Intermixed with the textual learning units are some optional practical labs.

These labs are here to help you deepen your understanding, and give you some "bragging rights".

The objective is not to make you an experienced cloud administrator.

As a prerequisite you require:

• a computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux), and the capability to run/install some software (mainly terminal emulator)
• basic computer proficiency. If you have never touched a command line and don't know the difference between a file server and a web server, this may be a bit challenging for you
• an Amazon Web Services account (see one of the next units).

Some basic resources for working with the Mac or Linux command line are here:

• https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101
• http://linuxcommand.org/

Beyond the first labs, some additional cloud services are very convenient. Unless noted otherwise, these services have free versions that are sufficient for the labs. It makes sense to prepare these accounts ahead of the labs.

• Github, http://www.github.com, public source code version control system, but also an identity provider
• Loggly, http://www.loggly.com, log management service