Beginner’s Guide to AWS: Start Your Cloud Journey in 2025
In this article, I’m going to walk you through Amazon Web Services. You’re going to get started with Amazon Web Services. You will learn how to create your first results on Amazon Web Services and discover many amazing things about AWS.
I’ll take the time to explain in detail concepts around Amazon Web Services. You’ll get to know what AWS is all about, its services, the certifications you can obtain, and how to get an account to get started. If you want to practice using AWS or just navigate the platform, you can create a free account, which allows you to explore the platform without incurring charges.
Before we get started with Amazon Web Services, I’d like to explain what cloud computing is all about. Cloud computing is the provisioning of resources, whether it’s servers, storage, databases, or other services, over the internet — also referred to as “the cloud.”
Cloud computing enables businesses to acquire resources on-demand over the internet, eliminating the need to buy and maintain hardware onsite. For example, if a company requires specific resources for its applications, they don’t need to buy and host these resources locally. Instead, they can provision them instantly from the cloud.
This ease of access is what makes cloud computing so valuable. Companies can obtain resources that might otherwise take weeks or months to set up locally. With cloud computing, resources are available globally and can be deployed rapidly.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the biggest cloud service providers globally. There are other cloud platforms like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, and Oracle Cloud, but AWS is widely regarded as a leader in this space.
AWS provides opportunities for building a rewarding career. For example, jobs related to cloud computing often offer annual salaries ranging from $72,000 to over $100,000. If you search for cloud computing job opportunities online, you’ll see roles such as Cloud Architect, Data Scientist, Cloud Consultant, and more. Mastering AWS can pave the way to such careers.
Now, many people ask, “How do I get started with cloud computing?” or “Which technology should I learn first?” This video is here to guide you.
Starting with AWS is a great choice because it’s easy to use. Simply search for Amazon Web Services in your browser, and you’ll find various resources, including free courses like AWS Skill Builder. This course introduces AWS services, including computing, storage, databases, and global infrastructure.
AWS has its physical servers and infrastructure in locations around the world, referred to as availability zones. These resources are hosted in regions like Europe, Asia, and North America. With AWS, you can learn how to connect resources across these regions, set up secure storage, and create pricing models for your clients.
One recommended starting point is the free AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course. It offers foundational knowledge about AWS services and is a great way to prepare for your first certification.
Speaking of certifications, AWS offers various certifications to prove your expertise in cloud computing. These include:
- Foundational Certification: AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Associate Certifications: Solutions Architect Associate, Developer Associate, and Systems Administrator Associate
- Professional Certifications: Solutions Architect Professional and DevOps Engineer Professional
- Specialty Certifications: For advanced knowledge in areas like Machine Learning, Security, and Data Analytics.
AWS even provides a 50% discount for your next certification after completing one. For example, after earning the Cloud Practitioner certification, you can pursue the Solutions Architect Associate certification at a reduced cost.
While certifications are essential, they’re not enough. It’s also important to gain hands-on experience. AWS offers a Free Tier Account that lets you practice for 12 months at no cost. You can provision resources, test applications, and build your skills.
To create an AWS Free Tier account, simply search for AWS Free Tier, sign up, and provide the required details (email, banking info, etc.). Once your account is confirmed, you’ll have access to AWS resources and can start learning and practicing.
In this video, I also touched on job opportunities. AWS skills are in demand worldwide, and you can find remote and local jobs in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and beyond. Popular platforms for job searches include:
- Glassdoor: Search for roles like Cloud Engineer or AWS Cloud Infrastructure Engineer. Average salaries range from $105,000 to $110,000 annually.
- Dice: A platform for finding tech jobs.
- Upwork: For freelancing opportunities in cloud computing and related fields.
All links to these job platforms are in the video description. Be sure to check them out.