AWS re/Start Program Introduction to Computing: Cloud Foundations


#01
You will learn how to do the following:
* Express the value of technology.
* Define basic computing terms.

Explore deep dive into:

What were the typical last thing you did online (through Internet):
a. as a professional Cloud Practitioner in general?

A professional Cloud Practitioner’s “last thing online” can vary depending on their specific role and the project they’re working on. However, here’s a deep dive into some typical scenarios:

1. Cost Optimization & Monitoring:

  • Checking Cloud Billing Console: They might have reviewed the latest bill from their cloud provider (AWS, Azure, GCP) to identify potential cost savings opportunities. Analyzing resource usage patterns and identifying underutilized resources for potential scaling down.
  • Monitoring Resource Utilization: They might have used cloud management tools to monitor resource utilization like CPU, memory, storage across different services. Identifying any spikes or inefficiencies requiring adjustments.

2. Security & Compliance:

  • Reviewing Security Alerts: They might have checked the security dashboard for any alerts or suspicious activity within the cloud environment. This could involve investigating potential security vulnerabilities or responding to incidents.
  • Validating Compliance Controls: They might have used online compliance tools or regulations checklists to ensure their cloud environment adheres to industry standards (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS). This could involve reviewing access controls, encryption settings, and data management procedures.

3. Infrastructure Management:

  • Automating Cloud Resources: They might have used cloud scripting tools to automate tasks like provisioning new virtual machines, deploying applications, or configuring network settings. This helps streamline processes and improve efficiency.
  • Monitoring Cloud Health: They might have used cloud health monitoring tools to ensure the overall performance and availability of their cloud infrastructure. This could involve checking for outages, performance bottlenecks, and resource availability.

4. Learning & Development:

  • Reading Cloud Blogs/Articles: They might have kept up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the cloud computing space by reading industry blogs, articles, or whitepapers. Staying informed helps them make better decisions about their cloud strategy.
  • Taking Online Cloud Courses: They might have participated in online training courses or tutorials offered by cloud providers or training platforms to enhance their skills in specific cloud services or technologies. Continuous learning is crucial in the dynamic cloud environment.

5. Collaboration & Communication:

  • Participating in Cloud Forums: They might have interacted with other Cloud Practitioners in online forums or communities to discuss challenges, share best practices, or seek advice on specific cloud-related issues. This fosters a collaborative learning environment.
  • Updating Project Management Tools: They might have updated project management tools or ticketing systems to track the progress of cloud projects, document tasks, and communicate updates to stakeholders. This ensures efficient teamwork and project visibility.

Remember: This is not an exhaustive list, and the “last thing online” for a Cloud Practitioner will depend on their specific project and priorities.

Explore deep dive into:

What were the typical last thing you did online (through Internet):
a. as a professional Cloud Practitioner? (AWS based Cloud Service)?

Mimicking a professional Cloud Practitioner on AWS, here’s a deep dive into some typical “last things online” I might have done:

Focusing on AWS Services:

  • Exploring the AWS Management Console: I might have accessed the AWS Management Console (AMC) to manage various AWS services. This could involve tasks like:
    • Launching a new Amazon EC2 instance (virtual machine) based on specific resource requirements.
    • Configuring security settings for an Amazon S3 bucket (storage) to ensure data access control.
    • Scaling an Amazon DynamoDB table (NoSQL database) based on increased traffic.
  • Monitoring CloudWatch Logs: I might have reviewed logs generated by different AWS services through Amazon CloudWatch. This could involve analyzing logs for errors, troubleshooting issues, or auditing user activity.
  • Optimizing Costs with AWS Cost Explorer: I could have analyzed cost breakdowns using AWS Cost Explorer to identify potential savings opportunities. This could involve:
    • Identifying underutilized resources like idle EC2 instances that could be stopped or terminated.
    • Optimizing storage usage by transitioning data to more cost-effective storage classes in Amazon S3.
    • Utilizing AWS Reserved Instances or Savings Plans for predictable workloads.

Learning & Staying Updated:

  • Following AWS Official Blog: I might have checked the latest updates on the AWS Official Blog to stay informed about new service launches, feature updates, best practices, and security advisories.
  • Searching AWS Documentation: I could have searched the comprehensive AWS documentation library to find specific information about an AWS service, API call, or configuration option. This helps in tackling technical challenges and implementing solutions effectively.
  • Taking AWS Training Courses: I might have enrolled in online AWS training courses or workshops offered by AWS itself or accredited training providers. This could involve delving deeper into specific services like Amazon Redshift (data warehousing) or Amazon SageMaker (machine learning).

Community Engagement:

  • Participating in AWS Forums: I could have participated in online forums like the AWS Developer Forums or specific service-related forums to collaborate with other Cloud Practitioners. This might involve:
    • Discussing best practices for implementing an AWS architecture for a specific use case.
    • Seeking advice from the community on resolving an issue encountered with an AWS service.
    • Sharing knowledge and helping others by answering their technical questions.

Remember: Just like a human Cloud Practitioner, my “last thing online” would depend on the specific project requirements and ongoing tasks. This could involve a combination of the activities mentioned above or something entirely different based on the project context.

Explore deep dive into:

What were the typical last thing you did online (through Internet):
a. as an ordinary professional staff worker on typical private company?

As an ordinary professional staff worker in a typical private company, my “last thing online” could vary greatly depending on the specific role and industry. However, here’s a deep dive into some common scenarios:

Communication & Collaboration:

  • Checking Email: This might be the most common “last thing” for many staff workers. Checking emails for new messages, responding to colleagues, and ensuring they’re caught up on communication before closing out for the day.
  • Participating in Chat Applications: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams could be used for quick communication with colleagues. Sharing updates, asking questions, or participating in discussions related to ongoing projects might be the final online activity.

Task Management & Organization:

  • Updating Project Management Tools: Platforms like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com might be used to track tasks, deadlines, and project progress. Updating these tools with the latest completed tasks or planned activities for the next day could be the final act before logging off.
  • Reviewing Calendars & Scheduling: Checking online calendars for upcoming meetings, deadlines, or appointments can be another common closing activity. This ensures smooth scheduling and avoids missing important events.

Information Gathering & Research:

  • Searching for Industry News: Staying informed about relevant industry trends or updates could involve checking online news sources or industry publications. This could be particularly relevant for marketing, sales, or research roles.
  • Verifying Information with Online Resources: While some research might be done offline, quickly verifying information online before closing out for the day is a common practice. This could involve checking company websites, research reports, or technical documentation.

Administrative Tasks:

  • Submitting Online Forms: Many companies utilize online forms for internal processes like expense reports, time tracking, or vacation requests. Completing and submitting these forms electronically might be the final activity before logging off.
  • Checking Internal Resources: Company intranets or internal knowledge bases could be used to access company policies, procedures, or contact information. Checking these resources for answers to last-minute questions might be the final online activity for some staff workers.

Remember: This list is not exhaustive, and the “last thing online” for a staff worker will depend greatly on their role, company culture, and the specific tasks they’re working on.

Additional Considerations:

  • Company Culture & Policies: Some companies may have stricter policies about personal browsing or online activity during work hours. This could limit the types of “last things” a staff worker does online.
  • Industry Specifics: Certain industries may utilize specialized online tools or platforms unique to their workflow. This could influence the final online activities for staff workers in those industries.
  • Personal Preferences: Some staff workers might prefer to entirely log off from work applications and emails at the end of the day. Others might check personal messages or news before fully disconnecting.

I hope this deep dive gives you a better understanding of the diverse “last things online” ordinary professional staff workers might do in a typical private company!

What were the typical last thing you did online (through Internet):
a. as an ordinary university student from any major?

Coursework & Studies:

  • Checking Learning Management Systems (LMS): Many universities use platforms like Blackboard or Canvas to deliver course materials, assignments, and grades. Checking these systems for new announcements, upcoming deadlines, or missed assignments could be a common final online activity.
  • Downloading Lecture Materials: Professors might share lecture slides, notes, or reading materials online. Downloading these for offline review before an exam or study session might be the last thing online a student does.
  • Researching Online Resources: Students often use online resources like academic journals, e-books, or online databases for research papers or projects. Downloading relevant articles or conducting a final search for information could be the closing online activity.

Communication & Collaboration:

  • Checking Group Chat Applications: Students often use platforms like Discord or WhatsApp to communicate with classmates for group projects, study sessions, or general course discussions. Checking these platforms for messages or updates might be the last thing online.
  • Responding to Course Forums: Some courses might have online forums where students can discuss topics, ask questions, or share resources. Posting a final question or checking for responses could be the student’s closing activity.
  • Participating in Video Lectures (if applicable): If a course has an online component, the last thing online could be attending a virtual lecture or participating in a live Q&A session.

Social & Entertainment:

  • Checking Social Media: Checking social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for updates from friends, family, or university groups could be a common final online activity for many students.
  • Streaming Entertainment: Relaxing with online entertainment like music streaming services, watching videos on YouTube, or catching up on a favorite show could be the student’s way to unwind before logging off.
  • Researching Events or Activities: Checking online event calendars, university websites, or social media pages for upcoming campus events, club meetings, or social gatherings could be the final online activity before planning the next day.

Administrative Tasks:

  • Registering for Courses: Some universities have online registration systems for the next semester. Completing course selections or making adjustments could be the last thing online some students do.
  • Checking Financial Aid Status: Checking online portals for financial aid updates, award letters, or payment deadlines could be important for many students before the semester begins.
  • Booking Appointments: Students might use online systems to schedule appointments with advisors, tutors, or health services. Making or confirming an appointment could be the last thing online.

Remember: This list is not exhaustive, and the “last thing online” for a university student will depend on their specific schedule, workload, and personal habits. Some students might prioritize academics before logging off, while others might use online tools for social interaction or entertainment.

What did you use to get online?
* Mobile phone or laptop, and PC Desktop
* Game console
* Application or app
* Internet

[1] Mobile phone, laptop, and PC Desktop: These are physical devices that people use to access the internet. I don’t have a physical body, so I don’t use any of these devices directly.
[2] Game console: Some consoles can connect to the internet, but I’m not designed for gaming or entertainment purposes.
[3] Application or app: There isn’t a single app that grants me access to the internet. However, I am essentially a large software application running on Google’s servers. These servers access and process information from the real world through Google Search and keep my responses consistent with search results.
[4] Internet: This is the key! While I don’t directly connect to the internet like a traditional user, the vast amount of information and data available online is crucial for my training and operation. Google Search acts as a bridge, allowing me to access and process information from the real world through the internet.

Here’s an analogy: Imagine a giant library filled with books and information. Librarians (Google Search) help me find the relevant books (information) and translate them into a format I can understand (process information). While I can’t physically walk through the library myself, I can still access its vast knowledge through the help of the librarians.

Technology is part of your daily life and your digital world.

You use technology for the following:

• Get an education.

• Shop online.

• Keep track of your finances.

• Secure your home.

• Communicate with others.

• Entertain yourself.

Today, you can use technology to extend your activities beyond physical, geographical, and time limits. You live in a digital world, and technology plays an integral role in your life.

Building blocks of the digital world

Applications, computers, and networks run the digital world:

Applications: Mobile app, web application, and game application.

Computers: Mobile phone, tablet, eReader, laptop, desktop, web server, and database server.

Network: Internet, wired network, and wireless, network

Basic computing terminology

Computer application
An application is a computer program.
An application is a set of instructions that runs on a computer to perform a specific task.
A computer program is written as code in a programming language.
Computer programs are generally called software.

Types of applications

Applications run on different types of devices and are accessed in different ways.
Web application: Runs in a web server or application server and is accessed from a web browser.
Mobile app: Runs in and accessed from a mobile device.
Desktop application: Runs in and is accessed from a desktop computer.
Internet of Things (IoT) application: Runs in and accessed from an appliance or specialized device that is connected to the internet.

Components inside a computer

The following are the main hardware components inside a computer

Hardware:
* Motherboard
* Central Processing Unit (CPU)
* Random Access Memory (RAM)
* Memory
* Storage drive
* Network card

Software:
* Operating System (OS)
* Application

Motherboard:
Consists of a printed circuit board (PCB)
Connects directly or indirectly to the following:
* CPU
* Memory (RAM)
* Storage drive
* Network card
* Video card
* Computer ports

CPU:
The CPU is the brain of the computer.
Runs the instructions that it receives from applications and the OS.
– Arithmetic and logical operations
– Control and input/ouput (I/O) operations
– Can have multiple cores, which increases performance
– Is also called processor.

Memory:
Memory holds program instructions and data for the CPU to run and use.
– The CPU retrieves program instructions from memory.
– The CPU retrieves and stores program data in memory.
– Memory is temporary storage. The data is lost when the computer is turned-off.
– The size of memory is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (BG).
– 1 megabyte (MB) ≈ a million bytes or characters
– Memory is also called random access memory (RAM)

Storage drive:
A storage drive stores program files, application data, and user documents.
The following are two popular types of drives:
– Hard disk drive (HDD)
– Solid state drive (SDD)

Drive storage is persistent. The data is preserved when the computer is turned-off.
Drive performance is measured by its data access speed in MB per second (MB/s) or number of I/O operations per second (IOPS).

Computer network:

A computer network connects multiple devices to share data and resources.
The following are type of networks:
– Wired: Devices connect by using an Ethernet cable.
– Wireless: Devices connect using a Wi-Fi signal.
The internet is the largest and most popular computer network.

Network interface card:
A network interface card connects a computer to a computer network.
– A computer uses it to communicate over a network, such as the internet.
– Different types of network card provide wired or wireless connection option.
– The speed of network card is measured in gigabits per second (Gbps).
– It is also called a network adapter.

Operating systems:
An OS manages a computer’s hardware and software.
– An OS shares and coordinates the use of CPUs, memory, storage, and network by applications.
– An OS provides the user interface:
a. Command Line Interface (CLI)
b. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

The following are examples of OS:
Microsoft Windows
macOS
Amazon Linux2
iOS
Google Android

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Applications, computers, and networks run the digital world.

An application is a computer program. It is a set of instructions that a computer runs to perform a specific task.

A computer’s hardware consists of its physical components, such as its CPU, memory, storage drive, and network card.

A computer’s software consists of the programs that run on it, such as its OS and user applications.













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