Comprehensive Cloud Computing Foundations
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Comprehensive Cloud Computing Foundations
This course is part of AWS, JavaScript, React - Deploy Web Apps on the Cloud Specialization
Included with
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Deploy and manage cloud-based virtual instances for scalable infrastructure
Configure and secure Linux servers to ensure reliable and safe operations
Distinguish and analyze cloud service models and their specific use cases
Implement firewalls and apply secure remote access protocols for enhanced security
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
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Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 8 modules in this course
Updated in May 2025.
This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This comprehensive course takes you on a deep dive into cloud computing, starting with foundational concepts such as virtual instances, service models, and resource management. The initial lessons cover the differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, ensuring you understand the core cloud delivery models that are revolutionizing IT infrastructure. You'll explore practical applications through detailed demonstrations on Linode for setting up cloud accounts, deploying virtual instances, and administering them securely. As you progress, you'll move into server management and security, mastering Linux fundamentals and learning how to configure user accounts, enable secure SSH authentication, and lock down server access. You’ll also gain insights into web server technologies, understanding the distinctions between NGINX and Apache, alongside the essentials of database management using SQL and NoSQL. The step-by-step approach ensures a robust understanding of the back-end infrastructure that powers cloud systems. In the final sections, you’ll focus on advanced topics like scaling cloud resources, implementing firewalls, and securing your servers using industry best practices. Whether you're installing LAMP stacks or enabling network firewalls, the course equips you with the tools and knowledge necessary to manage and expand cloud infrastructures efficiently. With its balance of theory and practical tasks, this course prepares you to handle real-world cloud environments confidently. This course is designed for IT professionals, system administrators, and developers looking to expand their cloud computing expertise. Prior experience with Linux and basic networking concepts is recommended but not required.
In this module, we will cover the basics of cloud computing, its key advantages, and the foundational service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). You will learn about the essential resources, virtual instances, and how cloud computing supports modern business operations.
What's included
3 videos2 readings
3 videos•Total 15 minutes
- Introduction to the Specialization•3 minutes
- Benefits of Cloud Computing•9 minutes
- Cloud Computing Service Models•3 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Comprehensive Cloud Computing Foundations'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes
In this module, we will dive deeper into the three primary cloud computing service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). We will examine how each model supports different types of workloads and compare their features.
What's included
4 videos
4 videos•Total 20 minutes
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)•9 minutes
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)•7 minutes
- Software as a Service (SaaS)•2 minutes
- IaaS Versus PaaS Versus SaaS•2 minutes
In this module, we will walk through the steps of setting up and managing a Linode cloud server. You'll learn how to secure your instance with SSH authentication, deploy virtual servers, and connect remotely using multiple methods. This hands-on guide will build your cloud server administration skills.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
11 videos•Total 75 minutes
- Linode Account Setup•2 minutes
- Exploring the Linode Cloud Manager•6 minutes
- Enabling TFA on Linode•6 minutes
- Deploying a Linode Virtual Instance•9 minutes
- Exploring the Linode Instance Dashboard•14 minutes
- Remote Server Admin Through SSH•2 minutes
- Password Versus SSH Key Authentication•8 minutes
- SSH Key Pair Authentication on Windows•15 minutes
- SSH Key Pair Authentication on MacOS•7 minutes
- Connecting with LISH•2 minutes
- Adding SSH Public Keys to Linode•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 1•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce Linux, its file system, and common administrative tasks. You will learn essential Linux commands, how to create and secure user accounts, and how to perform basic server configurations. This module is foundational for managing Linux-based cloud environments.
What's included
10 videos
10 videos•Total 79 minutes
- Introduction to Linux•9 minutes
- The Linux File System•7 minutes
- Linux Maintenance Commands•8 minutes
- Linux Directory Commands (Part 1)•7 minutes
- Linux Directory Commands (Part 2)•7 minutes
- Ubuntu Basic Server Configuration•16 minutes
- Introduction to User Accounts•4 minutes
- Creating a Non-Root Account•4 minutes
- Securing the New User Account•9 minutes
- Disabling Root User Access and Password Authentication•8 minutes
In this module, we will explore the essential components of web servers and databases. You’ll learn about web hosting options, key differences between NGINX and Apache, and how SQL and NoSQL databases operate. This knowledge is critical for anyone building and maintaining cloud-hosted applications.
What's included
11 videos
11 videos•Total 70 minutes
- Introduction to Web Servers•6 minutes
- Self-Hosting Versus Hosting Provider•5 minutes
- Web Server Software (NGINX Versus Apache)•8 minutes
- Introduction to Databases•4 minutes
- SQL Versus NoSQL Databases•8 minutes
- Database Transaction Standards (ACID Versus CAP)•4 minutes
- CAP Theorem for NoSQL Databases•4 minutes
- Characteristics of SQL Versus NoSQL DBMSes•16 minutes
- Key Terms: Stacks, Frameworks, and Languages (Part 1)•7 minutes
- Key Terms: Stacks, Frameworks, and Languages (Part 2)•4 minutes
- Key Terms: Stacks, Frameworks, and Languages (Part 3)•5 minutes
In this module, we will guide you through installing and configuring a LAMP stack on an Ubuntu server, both through the command line and using the Linode Marketplace. You'll also learn to test PHP integration with MariaDB and remotely manage your server using Linode tools.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
6 videos•Total 51 minutes
- Installing LAMP Stack on Ubuntu Through Command Line•11 minutes
- Installing LAMP Stack Using Linode Marketplace•7 minutes
- Testing PHP on Apache•7 minutes
- Testing MariaDB Connection from PHP (Part 1)•12 minutes
- Testing MariaDB Connection from PHP (Part 2)•6 minutes
- Remote Server Administration Using Linode GLISH•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 2•15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on server security fundamentals, including firewalls and SSH best practices. You’ll learn how to configure network firewalls, apply security rules, and protect server access, ensuring the integrity and safety of your cloud environments.
What's included
6 videos
6 videos•Total 58 minutes
- Introduction to Server Security•8 minutes
- Introduction to Firewalls•3 minutes
- Network Firewalls•7 minutes
- Securing SSH with a Network Firewall•11 minutes
- Strict Network Firewall Policy•9 minutes
- Hosted Software Firewalls UFW•20 minutes
In this module, we will examine the methods and best practices for scaling cloud servers. You will learn when to use vertical scaling for capacity increases and how to implement horizontal scaling with auto load balancers for optimal performance under growing workloads.
What's included
4 videos1 reading3 assignments
4 videos•Total 45 minutes
- Introduction to Scaling•4 minutes
- Vertical Scaling•5 minutes
- Horizontal Scaling with Auto Load Balancers (NodeBalancer)•26 minutes
- Instance IP Swaps•11 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Comprehensive Cloud Computing Foundations'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Assessment 3•15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
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Duke University
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