Course Information
About Cloud Course
Cloud Course by Not Just Software Inc. is a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience designed to help developers and IT professionals build real-world skills with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Unlike certification-focused courses, we emphasize actual implementation and problem-solving with AWS services through hands-on exercises and real-world applications.
Course Overview
This course covers essential AWS services and architecture patterns with a focus on practical application. You'll build functional infrastructure components step-by-step, solving common challenges that developers and DevOps professionals face in cloud environments. The course is structured to progressively build your skills, from foundational concepts to advanced implementations.
Estimated completion time: 45-60 hours of hands-on learning
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for:
- Software Developers looking to expand their skills to include cloud infrastructure
- DevOps Engineers wanting to master AWS services and infrastructure automation
- System Administrators transitioning to cloud-based infrastructure
- IT Professionals seeking to update their skills for cloud computing
- Tech Entrepreneurs planning to build cloud-native applications
- Students who want to learn practical skills that employers are looking for
Prerequisites
To get the most from this course, you should have:
- Basic command line/terminal experience (familiar with basic commands)
- Fundamental understanding of web servers and networking concepts
- Some programming experience in any language (basic understanding of variables, functions, and logic)
- An AWS account (free tier eligible)
- A computer that can run the AWS CLI (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- Basic understanding of web technologies (HTTP, domains, etc.)
Course Curriculum
Section 1: Getting Started
Overview: Focuses on AWS account setup and initial configuration, creating a solid foundation for cloud computing work.
Key Topics:
- Introduction to Cloud Computing concepts
- AWS Account Setup with security best practices
- AWS Organizations for multi-account strategy
- Budget Alarms for cost monitoring
- AWS CLI Configuration for programmatic access
- Route 53 DNS configuration for web applications
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to create and secure AWS accounts, implement a multi-account strategy, set up budget alarms, configure AWS CLI access, and manage DNS with Route 53.
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Section 2: Regions and CDNs
Overview: Learn to host static websites using Amazon S3 and improve content delivery globally using CloudFront CDN.
Key Topics:
- S3 Fundamentals and bucket configuration
- Static Website Hosting in S3
- CloudFront CDN setup and configuration
- Custom domain integration with HTTPS
- CLI operations for deployment automation
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to create S3 static websites, configure CloudFront distributions, set up custom domains with HTTPS, and automate deployments using the AWS CLI.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Section 3: Introducing EC2
Overview: A comprehensive introduction to Amazon EC2, covering both theoretical concepts and practical hands-on exercises.
Key Topics:
- EC2 Fundamentals and virtual server concepts
- Instance types and configuration options
- Storage solutions (EBS, EFS)
- Security and access management
- T-series instances and burstable performance
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to launch and manage EC2 instances, configure SSH access, select appropriate instance types, implement security group rules, and optimize costs.
Estimated Time: 3-5 hours
Section 4: Simple Web App (EC2)
Overview: Hands-on experience deploying and configuring a complete web application infrastructure on AWS EC2.
Key Topics:
- Web Server Configuration with Caddy
- Database Implementation with MySQL
- Full-Stack Web Application Deployment
- HTTPS configuration and certificate management
- DNS Configuration with Route 53
- Monitoring and Logging implementation
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to configure web servers with HTTPS, set up database servers, deploy full-stack applications, and implement monitoring.
Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
Section 5: IAM, S3, CloudWatch
Overview: Expand your application by incorporating IAM for security, S3 for file storage, and CloudWatch for monitoring.
Key Topics:
- IAM Fundamentals and security best practices
- EC2 Integration with AWS Services
- S3 for Application Storage solutions
- CloudWatch for Monitoring and logging
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to create IAM policies and roles, integrate S3 for file storage, implement CloudWatch for monitoring, and secure access between AWS services.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Section 6: RDS, Cloud DBs, Secrets
Overview: Learn about managed database services with Amazon RDS, exploring features, options, and implementing production-quality deployments.
Key Topics:
- Cloud Database Fundamentals and comparison
- RDS Configuration Options and engine selection
- Advanced RDS Features (Parameter & Option Groups)
- Database Administration and maintenance
- Security and performance optimization
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to create and configure RDS instances, implement security best practices, set up monitoring and logging, and optimize database performance.
Estimated Time: 3-5 hours
Section 7: AMIs & Manual Scaling
Overview: Implement horizontal scaling using Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) and load balancers.
Key Topics:
- Horizontal Scaling Concepts and implementation
- Immutable Infrastructure principles
- Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) creation and use
- Load Balancing configuration and optimization
- Security Considerations for distributed systems
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to create custom AMIs, launch multiple identical instances, configure load balancers, and implement immutable infrastructure principles.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Section 8: VPCs, Subnets, Routing
Overview: In-depth exploration of AWS networking concepts, focusing on creating secure, scalable network architecture.
Key Topics:
- VPC & Subnet Fundamentals and design
- Network Security with security groups and ACLs
- Network Connectivity (Internet/NAT Gateways, VPC Endpoints)
- Database Integration in private subnets
- Application Deployment across network tiers
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to design multi-tier VPC architectures, configure public and private subnets, implement security controls, and deploy applications across isolated network tiers.
Estimated Time: 5-7 hours
Section 9: Auto Scaling & Load Balancing
Overview: Implement scalable and fault-tolerant applications using Auto Scaling Groups (ASG) and Application Load Balancers (ALB).
Key Topics:
- Auto scaling and load balancing fundamentals
- Application Load Balancer setup and configuration
- Launch template configuration for consistent deployment
- Auto Scaling Group implementation and management
- CloudWatch alarms and metrics for scaling policies
Learning Outcomes: You'll be able to design scalable architectures, configure load balancers, create auto scaling groups, and implement custom scaling policies.
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Section 10: Infrastructure as Code (Preview)
Overview: Introduction to Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with a focus on Terraform for AWS.
Key Topics:
- Infrastructure as Code principles and benefits
- Terraform basics for AWS resource management
- State management and environment isolation
- Infrastructure templating and deployment automation
Learning Outcomes: You'll understand IaC principles, recognize the benefits of Terraform, and appreciate concepts of state management and immutability.
Coming Soon Sections
- Infrastructure as Code with Terraform: Comprehensive Terraform implementation for AWS
- Server Building with Packer: Automated AMI creation and management
- Container Solutions with Docker: Containerization and orchestration
- Serverless Architecture: Lambda, API Gateway, and event-driven applications
Course Development and Updates
Current Development Status
Cloud Course is currently available as an Early Bird Special. This means:
- The course is actively being developed and expanded
- Core written content and practical exercises are complete and fully usable
- Some sections may not yet have accompanying video walkthroughs
- A few advanced sections may be marked as "coming soon"
- Early adopters receive a significant discount from the future regular price
What to Expect During Development
During this early access period:
- New video content is added regularly
- "Coming soon" sections will be released as they're completed
- You'll receive email notifications when significant new content is added
- Your feedback may influence the development priorities
Post-Launch Updates
Even after all initial content is complete, we'll continue improving the course:
- Updating modules when significant AWS changes occur
- Adding new content as important services emerge
- Notifying students when major updates are released
- Maintaining backward compatibility where possible
Pricing Structure
As an early bird purchaser, you benefit from:
- Lifetime access to all current AND future course content (for as long as the course exists)
- A locked-in discounted price compared to the eventual full price
- The opportunity to influence course development with your feedback
The course price may increase as more content is added, but your one-time purchase grants you access to all future updates without additional charges.
Learning Approach
Our learning methodology includes:
- Step-by-step guided implementations with detailed instructions
- Real-world scenarios and use cases that mirror professional environments
- CLI verification tools to validate your work and provide immediate feedback
- Progressive building of increasingly complex systems
- Practical assessments that test your ability to apply concepts
- Troubleshooting guidance to develop problem-solving skills
Access Details
Upon purchase, you'll receive:
- Lifetime access to all current course content (for as long as the course exists and is maintained)
- Access to all future updates and new modules
- Progress tracking through your personal dashboard
- Access to our Discord community for peer learning and discussions
- CLI verification tool for assessment and feedback
- Downloadable resources including reference materials and code samples
Technical Requirements
To complete the exercises in this course, you'll need:
- Computer: Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+ or similar)
- Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (latest version)
- Terminal/Command Line: Access to a terminal or command prompt
- AWS CLI: Ability to install and configure the AWS Command Line Interface
- Internet Connection: Reliable broadband connection
- AWS Account: Free tier eligible for most exercises
- Text Editor: Any modern code editor (VS Code recommended)
- Storage: At least 1GB of free disk space
Accessibility
We strive to make our course content accessible to all learners:
- Text-based instructions for all exercises
- Step-by-step screenshots for visual guidance
- Course materials are designed to work with screen readers
- Interface elements follow web accessibility guidelines
If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at support@cloudcourse.dev to discuss accommodations.
Not Included
This course does not include:
- AWS certification exam preparation or certification vouchers
- 24/7 instructor support or personal mentoring
- AWS credits or free usage (beyond what AWS offers in their free tier)
- Custom architecture consultation for your business needs
- Production-ready code for commercial applications
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the course content or whether it's right for you, please contact us at support@cloudcourse.dev.
Last updated: April 15, 2025