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Dive Deep into Cloud Computing: 7 Amazing Free Learning Resources

Hello friend! Have you heard about the power of cloud computing? This innovative technology has unlocked game-changing possibilities for organizations large and small. As cloud adoption accelerates, skilled IT pros who understand cloud platforms are in huge demand.

Luckily, with the right approach, anyone can master cloud computing basics without expensive training. I‘ve discovered some amazing free learning resources that make it simple and fun to gain cloud skills.

In this hands-on guide, we‘ll unpack what cloud computing is, why it matters, and most importantly, how you can leverage free tools to go from cloud novice to expert. Let‘s get started!

What Exactly is Cloud Computing?

Before diving into the free resources, it helps to level-set on what cloud computing actually means.

Cloud computing delivers shared pools of on-demand compute power, storage, applications, and services over the internet. Instead of running on local servers or PCs, everything runs on remote cloud infrastructure accessed online.

According to technology research firm Gartner, public cloud spending is forecast to reach nearly $500 billion in 2025, up from around $300 billion in 2020. So cloud is rapidly becoming the new normal.

There are three main types of cloud services:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – Provides core infrastructure like servers, networking, and storage from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Platform as a Service (PaaS) – Managed development, data analytics & AI platforms that don’t require setting up underlying infrastructure. Examples include AWS Elastic Beanstalk and Heroku.

Software as a Service (SaaS) – Ready-to-use cloud applications for email, collaboration, CRM, and more. Slack, Office 365, Salesforce, and Box are popular SaaS apps.

The cloud offers many benefits over traditional on-premise IT:

  • Cost savings – Pay only for what you use instead of investing in hardware
  • Scalability – Scale resources up and down to meet demand
  • Reliability – High redundancy keeps apps running 24/7
  • Productivity – Get to market faster by using ready cloud services
  • Accessibility – Allow employees to work anywhere with internet access

With over 90% of businesses now using the cloud, cloud skills are vital for IT success. The good news? You can get started right away with amazing free resources!

Why Learn Cloud Computing with Free Resources?

Jumping right into paid cloud training or certification may sound tempting. But free learning options offer unique advantages:

  • Try before you buy – Evaluate if cloud is right for you before spending money
  • Learn at your own pace – Take as much time as you need to absorb concepts
  • Gain broad knowledge – Survey cloud topics before specializing
  • Sample multiple platforms – Compare offerings from AWS, Azure, GCP and others
  • Earn credentials – Some free programs still provide completion certificates
  • Develop hands-on skills – Practice what you learn through demos and trials
  • Join helpful communities – Get support and insights from other learners

While paid training is extremely valuable later for certification and job preparation, starting with free resources helps set the foundation. Now let’s explore the top free cloud learning tools available today.

1. AWS Training and Certification

With [over 30% market share](https:// Canalys.com/newsroom/cloud-market-share-q4-2021-and-full-year-2021/), Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the clear leader in public cloud. Their free training content teaches in-demand skills for leveraging AWS.

Key Training Resources

What You Can Learn

Courses like AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials introduce core services like EC2, S3, DynamoDB, Lambda, and more. The AWS Technical Essentials course covers key architectural principles and implementation steps.

Advanced courses and labs allow you to gain proficiency with specific services. The AWS docs and whitepapers provide additional technical depth.

Who It‘s Best Suited For

AWS training is ideal for both cloud beginners and professionals pursuing AWS certification or careers. The structured course catalog scaffolds learning from fundamentals up through advanced offerings.

While other platforms like Azure and GCP are gaining ground, AWS skills are still very much in demand according to the The Global Knowledge 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report. The free training makes AWS an accessible on-ramp.

2. Microsoft Learn

With their Azure cloud platform, Microsoft provides extensive free training through Microsoft Learn. Key resources include:

  • Learning paths – Structured courses across cloud topics
  • Training modules – Focused modules to build specific skills
  • Hands-on labs – Guided scenarios to practice skills
  • Documentation – Technical overviews and step-by-step instructions

The Azure fundamentals learning path provides a strong base covering core concepts, services, security, privacy, pricing, support, and more.

You can then branch into paths for Azure web development, data analytics, IT administration, DevOps, and other critical roles. The online labs give you hands-on experience in a safe sandbox environment.

Microsoft Learn is the perfect place to start for Azure skills. The platform catalogues everything a beginner needs to prepare for advanced certifications and career success with Microsoft‘s cloud.

3. Google Cloud Skills Boost

With strengths in areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is the third largest public cloud provider. Google Cloud Skills Boost delivers free role-based training for GCP.

Skills Boost offers short video courses and labs to gain proficiency in:

  • Cloud infrastructure
  • Data analytics & machine learning
  • Application modernization
  • Smart analytics & BI
  • Networking
  • Security
  • Productivity & collaboration

The Cloud Engineering Track teaches computing fundamentals, Kubernetes, infrastructure as code, database services, and more. The Data Science & Machine Learning Track covers AI/ML foundations, tools, and real-world use cases.

Many courses offer free certificates to validate your learning. For those interested in the AI capabilities of Google Cloud, Skills Boost delivers focused training.

4. IBM Skills Network

While not as widely used, IBM Cloud has unique strengths in areas like security, blockchain, quantum computing, and open-source development. The IBM Skills Network provides solid fundamentals through Coursera courses like:

These Coursera courses provide video lessons, real-world examples, quizzes, hands-on labs, and peer discussion. Given IBM‘s enterprise focus, their training offers helpful new perspectives.

5. EdX Courses

Massive open online course (MOOC) platforms also offer stellar cloud computing content. EdX brings together courses from top institutions including:

Courses provide video lessons, readings, exercises, and discussion forums for staying engaged. The credentialed certificates can validate your learning. EdX brings together top-notch instructors across cloud topics and platforms.

6. LinkedIn Learning

Boasting a library of over 15,000 courses, LinkedIn Learning enables you to access expert-led cloud training anytime from your desktop or mobile device.

Popular beginner cloud courses include:

While a premium LinkedIn subscription is required, you can sign up for a one-month free trial to sample this high-quality cloud content.

7. Free Cloud Computing Books

Along with interactive courses, free technical books provide valuable cloud knowledge. Many are available through official documentation, publisher promotions, or aggregators like O‘Reilly Online Learning.

Here are some of the top free cloud computing book options:

Technical books allow learning at your own pace while diving as deep as you want on cloud topics, tools, and platforms.

Strategic Tips to Maximize Your Free Cloud Learning

Let‘s shift gears and talk about how to get the absolute most from these amazing free resources. Here are some pro tips:

Take Structured Courses

Structured courses with learning objectives, quizzes, and credentials are a great way to establish breadth across cloud computing topics. Treat it like an academic program.

Supplement Courses with Docs

Official cloud provider documentation fills in gaps left by courses with technical explainers and step-by-step instructions.

Do Hands-On Labs

Reading alone isn‘t enough! Perform real projects in cloud sandboxes to master in-demand skills.

Compare Cloud Platforms

Each major vendor has strengths and weaknesses. Contrast offerings from AWS, Azure, GCP and others.

Earn Certificates

Certificates, badges and other credentials validate and showcase your cloud knowledge.

Join Online Communities

Communities provide support, allow Q&A, and keep you updated on cloud developments.

Stay Current with Blogs, News, Podcasts

Cloud advances rapidly! Continually expand your knowledge through online resources.

Apply Learnings at Work

The best way to retain skills is to apply them to existing projects and teamwork.

Have Fun!

Cloud computing opens up possibilities limited only by your imagination. Enjoy the journey!

Charting Your Path to Cloud Success

Congratulations, friend! You now have an amazing head start on your cloud computing journey with the top free training resources.

Remember that learning anything valuable takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself as you build knowledge and skills. Celebrate little milestones along the way.

The cloud space evolves at a dizzying pace. There will always be more to explore. But you now have everything you need to take the first steps and evaluate if this exciting field is right for you.

Wishing you the absolute best as you learn, grow, and unlock professional opportunities in cloud computing and beyond! Let me know if you have any other questions.

AlexisKestler

Written by Alexis Kestler

A female web designer and programmer - Now is a 36-year IT professional with over 15 years of experience living in NorCal. I enjoy keeping my feet wet in the world of technology through reading, working, and researching topics that pique my interest.