Learn AWS

🚀 Explore AWS Like a Pro

Hi there,

Whether you're managing teams or projects in the cloud, I’ve got a few tips and ideas to make AWS a little less mysterious and a lot more helpful. Let’s dive in!

🌟 Have You Tried AWS CloudShell?

Think of AWS CloudShell as your handy toolbox inside the AWS Console. It’s perfect for running commands without needing to set up a thing.
You can even upload and download files right there—it’s all built in.

Looking for a fun break? If you’re into a certain famous sci-fi series, try running this command during your coffee break:

sudo yum install -y telnet && telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl

It’s a little Easter egg to brighten your day. 😊

📋 Want My AWS Audit Checklist?

This week, I’m doing a full multi-region AWS account review for a client. It's all about checking security, scalability, cost efficiency, and more.

Want to take a peek at my checklist? Let me know—I’d be happy to share it with you!

🤔 What’s With All the Acronyms?

AWS can feel like a bowl of alphabet soup sometimes. Here are a few common acronyms that might pop up:

• AWS - Amazon Web Services

• ACM - AWS Certificate Manager

• AMI - Amazon Machine Image

• ARN - Amazon Resource Name

• AZ - Availability Zone

• CLI - Command Line Interface

• DMS - Database Migration Service

• EBS - Elastic Block Store

• EC2 - Elastic Compute Cloud

• ECR - Elastic Container Registry

• ECS - Elastic Container Service

• EFS - Elastic File System

• EIP - Elastic IP

• EKS - Elastic Kubernetes Service

• ELB - Elastic Load Balancer

• ENI - Elastic Network Interface

• IAM - Identity and Access Management

• KMS - Key Management Service

• NACL - Network Access Control List

• NAT - Network Address Translation

• RDS - Relational Database Service

• S3 - Simple Storage Service

• SES - Simple Email Service

• SNS - Simple Notification Service

• SPF - Sender Policy Framework

• SQS - Simple Queue Service

• STS - Security Token Service

• VPC - Virtual Private Cloud

• WAF - Web Application Firewall

• FOCUS - FinOps Open Cost and Usage Specification

It’s not as scary as it sounds—I promise!

🏠 AWS Console's CloudShell Tip

You can create a virtual environment in your own VPC.

This was really handy for me today when I needed to connect to a private RDS instance and check some data, all without using a bastion host or port-forwarding solution.

If you’re unfamiliar with AWS VPC, think of it like your house. It’s a private space on the internet where you control who can enter, exit, and what they can do. Rooms (subnets), the door (internet gateway), and a guest list (security rules) keep everything secure and organized!

🎉 Cyber Monday Deal for FinOps Certification

If you’ve been thinking about earning a FinOps certification, now’s the time!
From Dec. 2–6, enjoy a 40% discount on these self-paced courses:

• FinOps Certified Practitioner

• FinOps Certified Engineer

• FinOps Certified FOCUS Analyst

• FinOps for Containers

Use code “cybermonday2024” at checkout: https://learn.finops.org/

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Have questions or found something especially helpful? Just hit reply, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

See you next week,
David