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Morgan Willis
and
Rafael Lopes
Technology is omnipresent, but how did we get here? And what does the future hold for a world that's increasingly connected, mobile and data-rich? This course is to give learners enough technical context to understand how to build solutions in the cloud starting from zero technical knowledge. Before diving into the cloud, we will cover the basics of: how do computers work (including software and operating systems), an introduction to information technology, the basics of modern IT infrastructure, and the cloud careers that will be increasingly in-demand. We will then move into the world of internet connected networks (the Internet), covering local hosts, web servers, web applications, web security, the interworkings of a Website and the differences between static and dynamic content. We'll close the course by introducing Cloud Computing; it's role in our world, the differences between public, private and hybrid and why APIs are so important.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/52knew/introduction
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Gain a foundational understanding of how computers work
- Learn how computers talk to each other to exchange data
- Review how companies run their business by networking computers together to solve problems
- Understand the basics of modern it infrastructure
- Describe traditional it roles
- Operating systems, including software file systems, processes and threads
- Describe how virtualization works and the different types
- The connectedness of networking and the internet
- Explain the different types of environments (dev, prod, and test)
- Master web servers, applications and the anatomy of a website
- Learn dns and internet security basics
- Become familiar with cloud computing, including iaas, paas, and saas
- Review the aws cloud and why apis are important
- Know the in-demand cloud roles and the skills required to start a career in information technology
- Gain a foundational understanding of how computers work
- Learn how computers talk to each other to exchange data
- Review how companies run their business by networking computers together to solve problems
- Understand the basics of modern it infrastructure
- Describe traditional it roles
- Operating systems, including software file systems, processes and threads
- Describe how virtualization works and the different types
- The connectedness of networking and the internet
- Explain the different types of environments (dev, prod, and test)
- Master web servers, applications and the anatomy of a website
- Learn dns and internet security basics
- Become familiar with cloud computing, including iaas, paas, and saas
- Review the aws cloud and why apis are important
- Know the in-demand cloud roles and the skills required to start a career in information technology
Syllabus
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong foundation for individuals with no prior technical background, starting with the basics of computer functionality and IT infrastructure
Explores in-demand cloud roles and the skills needed to start a career in information technology, offering practical insights for career advancement
Examines modern IT infrastructure, covering topics such as operating systems, virtualization, and networking, which are essential for understanding today's technology landscape
Introduces AWS Cloud components and their role in cloud computing, which is highly relevant for those looking to work with Amazon Web Services
Explains the importance of APIs in cloud computing, which helps learners understand how different software systems communicate and exchange data
Covers web servers, web applications, and website anatomy, which are foundational concepts for anyone interested in web development and online technologies
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Reviews summary
Foundational it and aws cloud overview
According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in Information Technology fundamentals and an accessible introduction to the AWS Cloud. Students frequently describe it as a great starting point, particularly for those with zero prior technical knowledge, praising the way it breaks down complex topics into understandable parts. The content is generally seen as relevant for understanding modern IT infrastructure and cloud concepts. While many find the course highly beneficial for gaining foundational context, some note that it remains very basic and lacks depth needed for intermediate learners or specific technical roles, suggesting it serves primarily as a broad overview rather than comprehensive training.
Well-paced and logically organized.
"The three-week structure feels well-paced for absorbing the material gradually."
"Progressing from IT basics to internet to cloud makes logical sense."
"Each module builds nicely on the previous one."
"Reviewers felt the course flowed smoothly from foundational to more advanced topics."
Provides insight into IT and cloud job roles.
"The section on IT job roles and cloud careers was helpful for understanding potential career paths."
"Gave me a better idea of the in-demand skills needed for cloud roles."
"Relevant information for anyone considering a career change into IT or cloud."
"The course connects the technical basics to real-world job applications."
Offers practical experience with an AWS lab.
"The hands-on lab creating a static website with Amazon S3 was a valuable practical exercise."
"It was great to actually log into AWS and do something real, even if simple."
"The lab helped reinforce the theoretical concepts discussed earlier in the course."
"Having a lab activity makes the learning feel more tangible and less abstract."
Effectively introduces basic cloud concepts and AWS.
"The final week provides a solid, albeit brief, introduction to cloud computing and AWS specific services like S3."
"Learned the fundamental concepts of cloud, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and why AWS is important."
"The overview of AWS public cloud components was helpful in seeing how these systems fit together."
"It gives you a taste of what AWS is about and why it's relevant in today's IT landscape."
Course materials are easy to follow and understand.
"The videos and readings are well-structured and explain the concepts very clearly."
"Instructors do a good job of simplifying potentially confusing topics."
"I appreciated how concise each module was, making it easy to fit studying into a busy schedule."
"The explanations were straightforward and didn't get bogged down in excessive jargon."
Provides strong introductory knowledge for newcomers.
"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone with zero technical knowledge looking to understand the basics of IT and cloud computing."
"I had absolutely no prior IT background, and this course explained the fundamentals in a way that was easy to grasp."
"Great introduction to concepts like operating systems, networking, and virtualization before diving into the cloud."
"Perfect if you're just dipping your toes into the world of IT and AWS. It doesn't assume any previous experience."
Does not cover topics in significant detail.
"While it's a good intro, don't expect to become proficient in any area. It's very high-level."
"Covers a lot of ground but doesn't dive deep into any specific technology or concept."
"Intermediate or experienced IT professionals will likely find this course too basic."
"It provides context but isn't sufficient for hands-on technical roles without further study."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Information Technology and AWS Cloud with these
activities:
Review Computer Basics
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental computer concepts before diving into cloud technologies.
Browse courses on
Computer Basics
Show steps
-
Review the different components of a computer system.
-
Understand the role of the CPU, memory, and storage.
-
Familiarize yourself with basic input/output operations.
Brush up on Networking Concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your knowledge of networking principles to better understand cloud infrastructure.
Browse courses on
Networking Concepts
Show steps
-
Review the OSI model and its layers.
-
Understand IP addressing and subnetting.
-
Learn about common network protocols like HTTP and DNS.
Read 'Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology, & Architecture'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cloud computing principles and architectures.
View
Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapters on cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
-
Study the sections on cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid).
-
Review the case studies to see how cloud computing is applied in practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow AWS S3 Tutorial
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience with AWS by following a tutorial on creating a static website using Amazon S3.
Show steps
-
Create an AWS account if you don't already have one.
-
Follow the AWS documentation to create an S3 bucket.
-
Upload your website files to the S3 bucket.
-
Configure the bucket for static website hosting.
Build a Simple Web Application on AWS
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by building a simple web application and deploying it on AWS.
Show steps
-
Choose a simple web application to build (e.g., a to-do list app).
-
Use AWS Elastic Beanstalk to deploy the application.
-
Configure a database using Amazon RDS.
-
Implement basic security measures.
Create a Cloud Career Roadmap
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of cloud career paths by creating a roadmap for yourself or others.
Show steps
-
Research different cloud roles (e.g., cloud engineer, cloud architect).
-
Identify the skills and certifications required for each role.
-
Create a visual roadmap outlining the steps to achieve your desired cloud career.
Read 'AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide'
Show steps
Prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam to validate your cloud knowledge.
View
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read each chapter carefully and take notes.
-
Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
-
Take a practice exam to assess your overall readiness.
Review Computer Basics
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental computer concepts before diving into cloud technologies.
Browse courses on
Computer Basics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the different components of a computer system.
- Understand the role of the CPU, memory, and storage.
- Familiarize yourself with basic input/output operations.
Brush up on Networking Concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your knowledge of networking principles to better understand cloud infrastructure.
Browse courses on
Networking Concepts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the OSI model and its layers.
- Understand IP addressing and subnetting.
- Learn about common network protocols like HTTP and DNS.
Read 'Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology, & Architecture'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cloud computing principles and architectures.
View
Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapters on cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
- Study the sections on cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid).
- Review the case studies to see how cloud computing is applied in practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow AWS S3 Tutorial
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience with AWS by following a tutorial on creating a static website using Amazon S3.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create an AWS account if you don't already have one.
- Follow the AWS documentation to create an S3 bucket.
- Upload your website files to the S3 bucket.
- Configure the bucket for static website hosting.
Build a Simple Web Application on AWS
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by building a simple web application and deploying it on AWS.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a simple web application to build (e.g., a to-do list app).
- Use AWS Elastic Beanstalk to deploy the application.
- Configure a database using Amazon RDS.
- Implement basic security measures.
Create a Cloud Career Roadmap
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of cloud career paths by creating a roadmap for yourself or others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different cloud roles (e.g., cloud engineer, cloud architect).
- Identify the skills and certifications required for each role.
- Create a visual roadmap outlining the steps to achieve your desired cloud career.
Read 'AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide'
Show steps
Prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam to validate your cloud knowledge.
View
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read each chapter carefully and take notes.
- Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
- Take a practice exam to assess your overall readiness.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Information Technology and AWS Cloud will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Cloud Support Specialist
Cloud Support Specialist
A Cloud Support Specialist provides technical assistance to clients using cloud services. This role requires a solid understanding of cloud computing, which is covered in this course, specifically focusing on AWS. The course introduces cloud computing concepts such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, which are essential for any support specialist. The course also explores modern IT infrastructure, networking, and internet fundamentals, crucial for troubleshooting and resolving technical issues. Additionally, this course may help familiarize you with the roles and skills needed for a career in information technology, which can be helpful as you start out in this role.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator
The Systems Administrator manages the daily operations of a computer system. This course helps provide a foundation in operating systems, software, and virtualization, all critical elements in systems administration. It covers how computers work, including software and operating systems, and introduces modern IT infrastructure, which contributes to a systemic perspective. You'll also learn about networking, Internet functionality, and web servers, all valuable for managing an interconnected system. This overview of various tech concepts is useful for a Systems Administrator to effectively take care of the underlying systems and respond to various challenges.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course introduces the basics of modern IT infrastructure, networking, and the Internet, which are all integral to this role. The course also helps explain how computers communicate and how data is exchanged, which is pertinent to understanding network structures and protocols. A thorough understanding of web security concepts, discussed in the course, is also helpful for network administrators who are concerned about securing the network and its assets. Furthermore, learning about the cloud may provide a future opportunity to transition into cloud networking.
IT Help Desk Technician
IT Help Desk Technician
An IT Help Desk Technician provides first-line technical support to end-users, addressing a wide range of computer and network issues. This course provides essential background knowledge about how computers work, operating systems, networking concepts, and the basics of IT infrastructure. This background is very useful for an IT Help Desk Technician who must effectively diagnose and solve these problems, or escalate them when necessary. This course also introduces web applications and the anatomy of a website, which are great for understanding common user-facing issues.
Cloud Solutions Architect
Cloud Solutions Architect
A Cloud Solutions Architect designs and implements cloud computing solutions for organizations. This course provides a necessary introduction to cloud computing, specifically focusing on AWS, and covers cloud computing concepts like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. The course also explores the role of APIs, which is critical in building cloud architectures. Furthermore, the discussion of networking, the Internet, and web applications serves as a foundation for designing and integrating cloud solutions with existing systems. This course may be helpful for you to begin your transition into this career and explore career roles in cloud.
Web Application Developer
Web Application Developer
A Web Application Developer builds and maintains web applications. This course provides an introduction to web servers and web applications, exploring their differences and how they work, which is essential for this role. It also discusses the anatomy of a website and the concepts of static and dynamic content. Understanding the internet's fundamentals including DNS and web security covered in this course are important for developing secure and reliable web applications. This course may help you understand the technology landscape before specializing in web development.
Junior Cloud Engineer
Junior Cloud Engineer
A Junior Cloud Engineer helps with the implementation and maintenance of cloud infrastructure. The course offers an overview of cloud computing, especially within the AWS environment, making it a great foundation for this role. This course may be helpful by providing understanding of cloud concepts such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and of APIs. The course also covers the basics of IT infrastructure, networking, and virtualization, which are all essential for managing and maintaining cloud environments. The exploration of various cloud roles covered in this course can also help guide your career path as a Junior Cloud Engineer.
IT Project Coordinator
IT Project Coordinator
An IT Project Coordinator helps a business manage IT projects. This course provides a broad overview of IT infrastructure, cloud computing, networks, operating systems, and the Internet. A project coordinator may find it helpful to understand these topics to better manage IT projects, as well as to communicate with technical team members. You will also learn much about various cloud roles that may be helpful as you plan IT projects. Taking this course may be useful to better strategize and understand the scope of various IT projects.
Technical Sales Representative
Technical Sales Representative
A Technical Sales Representative sells technical products and services using technical knowledge. This course is a great choice because it provides a foundation in cloud computing, IT infrastructure, and networking, which are all helpful for selling technical products. In addition, the course introduces basic understanding of websites and web applications, which broadens the range of products you can sell. This course may be useful in helping you understand how the products and services you sell can assist businesses in solving problems.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation for technical products, processes, and services. The course introduces fundamental concepts in information technology, including computers, operating systems, networking, and cloud computing, which may be helpful for someone who wants to describe these concepts to others. This course can also introduce you to the basics of modern IT infrastructure, the cloud, and Internet security, which are commonly described in technical documentation. This course may be a useful way to make sure you have broad understanding of fundamental technical concepts.
Data Center Technician
Data Center Technician
A Data Center Technician maintains and monitors the physical infrastructure of data centers. This course may be helpful to gain a foundational understanding of computer hardware, networking, and the interactions between hardware and software. The course introduces IT infrastructure and operating systems, important to data centers. You will also learn the basics of the internet and security, which is useful when data centers are connected to external networks. Learning this material may position you as a stronger candidate for that role.
IT Trainer
IT Trainer
An IT Trainer educates individuals on various technology topics. The broad overview this course provides on a range of topics, such as operating systems, networking, and cloud computing may be helpful for anyone looking to teach technology. The course's coverage of modern IT infrastructure and cloud careers will be especially helpful for you to teach about IT careers. This course may be helpful for you to gain a broad understanding of multiple technology concepts.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and helps determine technology solutions. This course provides an overview of various technologies, including IT infrastructure, networks, and cloud computing. This may be useful for a Business Analyst to understand the types of technology that are available for use in business. The course may be helpful as it introduces modern IT infrastructure and the basics of cloud computing, essential for anyone who works with technological systems in a business context. This overview of different technologies may help you to understand the scope and implications of proposed IT solutions.
Technical Recruiter
Technical Recruiter
A Technical Recruiter identifies and recruits technical talent. This course may be useful for understanding the different roles and skill sets required in IT, which helps to identify and assess candidates. The course also may be helpful for understanding the basic IT concepts relevant to many roles, such as operating systems, networking, and cloud computing. This course's overview of in-demand cloud roles and the skills required may be beneficial for you to better recruit and identify talent.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital Marketing Specialist
A Digital Marketing Specialist uses online marketing tools and strategies to promote products and services. This course may be useful for understanding the basics of websites, web servers, and web applications, which are important for anyone working in digital marketing. The course's overview of the internet and its structure may be helpful when creating online marketing campaigns. The course may be useful to gain background technical knowledge important to digital marketing operations.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/52knew/introduction
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Information Technology and AWS Cloud.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing concepts, technologies, and architectural patterns. It valuable resource for understanding the underlying principles of cloud computing and how they relate to AWS. This book is useful as a reference text. It provides additional depth to the cloud computing topics covered in the course.
This study guide is designed to help individuals prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. It covers the fundamental concepts of AWS and provides practice questions to test your knowledge. is particularly useful for solidifying your understanding of AWS services and preparing for a potential career in the cloud. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/52knew/introduction
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Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 3 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Amazon Web Services
Instructors
Morgan Willis
Rafael Lopes
Language
English
Transcript
English
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