DEV Community: Efia Birago

Cloud 101 (Start with Linux Before Anything Else)

Efia Birago — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 01:42:41 +0000

When you’re just starting in cloud computing, Linux might seem like an extra thing you can “figure out later.” After all, isn’t the AWS Management Console full of nice buttons to click?
Reality is, the deeper you go into the cloud, the more you’ll realize that Linux isn’t optional, it’s essential. Almost every cloud service you’ll interact with runs on Linux, and at some point, you’ll leave the comfort of clicking around and start typing commands into a terminal. So, if you’re serious about cloud computing, take some time to learn Linux before any other thing.

Why Learn Linux?

It makes learning other cloud tools easier
Many advanced cloud tools, like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, are designed to run on Linux. If you already understand basic Linux commands, learning these tools will feel far less intimidating.
Most Cloud Servers Run on Linux
When you launch an EC2 instance in AWS, chances are you’ll be picking a Linux-based AMI (Amazon Machine Image). Knowing Linux means you can set up and manage these servers.
Saves You Time and Money
Clicking around the console is slow, and in the cloud, time often equals cost. With Linux commands, you can deploy, update, or troubleshoot in seconds, faster than doing it manually.
Fixing problems becomes easier
Imagine you’re hosting a website on AWS, and suddenly it stops working. What do you do? Troubleshooting is easier with Linux. Running simple commands like 'top', 'cat', or 'tail', 'systemctl restart' will help you find the root cause in no time. You get to read logs to see what went wrong and restart the service. Without Linux knowledge, you’d be stuck waiting for someone else to help.
You’ll need to “talk” to servers
In the cloud, you don’t just click buttons like you do on your laptop. Instead, you type commands in a terminal. This is how you tell a server to create folders, move files, or install software. That’s Linux in action.

Understanding Linux

Most of us grew up using Windows, so Linux can feel unfamiliar at first. To make it easier to understand, let’s look at some key Linux concepts and compare them with Windows. This way, you can relate them to what you already know and quickly get comfortable with how things work in Linux.

Everything in Linux is a File
Files, folders, hardware (USB, disk), processes, even network connections are all treated as "files"
Windows: You have "This PC" with drives, device manager for hardware
Linux: /dev/sda, /proc/cpuinfo, /sys, all represent devices or system info as files
The Filesystem Starts at Root (/)
The highest level is /, not C: drive
Windows: C:\Users\Efia\Documents
Linux: /home/efia/Documents
Terminal vs Command Prompt
Linux's terminal is powerful and used for most operations
Windows: You might use File Explorer or CMD occasionally
Linux: CLI is essential (you navigate, install, and automate from it)
Package Managers = App Store
Linux uses tools like apt, yum to install software
Windows: You download .exe files or use the Microsoft Store
Linux: Run sudo apt install firefox, and you're done
Case Sensitivity Matters
EFIA.txt ≠ efia.txt in Linux
Sudo = Admin Access
Linux uses sudo to perform superuser tasks

Do you need to be an expert in Linux before starting cloud?

No, you don’t! But you should be comfortable with the basics. Here’s what to focus on first:

Basic Navigation and File Management (cd, ls, pwd, mkdir, rm)
File Permissions and Ownership (chmod, chown)
Working with Processes and System Monitoring (top, ps, kill)
Package Management (apt, yum)
User Management and SSH Basics (creating users, connecting to servers via SSH)

Where to practice?

You can learn and practice Linux for free using platforms like:

kodekloud
Linux Unhatched
You can also set up a virtual machine on your local computer, install Linux on it, and practice directly from there.

Resources

Download Oracle VM
How to install Ubuntu on Oracle VM

One important thing to keep in mind is that without regular practice, you’re likely to forget what you learn. Practice a little every day, get comfortable with the basics, and when you finally dive deeper into cloud computing, you’ll thank yourself for building this foundation.

The Cloud Career Dilemma: Finding Your Path Before You Get Lost

Efia Birago — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 23:29:02 +0000

Oftentimes, no one really talks to us about the choices we make, we mostly jump into them out of convenience, not intention. You saw a free course online, and without thinking twice, you signed up. It’s not like you had many options at the time, right? But here’s the thing: clarity and intentionality matter. Having a dream, writing it down, and taking strategic steps toward it is what gets you where you truly want to be.

Don’t rush into cloud computing or any tech field just because it’s trending. Take a step back. Ask yourself: “Where exactly do I want to go with this?” Because truthfully, no one talks about how it feels to get deep into something only to question later why you started at all.

And yes, there’s also the person who simply doesn’t know what they want yet. Maybe that’s you. You’re probably wondering: “Where do I even begin?”

Don’t worry. This article handles everything you need to know to make an informed decision and find clarity before you begin.

Before you even start asking yourself which path is right for you, you need to know what options exist. AWS is huge, and there are multiple roles you can build a career in. Here are some of the most common:

AWS Solutions Architect: Designs cloud infrastructure and chooses the right AWS services for specific business needs.
AWS Cloud/DevOps Engineer: Builds and maintains cloud infrastructure, automates deployments, and ensures systems run smoothly.
AWS Developer: Focuses on coding and building applications that run on AWS services, like Lambda, DynamoDB, and API Gateway.
AWS Security Specialist: Protects systems by managing access, encryption, compliance, and threat detection.
AWS Data/ML Engineer: Works with big data, analytics, and machine learning services like SageMaker, Glue, and Athena.
AWS Trainer/Community Builder: Teaches, writes, and shares AWS knowledge with others.

Visit AWS Skill Builder for more information on the career path and the courses to take.

Now that you know what the main paths look like, the next big question is: which one should you pick? If you’re unsure, here are some guiding questions to help you figure that out

Do I want to code? You might love the Developer or Data/ML Engineer path.
Am I curious about designing systems or workflows? Solutions Architect could be for you.
Do I want to automate and optimize systems? Consider DevOps/Cloud Engineer.
Do I enjoy thinking about security loopholes and how to protect systems? Go for Security Specialist.
Do I enjoy teaching or explaining complex concepts? Explore Trainer or Community Builder roles.

With this, you should now have a clearer picture of what AWS paths exist and what each involves. Take your time to think about it before diving in. Choosing the right path early makes the journey smoother and far more rewarding!!!!

Getting Started with AWS Cloud: My Beginner Journey So Far

Efia Birago — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:59:39 +0000

As naive as I was, I used to think the cloud was actually floating up in the sky somewhere. I’d casually talk about backing up my photos to iCloud without ever wondering where this ‘cloud’ really is. But hey, I was just one of the 99.999999% of people around the world who’ve thought the same!

What changed? How did I move from zero knowledge to being a certified AWS Solutions Architect-Associate? In this article, I’ll walk you through the first steps I took on my AWS journey and share tips to help you get started too.

WHY CLOUD?
In today’s digital world, where we’re seeing everything from self-driving vehicles to augmented reality and smart cities, massive amounts of data are being generated every second.
But have you ever stopped to wonder:

Where is all this data stored?
How is it processed to power real-time decisions?
How does it travel across the globe with millisecond latency?

The answer lies in the cloud.

Cloud computing is the invisible backbone making modern innovation possible, and that’s exactly what drew me into this space. Because whether it’s communication, entertainment, healthcare, finance, or education, our world now revolves in the cloud.

WHERE TO START
If you’re thinking of getting into cloud computing, AWS is (in my opinion) the best place to start. Here’s why:

Endless learning resources — From beginner guides to advanced use cases, there’s no shortage of material to help deepen your cloud knowledge.
Free Tier access — You can gain hands-on experience and build real projects without spending a dime while learning the theory.
Recognized certifications — AWS offers globally respected certifications to help validate your skills and build credibility as you grow.

WHAT NEXT?

Sign up on AWS Skill Builder, a platform that provides all the necessary contents you need to excel. You know the interesting aspect? It is self paced, learn at your own convenience, earn some digital badges, practice with the labs and you are good to go.
Create an account on the AWS Managment Console: This is where the hands-on magic happens. With the AWS Free Tier, you can explore and practice using many services at no cost.
Friendly advice: Always remember to terminate your resources after each use, this will help you avoid unnecessary charges while learning.

Starting something new, especially in tech can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Taking small, consistent steps can lead to amazing growth.

I’m still learning too and sharing as I go.
So, if you’re just starting out or considering the cloud, I hope this helped give you a nudge in the right direction.