC2 instances and different sources.
• Utilize AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall) for defensive net applications.

4.3 Monitoring and Logging-

• AWS CloudWatch- CloudWatch is a monitoring and observability provider that provides realtime tracking of AWS sources. It allows customers to collect and tune metrics, create alarms, and benefit insights into the overall performance of programs and resources. CloudWatch is vital for proactive monitoring, ensuring that problems are recognized and addressed right away.
• AWS CloudTrail- CloudTrail is a logging service that facts API calls made on an AWS account. It gives an in depth history of API interest, helping in auditing, compliance, and safety evaluation. CloudTrail logs can be analysed to apprehend who did what, when, and from wherein within an AWS environment.

Section 5- Hands-On Experience-

5.1 Creating an AWS Account-

In this topic of AWS Fundamentals, you will learn that creating an AWS account is step one in gaining hands-on experience with AWS services. Follow the steps to install your AWS account-

1. Access the AWS Website-

• Go to the AWS homepage -(https-//aws.Amazon.Com/).
• Click on the “Create an AWS Account” button.

2. Provide Account Information-

• Enter your e mail deal with, select a stable password, and offer an AWS account call.
• Click “Continue.”

3. Contact Information-

• Fill in your contact statistics, consisting of your call, deal with, and get in touch with wide variety.
• Click “Continue.”

4. Payment Information-

• Enter your fee facts. AWS uses this for identity verification and to save you misuse of the Free Tier.

Note- AWS offers a Free Tier with confined assets for 365 days, permitting you to discover offerings without incurring costs.

5. Identity Verification-

AWS may additionally require additional identification verification. Choose your preferred method (phone call or textual content message) and comply with the instructions.

6. Choose a Support Plan-

Select a guide plan. For novices, the “Basic” plan is enough. It consists of free get admission to to the AWS Support Centre.

7. Complete Registration-

Review the supplied facts, and if everything is correct, click “Create Account and Continue.”

8. Confirmation Email-

Check your email for a affirmation message from AWS. Click on the link furnished to verify your electronic mail address.

9. Sign In to the Console-

Once your electronic mail is demonstrated, sign up to the AWS Management Console -(https-//aws.Amazon.Com/console/).

10. Navigate the AWS Console-

Familiarize your self with the AWS Management Console. This is the important hub for getting access to and managing AWS services.

Emphasize the AWS Free Tier-

The AWS Free Tier provides a limited variety of assets without cost each month for the first one year.

It includes offerings like Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon RDS, allowing you to test and research with out incurring prices.

Monitor your usage to stay inside the Free Tier limits and avoid unexpected costs.

5.2 Launching a Virtual Server (EC2 Instance)-

1. Accessing AWS Console-

Log in to the AWS Management Console.

2. Navigating to EC2 Dashboard-

In the AWS Console, find and pick out the EC2 carrier.

3. Launching an EC2 Instance-

Click on the “Launch Instance” button.

Choose an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) based totally in your necessities. AMIs are preconfigured templates for instances.

Select an instance kind based totally at the computational resources wanted.

4. Configuring Instance Details-

Configure the quantity of times to release.

Specify community settings, along with VPC, subnet, and whether to assign a public IP.

5. Adding Storage-

Define the size and type of the root extent (boot quantity).

Add additional volumes if wished for data garage.

6. Configuring Security Groups-

Create or choose a security institution to govern inbound and outbound site visitors.

Define rules for allowing unique sorts of site visitors to attain the example.

7. Review and Launch-

Review the instance configuration.

Choose an present key pair or create a new one for stable get right of entry to.

8. Launching the Instance-

Click “Launch” to provoke the creation of the EC2 instance.

A confirmation dialog will appear; pick out the key pair and renowned.

9. Accessing the Instance-

Once the instance is released, connect to it using SSH (for Linux) or RDP (for Windows) the use of the key pair.

You now have a jogging EC2 instance.

5.3 Deploying a Simple Web Application-

1- Prepare Your Web Application-

Ensure your net software is prepared for deployment, consisting of vital code, dependencies, and configuration files. This instance assumes a basic internet utility using a supported programming language (e.G., Python, Java, Node.Js).

2- Package Your Application-

Package your software into a deployable format, along with a ZIP document or a container photo. Include all essential files and dependencies.

3- AWS Elastic Beanstalk Console-

Navigate to the AWS Management Console.

Go to the Elastic Beanstalk carrier.

4- Create a New Application-

Click on “Create Application.”

Provide a call for your software.

Choose a platform that matches your utility’s programming language.

5- Upload Your Application-

In the software dashboard, click on “Create Environment.”

Select “Web server surroundings” for a general internet utility.

Upload your utility bundle.

6- Configure Environment Settings-

Specify surroundings name and URL.

Choose an surroundings kind (load balanced or single example).

Configure additional settings which includes example type, key pairs, and more.

7- Review and Launch-

Review your configuration settings.

Click “Launch” to installation your internet utility.

8- Monitor Deployment-

Elastic Beanstalk routinely handles the deployment method, including potential provisioning, load balancing, and fitness tracking. Monitor the deployment progress inside the Elastic Beanstalk console.

9- Access Your Web Application-

Once deployed, access your internet software through the supplied URL. Elastic Beanstalk looks after scaling, updates, and renovation, permitting you to attention on improving your utility.

Conclusion-

By now, in the AWS Fundamentals, you must have a clear understanding of what exactly AWS is, the key services provided by AWS, and how you can deploy a web application. If you are more interested and planning to become a master, we would recommend you to join the AWS Masters Program here!

Section 1 – Cloud Computing Essentials-

In AWS Fundamentals, Cloud computing is a transformative paradigm that has revolutionized traditional IT infrastructure.

Essential traits of cloud computing, along with OnDemand self-service and fast elasticity, distinguish it from traditional website hosting fashions.

Section 2 – Introduction to AWS-

AWS is a leading cloud services platform with a international infrastructure, presenting reliability, scalability, and a various variety of services.

AWS aligns with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and indirectly supports Software as a Service (SaaS) models.

Section 3 – Core AWS Services-

Compute offerings like Amazon EC2 and AWS Lambda provide scalable and flexible answers for numerous workloads.

Storage services consisting of Amazon S3 and Amazon EBS provide durability, scalability, and reliability for numerous garage desires.

Networking offerings like Amazon VPC and Security Groups enable the advent of secure and scalable community architectures.

Section 4 – Managing AWS Resources-

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is important for coping with get admission to and permissions securely.

Implementing security first-class practices, encryption options, and services like AWS Key Management Service (KMS) enhances useful resource safety.

Monitoring and logging with AWS CloudWatch and CloudTrail are crucial for retaining a secure and properly monitored AWS surroundings.

Section 5 – Hands-On Project

AWS account introduction is the preliminary step towards getting access to and utilizing AWS offerings, and the Free Tier allows customers to explore AWS without incurring charges.

Amazon EC2 times are flexible, scalable, and customizable, serving as the inspiration for various packages and workloads.

Deploying a easy net application on AWS entails configuring an EC2 example and information the fundamentals of web server setup.