We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Course image

Course image

Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101)

Course image

Jim Sullivan

Welcome to Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101).

Over the next few weeks, we will discuss the basics of Cloud computing: what it is, what it supports, and how it is delivered. We will delve into storage services, Cloud economics, levels of managed infrastructure, and Azure services. We will also explore different deployment models of Cloud computing, as well as several hosting scenarios. Last but not least, we will compare some of the cloud platforms and discuss the future of cloud computing.

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

What's inside

Syllabus

What is the "Cloud"?

In this module, we'll discuss what the Cloud is, what it supports, and how it is delivered. We'll also explore computing as a utility, storage services, and Cloud economics, as well as distributed computing, managed infrastructure, and Azure services.

Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners or someone who needs a refresher on the basics of cloud computing

Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing concepts, services, and deployment models

Taught by an experienced instructor, Jim Sullivan

Covers essential topics for cloud computing practitioners, such as storage services, Cloud economics, levels of managed infrastructure, and Azure services

May require additional resources for hands-on practice and real-world examples

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Intro to cloud computing basics

According to learners, this course provides a largely positive introduction to the world of cloud computing. It's frequently cited as a great starting point for those with little to no prior knowledge, offering a clear and concise overview of fundamental concepts. Many found the explanations easy to understand and the overall structure well-organized, particularly appreciating the breakdown of topics like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. While it covers a broad range of areas, including comparisons of major platforms like Azure, AWS, and GCP, some reviewers note that the course is primarily a high-level introduction and does not delve deeply into specific technologies or advanced topics. This makes it ideal for beginners but potentially too basic for those with existing cloud experience looking for technical depth. Overall, students feel it successfully achieves its goal of providing foundational cloud knowledge.

Covers breadth, but lacks technical depth.

"It covers a lot of ground but doesn't go deep into any one topic."

"A good high-level view, but you'll need other courses for specifics."

"Compares platforms but doesn't really teach you how to *use* them."

"Useful for understanding terminology and basic concepts, but not how to implement."

Helps distinguish major cloud providers.

"Good introduction to the major platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP."

"I liked the module comparing the different cloud platforms."

"The comparison section was helpful for understanding the landscape."

"It gave me a basic understanding of how the main providers stack up."

Concepts explained in an easy-to-grasp way.

"Concepts explained clearly."

"The lectures were easy to follow and well-paced."

"Everything was presented in a way that was easy to understand, even complex ideas."

"I could easily follow along with the explanations."

Perfect starting point for newcomers to cloud.

"Excellent course for absolute beginners in cloud computing. Concepts explained clearly."

"Great overview, covers all the basics without getting too technical."

"Perfect starting point if you know nothing about the cloud."

"I found it was just right for someone like me who is completely new to the cloud."

May not benefit learners with prior cloud skills.

"Too basic if you already have some cloud experience."

"Professionals might find it redundant."

"I wished it went into more technical detail."

"If you already know the fundamentals, this might not add much value."

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 Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) with these activities:

Cloud Computing Meetups

Show steps

Connect with other professionals in the field at cloud computing meetups.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

Show steps

Identify and join cloud computing meetup groups in your area.
Attend meetups and introduce yourself to other attendees.
Share your experiences and insights with others.
Learn about new cloud technologies and industry trends.
Follow up with connections made at the meetups.

Cloud Computing Resources Compilation

Show steps

Organize and maintain a collection of valuable cloud computing resources.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

Show steps

Create a repository for your compilation, such as a GitHub repository or a Notion page.
Gather and curate high-quality articles, blog posts, videos, and documentation.
Categorize and organize the resources based on topics or use cases.
Add brief descriptions or annotations to each resource.
Share your compilation with others and encourage contributions.

Practice deploying Azure services

Show steps

Increase familiarity with deploying Azure services, a key skill for working with cloud computing.

Browse courses on Azure Services

Show steps

Deploy a virtual machine on Azure
Deploy a web app on Azure
Deploy a database on Azure

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Complete Azure learning paths

Show steps

Enhance understanding of core Azure concepts and features through guided, hands-on exercises.

Show steps

Complete the Azure Fundamentals learning path
Complete the Azure Cloud Architect learning path

Azure DevOps Guided Tutorials

Show steps

Follow guided tutorials to set up and use Azure DevOps for continuous integration and deployment.

Browse courses on Azure DevOps

Show steps

Find and enroll in guided tutorials on Microsoft Learn.
Set up an Azure DevOps account.
Create a CI/CD pipeline.
Configure automated builds and deployments.
Monitor and troubleshoot the CI/CD pipeline.

Hands-on Cloud Deployment

Show steps

Deploy and configure a cloud environment to gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Cloud Deployment

Show steps

Choose a cloud platform to work with, such as Microsoft Azure.
Create a cloud account and provision resources.
Deploy a virtual machine and configure its network settings.
Install and configure applications on the virtual machine.
Monitor the cloud environment and troubleshoot any issues.

Cloud Architecture Design Document

Show steps

Design and document a cloud architecture for a specific use case.

Browse courses on Cloud Architecture

Show steps

Identify the requirements and constraints of the cloud architecture.
Research and select appropriate cloud services.
Design the cloud architecture, including network topology, storage strategy, and security measures.
Create a detailed architecture diagram and documentation.
Peer review the architecture design with a mentor or instructor.

Cloud Security Workshop

Show steps

Attend a workshop or online event to enhance your understanding of cloud security best practices.

Browse courses on Cloud Security

Show steps

Research and identify reputable cloud security workshops.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and schedule.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions and discussions.
Take notes and ask questions to clarify your understanding.
Follow up with the workshop organizers or attendees for further resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects work in a multidisciplinary capacity, which combines the areas of cloud computing with software and hardware to develop and implement systems. Those aiming to become Cloud Architects may find it useful to take the Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course. This course can help build a foundation in cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. Additionally, this course can provide insights into different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Cloud Developer

Cloud Developers design and build cloud-based applications. They also work to maintain and improve the performance of these applications. To prepare for a career in this field, one may take the Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course. This course can help build a foundation in cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. Additionally, this course explores different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career as a Cloud Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Developer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers work to ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of cloud-based systems. This role requires knowledge of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course explores different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career as a Cloud Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers are responsible for securing cloud-based systems and data. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can provide a foundation in these areas. Additionally, this course may help Cloud Security Engineers better understand different cloud platforms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build data pipelines to collect, store, and analyze data. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Data Engineers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Data Scientists better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help DevOps Engineers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers are responsible for the user interface and experience of websites and applications. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Front-End Developers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full-Stack Developers work on both the front-end and back-end of websites and applications. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Full-Stack Developers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan and execute IT projects. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help IT Project Managers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Network Engineers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Security Analyst

Security Analysts identify and mitigate security risks. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Security Analysts better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Software Engineers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Systems Administrators better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They need a strong understanding of cloud computing services, levels of managed service, and deployment models. The Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) course can help build this foundation. Additionally, this course may help Web Developers better understand different cloud platforms, which may be useful for those aspiring to a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101).

Cover image

Cover image

Cloud Computing

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing, its concepts, technologies, and architecture. This book can also serve as a reference for system administrators and engineers who want to implement cloud computing in their organizations.

Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...

(中文) Cloud Computing: Concepts. Technology and...

Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...

Cover image

Cover image

Cloud Computing

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of cloud computing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the emerging trends and future developments in cloud computing.

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

Cover image

Cover image

The Streaming Media Guide

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to cloud computing for business and technology managers. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to make informed decisions about cloud computing.

The Streaming Media Guide: How to Successfully...

Cover image

Cover image

Mastering Cloud Computing

Save

Offers a solid overview of cloud computing and will serve as a valuable reference source for students and researchers, and professionals. It serves as a good accompanying text on the general topic of cloud computing.

Mastering Cloud Computing: Foundations and...

Cover image

Cover image

A First Course on Cloud-Based Microservices

Save

Provides a hands-on approach to cloud computing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use cloud computing technologies and services.

A First Course on Cloud-Based Microservices

A First Course on Cloud-Based Microservices

Cover image

Cover image

Cloud Computing For Dummies

Save

Demystifies cloud computing for beginners. It covers the basics of cloud computing, its benefits and drawbacks, and how to choose the right cloud provider.

Cloud Computing For Dummies

Cloud Computing For Dummies

Cover image

Cover image

Cloud Computing: A Practical Approach

Save

Covers a wide range of topics in cloud computing and is more useful as additional reading than it is as a current reference.

Cloud Computing, A Practical Approach

Cloud Computing: A Practical Approach

Cover image

Cover image

IBM Cloud Private System Administrator's Guide

Save

Focuses on cloud computing in the context of IBM Cloud and will be a useful supplement for learners interested in IBM Cloud as a cloud platform.

IBM Cloud Private System Administrator's Guide

IBM Cloud Private System Administrator's Guide

Cover image

Cover image

Cloud Security and Privacy

Save

Comprehensive guide to cloud security and will be most useful for learners interested in the security of cloud computing.

Cloud Security and Privacy: An Enterprise...

Cloud Security and Privacy: An Enterprise...

Cover image

Cover image

Cloud Application Architectures

Save

Textbook for beginners on cloud computing and will be most useful for learners who are new to cloud computing.

Cloud Application Architectures: Building...

Cloud Application Architectures: Building...

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Copy Link

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101).

Running Windows Containers on Compute Engine

Running Windows Containers on Compute Engine

Dataprep: Qwik Start

Dataprep: Qwik Start

Block.one: Creating a Multi Node EOSIO Blockchain

Block.one: Creating a Multi Node EOSIO Blockchain

APIs Explorer: Qwik Start

APIs Explorer: Qwik Start

Network Defense Essentials (NDE)

Network Defense Essentials (NDE)

TFX on Google Cloud Vertex Pipelines

TFX on Google Cloud Vertex Pipelines

BigQuery Soccer Data Analytical Insight

BigQuery Soccer Data Analytical Insight

Connected Sheets: Qwik Start

Connected Sheets: Qwik Start

Cloud Composer: Copying BigQuery Tables Across Different Locations

Cloud Composer: Copying BigQuery Tables Across Different...

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner

Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions

Free course audit option for lectures and readings

Verified certificates from top universities & companies

OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Course image

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

LearnQuest

Instructor

Jim Sullivan

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners or someone who needs a refresher on the basics of cloud computing

Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing concepts, services, and deployment models

Taught by an experienced instructor, Jim Sullivan

Covers essential topics for cloud computing practitioners, such as storage services, Cloud economics, levels of managed infrastructure, and Azure services

May require additional resources for hands-on practice and real-world examples

Share this

Share to help others discover this course.

Link

Begin learning today

Enroll now to gain full access to Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101).

Enroll now Enroll in this course

Save for later

Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.

Save

Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser