“From testing bugs to deploying in the cloud – my journey into DevOps started with one big question: What exactly is AWS?”

When I began transitioning from a Software Tester to a DevOps Engineer, the world of cloud computing felt massive — and honestly, intimidating. Everyone talked about “AWS,” but no one explained it in simple terms.

So, if you're starting from scratch (just like I did), this guide is for you. Let’s break down what AWS is, and understand the core services in Compute, Network, and Storage — the building blocks of cloud infrastructure.

🌐 What is AWS?

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is the world’s leading cloud platform. It offers on-demand access to servers, databases, networking, storage, and many more services — all without owning any physical infrastructure.

In simple words: AWS lets you "rent" powerful IT resources from Amazon, over the internet, and pay only for what you use.

✅ Why AWS is so popular:

No hardware required
Scales with your needs (start small, grow big)
Pay-as-you-go pricing
Used by startups, enterprises, and even governments

🧠 AWS Fundamentals: The 3 Pillars You Should Know

Let’s dive into the core categories that form the base of almost every AWS project:

🔹 1. Compute Services – The Brain of the Cloud

Compute services help you run applications and perform processing tasks in the cloud.

🧱 Key AWS Compute Services:

Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud)
Virtual servers to run your applications. You can choose OS, CPU, RAM, etc.
Use Case: Hosting websites, apps, APIs.
AWS Lambda
Serverless functions – you write code, AWS runs it automatically when triggered.
Use Case: Running code in response to file uploads, API requests, etc.
AWS Elastic Beanstalk
A simplified way to deploy apps without worrying about the underlying servers.
Use Case: Fast web app deployment with auto-scaling.
AWS Fargate
Serverless containers – run Docker containers without managing servers.
Use Case: Microservices and containerized apps.

🔹 2. Storage Services – Where the Cloud Keeps Your Data

AWS offers flexible options to store everything from files and images to backups and long-term archives.

📦 Key AWS Storage Services:

Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service)
Object storage to save any kind of file (images, videos, documents).
Use Case: Backup, file hosting, static websites.
Amazon EBS (Elastic Block Store)
Like a virtual hard disk attached to EC2.
Use Case: Databases and applications needing fast access.
Amazon EFS (Elastic File System)
Shared file system that can be mounted across multiple EC2 instances.
Use Case: File sharing across multiple virtual servers.
Amazon S3 Glacier
Archival storage for data you don’t need frequently.
Use Case: Compliance data, old logs.

🔹 3. Networking Services – Connecting It All Together

Networking in AWS ensures that your services and resources communicate safely and efficiently.

🌍 Key AWS Networking Services:

Amazon VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)
Your private network inside AWS. You control IP addresses, routing, and access.
Use Case: Isolated and secure cloud environments.
Internet Gateway & NAT Gateway
These allow traffic in and out of your VPC securely.
Use Case: Public web servers and private application servers.
Elastic Load Balancer (ELB)
Distributes traffic across multiple resources to balance the load.
Use Case: Handling traffic spikes and improving app availability.
Route 53
DNS service to direct traffic to your domains and applications.
Use Case: Registering domains, routing traffic globally.

🚀 Wrapping Up

When I first heard about AWS, it felt like a world reserved for experienced developers. But slowly, I realized it’s actually built for learners — you can start small, explore bit by bit, and grow into it.

If you're a tester, student, or someone switching careers like me — AWS is your gateway into DevOps and Cloud. Learn the fundamentals, understand the building blocks, and soon you’ll be deploying with confidence.

🔜 Coming Up:

I’ll be breaking down each AWS service in this series — starting with EC2, S3, and VPC in detail, using real use cases and simple examples.

Let’s learn the cloud together ☁️✨
Follow the series for more beginner-friendly AWS and DevOps content!

☁️ What is AWS? A Beginner’s Guide to AWS Fundamentals – Compute, Network & Storage