The world of cloud computing can seem vast and complex, especially for those just starting out. As the leading cloud provider, Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a myriad of services that allow companies to run applications and store data on Amazon’s proven computing infrastructure. While the breadth of options provides great flexibility, it can also induce choice paralysis for the uninitiated.
Table of Contents
This comprehensive guide breaks down the fundamental AWS concepts and services in simple terms, acting as a gentle introduction to cloud computing basics. By the end, novice cloud enthusiasts will have demystified the jargon and gained practical insights to make informed decisions with confidence. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Cloud
Simply put, cloud computing allows convenient, on-demand access to a shared pool of computing resources. These resources include servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and more. Cloud providers manage these complex backend infrastructures while presenting a simple interface for the customer.
Some key benefits of using the cloud:
- Cost Savings – Pay only for what you use instead of investing heavily upfront in your own data centers. Auto-scale seamlessly based on workload.
- Speed & Agility – Launch resources within minutes instead of waiting weeks or months to provision and configure hardware.
- Reliability – Leverage cloud providers’ geographically distributed global infrastructure to deploy applications resiliently.
- Productivity – Focus efforts on core business goals instead of resource-intensive IT management.
Understanding AWS
As a subsidiary of Amazon launched in 2006, AWS pioneered the IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) model, allowing flexibility beyond previous PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) models. With data center locations distributed globally, AWS has the largest and most mature cloud infrastructure, offering over 200 feature-rich services.
Some core AWS services:
Compute
- EC2 – Launch scalable Linux or Windows virtual servers
- Lambda – Run code without provisioning servers
- ECS – Docker container management service
- Elastic Beanstalk – Orchestrate various AWS services to auto-scale web apps
Storage
- S3 – Store and retrieve any volume of data
- EFS – Managed shared file storage for EC2
- Glacier – Low-cost long-term backup
Databases
- RDS – Managed relational databases
- DynamoDB – Managed NoSQL database
- Redshift – Petabyte-scale data warehouse
Networking & Content Delivery
- VPC – Logically isolated virtual network
- Route 53 – Scalable DNS with domain registration
- CloudFront – Global network for rapid content delivery
Security & Identity
- IAM – Manage access controls and permissions
This is but a glimpse of the extensive array of services catering from small start-ups to established enterprises. Granular access controls, identity management integrations and options to deploy within your own data center give fine-grained oversight over your environment.
AWS Management Console Tour
Now that we understand AWS basics, let’s log into the AWS Console for hands-on exploration.
Creating an Account
Visit aws.amazon.com and click Create an AWS Account. Follow the steps to sign-up. For new users, the AWS Free Tier offers limited access to various services for test purposes without incurring charges for one year.
Initial Setup Once logged in, we land on the main console dashboard displaying an Overview of resource usage across service categories.
Across the top navigation bar we can access Management Tools for overall administration including security credentials, billing details, and 24/7 support channels.
The “Services” drop down lists all available AWS services, grouped logically for easier discovery.
On the top right we can configure user Settings and Notifications. Useful for managing login profiles, contacts, and tracking service alerts.
Key Terminology
As we explore various services, you will encounter the following common constructs:
- Region: Physical location of infrastructure e.g. US East (Ohio)
- Availability Zone: Distinct data center within a region, isolated from failures
- VPC: Logical isolated network to launch resources
- Subnet: Division of a VPC network into segments
- EC2 Instances: The virtual server machines running computations
- AMIs: Pre-configured template containing software configurations to quickly spin up EC2 instances
- EBS Volumes: Virtual drives attached to EC2 instances
- Tags: Custom metadata labels assigned to resources
Launching a Service
Let’s launch a simple EC2 Linux instance to illustrate accessing a typical AWS service.
Browse to the EC2 Dashboard under Compute. Click Launch Instance. Select a quick-start AMI like Amazon Linux 2. Choose instance type determining CPU, memory etc. Configure details like VPC, subnet etc. Add storage volumes if needed. Tags resources for management. Security group acts like a virtual firewall.
Review the configuration and Launch! The status progresses from Pending to Running.
We now have a fully functioning Linux virtual machine accessible using remote connections! With this hands-on walkthrough, you’ve now launched your first AWS compute resource.
AWS CLI: Command Line Power
While the visual console makes it easy to browse AWS services, operations teams often prefer the flexibility of a command line interface. AWS provides the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) tool for interacting with services programatically via CLI commands.
Let’s install the AWS CLI:
Install
The AWS CLI is supported on Linux, Windows and Mac. Install per official documentation using pip, an MSI installer or brew.
Configure
Run: $ aws configure
Supply Access Key ID and Secret Access Key from Security Credentials. Set default region and output format.
Usage
Now execute AWS operations using CLI commands. For example:
$ aws s3 ls $ aws ec2 describe-instances
Common pattern:
$ aws <service> <action>
The CLI allows automation of AWS service tasks with scripting and configuration management.
Pricing & Billing
With cloud computing, pay only for resources used instead of upfront infrastructure costs. Services follow a pay-as-you-go model. Consider cost implications while architecting systems on cloud.
AWS offers a Free Tier with limited access to certain services for test purposes. Beyond that, you accrue charges as below:
Compute – By time used for provisioned instances/containers
Storage – By GB stored per month
Data Transfer – By GB of data transferred in/out
Databases – By usage metrics like hours, IOPS based on provisioned capacity
AWS provides a detailed Cost Explorerbreakdown and Budget alerts to track spending.
Use AWS Cost Calculator to estimate costs for your use-case.
Getting Support
Deployment on AWS does not equate to complete ownership of infrastructure hassles. Consider using managed services like RDS, Elastic Beanstalk etc which handle common administrative tasks automatically.
If issues arise, AWS offers a spectrum system-wide support:
Basic Support
Included for all users with access to documentation, whitepapers and support forums for community troubleshooting.
Developer Support
Targeted plans for developers building on AWS. Affordable starting at $29/month.
Business Support
Production environments demand enterprise-grade support. Options based on use-case like a 24/7 technical account manager or 15 minute response times for business-critical systems.
Many third-party companies also offer managed AWS consulting specifically tailored to your needs.
Key Takeaways
We banished buzzwords and instead focused this guide on the AWS fundamentals from the ground up. Signing up for a free account provides hands-on access to explore services, launch a simple EC2 instance, and grasp basics of cloud economics.
With over 200 services, AWS can massively accelerate application deployment while cutting operational headaches. Approach thoughtfully by identifying priority use-cases, costs and support channels. Embrace managed services judiciously. Iterate using the secure, agile infrastructure that only the cloud makes possible!
You now possess core building blocks to make informed decisions and proactively demystify elements of the AWS cloud without being overwhelmed! This understanding serves as a gateway to ultimately craft resilient, innovative solutions by leveraging the seemingly endless possibilities on offer.
