Getting started with AWS

I want to share how I started learning AWS and the resources that helped me along the way. My journey wasn't planned, it began because I needed AWS for work and then I got obsessed grew into a real passion for cloud technologies.

How my journey started: learning through work

My AWS journey began when I had to use cloud services for a project at work. The team already developed the basis infrastructure so I needed to understand how it works to step first into trouble shooting if something happened.

As I gained experience with actual business requirements, I found myself wanting to understand more than just what I needed for work. This hands-on experience gave me the confidence to start exploring other services. I began building and testing services on my own, curious about what else was possible in the cloud.

Building My Foundation: AWS Skill Builder

To support my practical experience, I turned to AWS Skill Builder for the theoretical knowledge I was missing. This platform became my main resource for understanding the core concepts behind AWS's most important services.

I focused on mastering the fundamentals:

• Amazon S3: Understanding object storage, buckets, and how to store files in the cloud

• Amazon EC2: Getting comfortable with virtual servers and different instance types

• VPC Basics: Learning how networking works in AWS

• IAM: Learn permissions management to services can work with each other

• Other core services that form the foundation of most AWS projects

Combining hands-on work experience with structured learning through Skill Builder gave me a solid foundation to build on.

Helpful Resources

Here are some key resources that helped accelerate my learning:

AWS Skill Builder

Tech with Lucy

The courses of Stephane Maarek

The Free Tier: My Testing Playground

One of the best things about learning AWS is the Free Tier. During my first year, it gave me a safe space to experiment without worrying about costs (or that’s what i thought). I could test ideas and build small projects without breaking the bank.

However, I learned an expensive lesson about Elastic IPs! I forgot I had one reserved and discovered that unused Elastic IPs actually cost money. So you’d better monitor your services or even better: destroy your infrastructure every time after playing around.

Alerts are not meant to be ignored

The Improved Free Tier Experience

The good news is that AWS has made the Free Tier much better since I started. New users now get $200 in credits to spend on AWS services during their first year, instead of the old model. Moreover, it includes free use of selected services.

My free tier already expired, but many AWS services still offer generous free usage limits based on requests or storage, which means there are plenty of opportunities to learn and build without spending money.

For the latest information about AWS Free Tier, check the official AWS Free Tier page.

Key Lessons for New AWS Learners

Looking back on my journey, here's what I wish I had known from the start:

Start with real projects: Theory is important, but hands-on experience teaches you so much more.

Monitor your spending: Set up billing alerts from day one. Small costs can become big problems!!

Use the Free Tier

Combine different learning methods: Mix hands-on experimentation with structured courses and documentation.

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This is part of my series documenting my AWS learning journey. Follow along for more insights, practical tips, and lessons learned!