├── BITC V2.drawio
├── Projects
    ├── README.MD
    ├── When-2-K8s-Evaluation-GPT.md
    ├── my-projects
    │   ├── Blogv1.MD
    │   ├── Blogv2.md
    │   └── README.md
    └── project-ideas
    │   └── README.md
├── README.md
└── learning-resources
    ├── README.md
    ├── cloudcomputing
        ├── AWS CCP Study Guide.pdf
        ├── AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer Associate.pdf
        ├── AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Study Notes.pdf
        ├── AZ-104 Study Notes.docx
        ├── AZ-900 Study Notes.pdf
        ├── ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Study Notes.docx
        └── README.md
    ├── freecertifications
        └── README.md
    ├── kubernetes
        ├── Certified GitOps Associate Study Notes.pdf
        ├── Github Foundations Study Notes.pdf
        ├── Gitlab Associate Study Notes.pdf
        ├── Guía de estudio sobre Kubernetes y Cloud Native.docx
        ├── Kubernetes Cloud Native Study Guide.pdf
        ├── README.md
        └── Readme-Espanol.md
    └── lowcostcertifications
        └── README.md


/BITC V2.drawio:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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/Projects/README.MD:
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 1 | # 🌐 Projects Folder: Cloud & DevOps Adventures 🚀
 2 | 
 3 | Welcome to my Projects folder! This space is dedicated to exploring, building, and brainstorming a wide range of projects in DevOps, Cloud Computing, and beyond. Whether you're a curious developer, an aspiring cloud engineer, or just someone with a love for creative tech projects, this folder is crafted to inspire and guide.
 4 | 
 5 | ---
 6 | 
 7 | ## 📁 Folder Structure
 8 | 
 9 | 1. **my-projects**: Here, you'll find my completed and in-progress projects that showcase hands-on work in cloud, DevOps, and automation.
10 | - [My Projects](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/Projects/my-projects)
11 |    - From small proof-of-concepts to full-stack deployments, each project dives deep into key cloud-native technologies, architecture design, CI/CD pipelines, and more.
12 |    - Detailed documentation is included for each project, covering objectives, architecture, setup instructions, and insights gained along the way.
13 | 
14 | 2. **project-ideas**: A brainstorm bank of project concepts designed to push boundaries in the Cloud and DevOps space.
15 | - [Project Ideas](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/Projects/project-ideas)
16 |    - Here you'll discover ideas ranging from beginner to advanced, each focusing on skill-building, problem-solving, and real-world scenarios.
17 |    - Project ideas explore a variety of areas: automated infrastructure as code (IaC), containerized microservices, security hardening, multi-cloud deployments, and creative applications of Kubernetes and GitOps.
18 | 
19 | ---
20 | 
21 | ## 🌩️ Why These Projects?
22 | 
23 | ### DevOps: The Power of Automation & Efficiency
24 | In today's world, DevOps isn't just a buzzword—it's the backbone of modern application delivery. This folder focuses on practical projects that emphasize the importance of automation, scalability, and reliability in software development and operations. By tackling these projects, I'm learning to build resilient pipelines, automated monitoring, and highly available deployments that mimic real-world challenges.
25 | 
26 | ### Cloud Computing: Scale, Secure, Simplify
27 | With cloud computing at the forefront, these projects highlight the ability to deploy, manage, and scale applications using powerful cloud-native tools. From experimenting with serverless functions to managing complex Kubernetes clusters, each project is a stepping stone towards mastering the cloud landscape.
28 | 
29 | ---
30 | 
31 | ## 🛠️ Tools & Technologies Featured
32 | 
33 | - **Kubernetes** & **K3s**: Lightweight clusters for edge and cloud computing
34 | - **Terraform** & **CloudFormation**: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for automated and repeatable setups
35 | - **Docker**: Containerized environments to isolate and scale microservices
36 | - **CI/CD**: GitHub Actions, Jenkins, and ArgoCD for continuous integration and delivery
37 | - **Observability**: Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK stack for comprehensive monitoring
38 | - **Service Mesh**: Linkerd and Istio for managing internal traffic and security within microservices
39 | - **Security**: Falco, HashiCorp Vault, and best practices for securing cloud-native environments
40 | 
41 | ---
42 | 
43 | ## 🔥 Getting Started with the Projects
44 | 
45 | Each project in **my-projects** comes with:
46 | - **Setup Instructions**: Detailed step-by-step guides to deploy the project in your own environment.
47 | - **Configuration Files**: YAMLs, Dockerfiles, and IaC scripts to simplify setup and customization.
48 | - **Architecture Diagrams**: Visual representations to help you understand the structure and flow.
49 | - **Learning Outcomes**: Insights and lessons learned throughout the project, including challenges and solutions.
50 | 
51 | ---
52 | 
53 | ## 💡 Project Ideas for the Future
54 | 
55 | The **project-ideas** directory is where creativity meets innovation. Ideas here are meant to inspire, encourage experimentation, and grow your skill set. Feel free to:
56 | - Take an idea and make it your own.
57 | - Tweak, remix, or expand on a concept to fit your needs.
58 | - Share your version and contribute to the ever-evolving DevOps and cloud community!
59 | 
60 | ---
61 | 
62 | ## 🌌 Let’s Build, Learn & Grow
63 | 
64 | This folder isn’t just about projects; it’s a journey through the world of DevOps and cloud. With each project, I’m pushing boundaries, exploring possibilities, and building skills that align with the future of technology. So dive in, experiment, and maybe even find inspiration for your next big project! 😊
65 | 
66 | > 💡 *If you have ideas or suggestions, feel free to reach out or contribute. Let's build something amazing together!* 🌍
67 | 
68 | 


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/Projects/When-2-K8s-Evaluation-GPT.md:
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 1 | ![My Image](https://dd3q6y43lte2b.cloudfront.net/misc/Screenshot%202024-10-30%20at%2012.40.18%E2%80%AFAM.png)
 2 | 
 3 | # GPT Instance for Kubernetes Evaluation
 4 | 
 5 | I created a **GPT instance** that casually guides **Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)** through evaluating Kubernetes adoption, including various deployment options.
 6 | 
 7 | I promise this is one of the better ones. it has been fed the most up to date docs on Kubernetes, articles on SMEs and their use cases, pros and cons of adopting K8s, and thoroiughly tested.
 8 | This tool helps businesses determine whether Kubernetes is the right solution for their specific needs.
 9 | 
10 | ## **Try the GPT instance here: [Kubernetes Evaluation GPT](https://chatgpt.com/g/g-rf6wyH9MH-when-2-k8s)**
11 | 
12 | # **How do I use it?**
13 | For the aboslute best result, your first prompt should be to tell **When 2 K8s your** use case, including details about your:
14 | - Current Infrastructure
15 | - Scalability needs
16 | - Containerization knowledge
17 | - Cloud or On-premise?
18 | - DevOps & Automation situation
19 | - Ongoing Maintenance
20 | - Security and Compliance
21 | 
22 | The instance has been configured to NOT RETAIN any information, nor do I have access to your chats. However, I strongly suggest you DO NOT SHARE ANY SENSITIVE INFORMATION WITH IT. This is strictly for initial expoloratory purposes only.
23 | 
24 | 


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/Projects/my-projects/Blogv1.MD:
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  1 | # Deploying My Site on Kubernetes with GitHub Actions and Flux
  2 | 
  3 | So, I wanted a place to tie together everything. My music study crams, my deployments, the books, and this educational resource repo. So I made **[the repo](https://github.com/catinahat85/CloudFiLive)** for my main site, **[Beatsinthe.cloud](http://Beatsinthe.cloud)** public for you to observe or even fork. This repository contains the source code and configuration for my website, deployed on a Kubernetes cluster hosted on DigitalOcean. The deployment is automated using **GitHub Actions** and **Flux** to ensure that changes pushed to the repository are reflected in the live environment without manual intervention.
  4 | 
  5 | ## Overview
  6 | 
  7 | I set up the **CI/CD pipeline** to automatically build and deploy changes to my site. The tools I used in this process are:
  8 | 
  9 | - **GitHub Actions**: Used to build the Docker image and push it to DockerHub when changes are committed to the repository.
 10 | - ~**Flux Image Reflector**: Watches for updated Docker images on DockerHub and automatically updates the Kubernetes deployment to reflect the changes.~
 11 | - **Argo CD Core**: I pivoted to Argo from Flux because it is easier to set up and use, has a cleaner UI, and provides intuitive, real-time monitoring of deployments compared to Flux. It’s more straightforward for lazy people like me who want faster results with less hassle.
 12 | - **Docker**: Containerizes the application for deployment in Kubernetes.
 13 | - **Kubernetes**: Orchestrates the deployment, scaling, and management of the containerized app.
 14 | 
 15 | ## Project Structure
 16 | 
 17 | Here’s an overview of the important files and directories in this repo:
 18 | 
 19 | - `.github/workflows/Update docker-image.yml`: The GitHub Actions workflow that automates the Docker image build and push process.
 20 | - `./deployment.yaml`: Defines the Kubernetes deployment for the app.
 21 | - `service.yaml`: Configures the Kubernetes service to expose the app.
 22 | - `kustomization.yaml`: Manages customization of Kubernetes manifests.
 23 | - `Dockerfile`: Describes how the Docker image is built.
 24 | 
 25 | ## Workflow Overview
 26 | 
 27 | ### 1. GitHub Actions for CI
 28 | 
 29 | Whenever I commit changes to the repository, GitHub Actions triggers a workflow that:
 30 | 
 31 | - **Builds the Docker image** using the `Dockerfile`. Courtesy of Github Actions.
 32 | - **Pushes the updated image** to my DockerHub account.
 33 | 
 34 | This automates the image creation process, ensuring that the latest version of the site is always available.
 35 | 
 36 | ### 2. ~Flux~ Argo CD for Continuous Deployment
 37 | 
 38 | ~Flux~ Argo CD continuously monitors my DockerHub repository for changes to the app image. When a new image is detected, Flux:
 39 | 
 40 | - **Updates the Kubernetes deployment** with the new image.
 41 | - **Rolls out the changes** by replacing the old deployment with the new one, ensuring zero downtime during the update.
 42 | 
 43 | ### 3. Kubernetes
 44 | 
 45 | Kubernetes handles the deployment and scaling of the containerized app. The app’s deployment and service are defined in the `deployment.yaml` and `service.yaml` files. These manifests define how the site runs and how it is exposed to the internet.
 46 | 
 47 | ## How It Works
 48 | 
 49 | Here’s a high-level look at how the automation works:
 50 | 
 51 | 1. Push updates to the repository (e.g., modifying `index.html` or `Dockerfile`).
 52 | 2. GitHub Actions builds and pushes the new Docker image to DockerHub.
 53 | 3. Argo detects the new image on DockerHub and updates the Kubernetes deployment.
 54 | 4. Kubernetes rolls out the updated deploymet without any downtime.
 55 | 
 56 | ## Tools Used
 57 | 
 58 | - **GitHub Actions**: For automating the CI process (Docker image build and push).
 59 | - **Argo**: For automating the CD process (monitoring and updating Kubernetes deployments).
 60 | - **Docker**: For containerizing the nginx app.
 61 | 
 62 | - **Kubernetes**: For orchestrating the containerized application in a cloud environment.
 63 | - **DigitalOcean**: As the cloud provider for hosting the Kubernetes cluster.
 64 |   
 65 | ## Why This Setup?
 66 | 
 67 | This setup provides a fully automated CI/CD pipeline for deploying my site. Using GitHub Actions for CI and Argo for CD ensures that I can focus on the fun stuff (coding HTML, yay), while the deployment process is handled seamlessly. Also becauseI don't want alot of maintenance and wanted to show off. Also because I'm both lazy and a show off.
 68 | 
 69 | ---
 70 | 
 71 | Now that you know what and how I did it, some musings and some key points to know:
 72 | 
 73 | # Key things to Know About DockerHub
 74 | If you're planniong on using for Production, maybe consider it twice.
 75 | 
 76 | Free tier users are subject to pull rate limits:
 77 | - **Anonymous users**: Up to **100 pulls per 6 hours**.
 78 | - **Authenticated users**: Up to **200 pulls per 6 hours**.
 79 | This can affect production environments relying on DockerHub for frequent image pulls, especially in larger deployments.
 80 | 
 81 | DockerHub automatically deletes **inactive images** that haven’t been pulled or updated in **6 months** if you're on the free tier. You must stay active to avoid losing images, which can be problematic if you're using old images for future deployments.
 82 | 
 83 | Public images can be accessed by anyone, which might expose your environment to potential vulnerabilities if not properly maintained. 
 84 | - Some public images may contain **security risks**, **outdated dependencies**, or even **malware**.
 85 | - I recommend always scanning public images before use and consider using Docker's image scanning feature for vulnerability detection. Has anyone given you the container image birds and the bees talk?
 86 | 
 87 | DockerHub API usage is also rate-limited, which can disrupt automated workflows in CI/CD pipelines. 
 88 | - Cache images locally or use a DockerHub mirror to reduce API requests and prevent hitting rate limits.
 89 | 
 90 | Free accounts are limited to **1 private repository**. If your project requires more, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
 91 | - Alternatives include image registries like **GitHub Packages** or **self-hosted registries** for private image hosting.
 92 | 
 93 | DockerHub is a centralized service, meaning **downtime** or **service interruptions** can affect your deployments. 
 94 | - Try mirroring images locally or set up a private registry for mission-critical applications to avoid downtime caused by DockerHub outages.
 95 |   - For example, I’ve implemented **Harbor** on my Kubernetes cluster for this purpose.
 96 | 
 97 | 
 98 | # Why My Setup IS IN FACT Overkill
 99 | Here are a few reasons why the setup I implemented could be considered over-engineered for this project:
100 | 
101 | ## Single Node Deployment
102 | - Running a **Kubernetes cluster** for a single-node website might be overkill. A simpler solution, such as using Docker directly on a virtual machine (VM), could achieve the same result with less complexity.
103 | - Kubernetes is best suited for complex, multi-node environments, which isn't necessary for a basic or small-scale site.
104 | 
105 | ## Automated CI/CD for Small Projects
106 | - While using **GitHub Actions** and **Argo** for CI/CD is powerful, manually deploying the app or using a simpler CI tool could have been more efficient for a personal or small project.
107 | - The level of automation might not be fully needed if updates and deployments happen infrequently.
108 | 
109 | ## Argo for Image Reconciliation
110 | - **Argo** automatically monitors DockerHub and updates the Kubernetes deployment with new images, but for a small site that rarely changes, manually updating the deployment would have been simpler and less resource-intensive.
111 | 
112 | ## Horizontal Auto-scaling
113 | - Enabling **auto-scaling** in Kubernetes is useful for high-traffic applications, but for a single-node personal website, it adds complexity without much benefit. Static resources or manually scaled environments could be easier to manage.
114 | 
115 | ## Private Registry Setup (Harbor)
116 | - Setting up a **self-hosted private Docker registry** like **Harbor** is typically done for enterprise-level security and control. For a personal project, using **DockerHub** or another public registry would likely be simpler and require less maintenance.
117 | 
118 | ## High Availability Features
119 | - Kubernetes provides features like **rolling updates** and **zero-downtime deployments**, which are overkill for a personal or small project. If the site doesn’t need high availability or frequent updates, a simpler deployment strategy could suffice.
120 | 
121 | 
122 | # If you're looking to not spend much on Kubernetes
123 | If you're looking for cost-effective (See: CHEAP) ways to run Kubernetes, consider these options, or if setting up a home lab is out of the question:
124 | 
125 | 1. **DigitalOcean/Linode/Vultr/Civo**  
126 |    They have low-cost managed Kubernetes services available on VPS providers. I get zero revenue from them. They're just cheap. There. I said it. But they charge for load balancers. And you kind of need those.
127 | 
128 | 2. **K3s, Minikube or MicroK8s**  
129 |    A lightweight Kubernetes distribution suitable for cloud VMs or edge devices. Could run on most free tier VMs offered by Oracle Cloud (I highly recommend trying them out), GCP, Azure or AWS. I like Canonical's work, don't let the snap-haters tell you otherwise, but I have a feeling you'll end up liking Minikube. Sorry K3s, you're the "Community" of light K8s distros, loved by your base, but continually failing to catch on with audiences. 6 Distros and a movie!
130 | 
131 | 3. **Self-Hosted on Cloud VMs**  
132 |    This is how I learned, got permanently suspended from OCI (It's ok, I appealed it and won many months later). Use cloud VMs from AWS, GCP, Azure, OVH, Civo, and Digital Ocean (by my experience OCI does not play well with self-hosted) to self-manage Kubernetes for lower costs. If you want to keep costs low, use the minimal K8s distros (Microk8s, Minoikube, k3s) and not vanilla.
133 | 
134 | 4. **Bare Metal Kubernetes**  
135 |    Rent bare metal servers for affordable, large-scale Kubernetes hosting. Rackspace spot instance often go for $17 A YEAR! - with a big caveat....It will likely get deleted out of nowhere. That's the caveat. Yikes.com
136 | 
137 | 5. **Docker Desktop or OpenShift OKD**  
138 |    Docker Desktop has a Kubernetes feature that has Kubectl installed for you to be able to run a small cluster locally. I've never tried Openshift. But I hear they're just lovely.
139 | 
140 | 
141 | But if you want to do a project to show off....doing it on the cloud is the way to go.
142 | 
143 | ---
144 | 
145 | As I said before, the point of this was to prove my abilities, prove that I know what I am talking about and show my work, per se.
146 | 
147 | - In 2020, I was making sites on Blogger and wordpress still. 
148 | - In 2021 I was using AWS S3 to make an object public and use the external IP as the site.
149 | - In 2022 I was finally using nginx and apache to manage my own servers on a VM with multiple sites.
150 | - In 2023 I was reducing the resource usage by deploying those servers with Docker
151 | - In 2024 I am fully multicloud, and now overdoing it by using Kubernetes, with high availability and automated CI/CD. All of this for under $24 a month. 
152 | 
153 | - And yeah, the blog section is on managed Wordpress. Sue me. I don't want to manage a WordPress site bro. I'd rather learn OpenStack. I'm not a web developer.
154 | 
155 | **Next up, I'll be working on monitoring and observability.**
156 | 


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/Projects/my-projects/Blogv2.md:
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  1 | # Optimizing My Kubernetes Deployment
  2 | 
  3 | This further chronicles my setup and evolving workflow. It includes details on multi-cloud architecture, Kubernetes management, GitOps workflows, and more, with a focus on cost-efficiency, security, and scalability.
  4 | 
  5 | ---
  6 | 
  7 | ## Table of Contents
  8 | - [Initial Setup](#initial-setup)
  9 | - [Multi-Cloud Challenges](#multi-cloud-challenges)
 10 | - [Migration to K3s on Hetzner](#migration-to-k3s-on-hetzner)
 11 | - [Streamlining Architecture](#streamlining-architecture)
 12 | - [Security Hardening](#security-hardening)
 13 | - [Adding Linkerd Service Mesh](#adding-linkerd-service-mesh)
 14 | - [Global Performance with CloudFront CDN](#global-performance-with-cloudfront-cdn)
 15 | - [Future Steps](#future-steps)
 16 | 
 17 | ---
 18 | 
 19 | ## Initial Setup
 20 | 
 21 | I started with a simple landing page, intended as a focal point for my projects and learning materials, but I quickly wanted more control over the platform. Initially, I deployed:
 22 | - **WordPress on a Managed Service** - Quickly replaced by **Ghost on AWS** for a more lightweight experience.
 23 | - **Dockerized Ghost on AWS VM** - Ghost served through Nginx reverse proxy.  
 24 | - **Multi-Cloud Kubernetes** - Managed DigitalOcean Kubernetes, with AWS for specific workloads.  
 25 | 
 26 | Tools Used:
 27 | - **Prometheus** and **Grafana** for monitoring.
 28 | - **K9s** for terminal-based Kubernetes management.
 29 | - **GitHub & ArgoCD** for GitOps-driven deployments.
 30 | - **Cloudflare** for DNS and SSL/TLS.
 31 | 
 32 | 
 33 | ---
 34 | 
 35 | ## Multi-Cloud Challenges
 36 | 
 37 | ![Initial Setup](https://beatsinthe.cloud/blog/content/images/2024/10/7CAFD523-BF78-4384-8CDB-DD9F92BEA7A1.jpeg)
 38 | 
 39 | ### Pain Points:
 40 | 1. **Traffic Management and Networking** - Managing connections across AWS and DigitalOcean led to network complexities.
 41 | 2. **Cost Management** - Credits were running out, and maintaining two cloud providers was going to be costly.
 42 | 3. **Configuration Consistency** - Maintaining consistent setups across clouds added operational overhead.
 43 | 
 44 | ### Solution:
 45 | **Single Cloud Migration** - By moving everything to **Hetzner** under a self-hosted **K3s** setup, I simplified and streamlined management.
 46 | 
 47 | ---
 48 | 
 49 | ## Migration to K3s on Hetzner
 50 | 
 51 | 1. **Setup K3s on Hetzner** - Installed K3s on Hetzner’s affordable VPS for better cost management.
 52 | 2. **Reimplemented Monitoring** - Used **Prometheus**, **Grafana**, and **K9s** to replace DigitalOcean’s UI.
 53 | 3. **GitOps Integration** - With GitOps and ArgoCD, migrating was seamless with near-zero downtime.
 54 | 
 55 | ![Multi-Cloud Setup](https://beatsinthe.cloud/blog/content/images/2024/10/A0BEB0DE-D73E-4704-A989-75FF1835302C.jpeg)
 56 | 
 57 | ### Benefits:
 58 | - **Cost Reduction** - Hetzner’s pricing saved significantly while providing robust resources.
 59 | - **Simplified Architecture** - Consolidated infrastructure reduced network latency and errors.
 60 | 
 61 | ---
 62 | 
 63 | ## Streamlining Architecture
 64 | 
 65 | The simplified setup eliminated the need for a multi-cloud reverse proxy setup, significantly reducing latency and management complexity. This paved the way for:
 66 | - **Direct Ghost Integration** - Hosting Ghost within the K3s cluster.
 67 | - **Namespace Isolation** - Ghost deployed in its own namespace with ArgoCD reconciliation disabled to avoid redeployment issues.
 68 | 
 69 | ![Migration Setup](https://beatsinthe.cloud/blog/content/images/2024/10/E44CEACB-8E22-4BFE-ABEA-D57C9AE44A46.jpeg)
 70 | 
 71 | ### Key Improvements:
 72 | - **Improved Performance** - Lower latency and faster load times.
 73 | - **Enhanced Observability** - All components monitored within the same environment.
 74 | 
 75 | ---
 76 | 
 77 | ## Security Hardening
 78 | 
 79 | With architecture in place, I focused on strengthening security:
 80 | 1. **Firewalls & Intrusion Detection** - Deployed **Falco** for real-time Intrusion Detection and configured alerts via Slack.
 81 | 2. **2FA for Ghost Admin** - Added two-factor authentication for secure access.
 82 | 3. **Cloudflare Proxy** - Enabled DNS and DDOS protection via Cloudflare.
 83 | 
 84 | ![Streamlined Architecture](https://beatsinthe.cloud/blog/content/images/2024/10/CDA12ECA-80E8-4A94-B668-3F8BA4287153.jpeg)
 85 | 
 86 | ### Key Additions:
 87 | - **Falco IDS** - Real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
 88 | - **Enhanced Access Controls** - Security measures ensured production readiness.
 89 | 
 90 | ---
 91 | 
 92 | ## Adding Linkerd Service Mesh
 93 | 
 94 | To manage internal traffic, I introduced **Linkerd** for service-to-service communication within K3s:
 95 | 1. **Traffic Management** - Improved control over network traffic and added load balancing.
 96 | 2. **Network Observability** - Linkerd’s observability enhanced insights beyond Prometheus/Grafana.
 97 | 
 98 | ![Security Setup](https://beatsinthe.cloud/blog/content/images/2024/10/EA370075-E0D9-4208-BB19-F580181988AF.jpeg)
 99 | 
100 | ### Why Linkerd?
101 | - **Lightweight and Efficient** - Linkerd outperformed alternatives like Istio and Cilium in resource usage and simplicity.
102 | - **Enhanced Security** - Encrypted inter-service communication and refined traffic policies.
103 | 
104 | ---
105 | 
106 | ## Global Performance with CloudFront CDN
107 | 
108 | To optimize global access:
109 | 1. **Integrated CloudFront CDN** - Cached static assets (images, JavaScript, CSS) for faster access worldwide.
110 | 2. **Reduced Cluster Load** - Offloading static content decreased workload on K3s.
111 | 
112 | ![Linkerd Implementation](https://beatsinthe.cloud/blog/content/images/2024/10/EA370075-E0D9-4208-BB19-F580181988AF--1--1.jpeg)
113 | 
114 | ### Result:
115 | Improved user experience and reduced latency for users worldwide.
116 | 
117 | ---
118 | 
119 | ## Future Steps
120 | 
121 | - **Consolidate Further** - Exploring cheaper hosting options with comparable power for more savings.
122 | - **Remote Container Registry** - Transitioning from DockerHub for a free multi-repo solution.
123 | - **Scaling with New Services** - Planning for additional site elements (e.g., e-commerce and community forum) as the project grows.
124 | 
125 | ---
126 | 
127 | This journey highlights the iterative process of refining cloud infrastructure, mastering cloud-native tools, and balancing performance with budget constraints. Stay tuned for future updates!
128 | 


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 1 | # 🌐 BeatsintheCloud 🚀
 2 | ---
 3 | 
 4 | ## 📜 Project Overview
 5 | 
 6 | This project is structured in phases, with each phase building on the previous one to expand functionality, improve performance, and solve real-world challenges in cloud and DevOps. From initial managed deployments to fully self-hosted infrastructure, this project demonstrates a comprehensive approach to modern infrastructure management.
 7 | 
 8 | ### Phases Included:
 9 | 1. **Phase 1: Managed K8s Deployment with GitOps** - Initial deployment using DigitalOcean’s managed Kubernetes and GitOps automation.
10 | 2. **Phase 2: Self-Managed K3s Setup** - Migration to a self-hosted K3s environment on Hetzner for cost savings and greater control.
11 | 3. **Phase 3: Streamlined Architecture** - Integrating Ghost directly into K3s and removing multi-cloud dependencies.
12 | 4. **Phase 4: Security Hardening** - Enhancing security with intrusion detection, Cloudflare DDOS protection, and two-factor authentication.
13 | 5. **Phase 5: Service Mesh with Linkerd** - Implementing Linkerd for internal traffic management within the K3s cluster.
14 | 6. **Phase 6: Global Optimization with CDN** - Using AWS CloudFront as a CDN to improve asset delivery for a global audience.
15 | 7. **Phase 7: Future Enhancements** - Plans for additional cost optimizations, vertical scaling, failover setups, and feature expansions.
16 | 
17 | ---
18 | 
19 | ## ⚙️ Technologies and Tools Used
20 | 
21 | Throughout each phase, I utilized a range of tools and technologies, including:
22 | 
23 | - **Kubernetes & K3s** - Initial managed Kubernetes setup, later transitioning to self-hosted K3s.
24 | - **GitOps with ArgoCD** - GitOps-driven automation for seamless deployments across phases.
25 | - **Docker** - Containerized services for efficient deployment and management.
26 | - **Monitoring & Observability** - Prometheus, Grafana, and later Linkerd for enhanced network observability.
27 | - **Security Tools** - Falco for intrusion detection, Cloudflare for DDOS protection, and enhanced access controls.
28 | - **Service Mesh** - Linkerd for managing internal service communication and securing traffic within the cluster.
29 | - **Content Delivery Network** - AWS CloudFront to reduce latency and improve global asset delivery.
30 | 
31 | ---
32 | 
33 | ## 🔍 Phase-by-Phase Breakdown
34 | 
35 | ### Phase 1: Managed K8s Deployment with GitOps
36 | - **Objective**: Establish the project infrastructure on DigitalOcean’s managed Kubernetes with GitOps for automated deployments.
37 | - **Details**: Initial setup deployed a static landing page and a Ghost blog on a managed Kubernetes cluster. GitOps practices with ArgoCD ensured smooth deployment from source to production.
38 | - **Outcome**: Automated deployment pipeline was established, providing a solid foundation for further development.
39 | 
40 | ### Phase 2: Self-Managed K3s Setup on Hetzner
41 | - **Objective**: Reduce costs and gain more control by migrating to a self-hosted K3s cluster on Hetzner.
42 | - **Details**: Moved all services to a Hetzner VPS running K3s. Prometheus, Grafana, and K9s replaced DigitalOcean’s native tools, while GitOps and ArgoCD managed deployments. Consolidated to a single cloud provider to minimize complexity.
43 | - **Outcome**: Significant cost savings, reduced network complexity, and minimal downtime during the migration.
44 | 
45 | ### Phase 3: Streamlined Architecture
46 | - **Objective**: Simplify architecture by removing multi-cloud dependencies and reducing latency.
47 | - **Details**: Integrated Ghost directly within the K3s cluster, deploying it in an isolated namespace and disabling ArgoCD reconciliation to prevent redeployment issues.
48 | - **Outcome**: Improved performance, lower latency, and streamlined management with a fully self-hosted setup.
49 | 
50 | ### Phase 4: Security Hardening
51 | - **Objective**: Strengthen security with proactive monitoring and access control.
52 | - **Details**: Added Falco for intrusion detection with real-time alerts, two-factor authentication for Ghost admin, and Cloudflare for DNS and DDOS protection.
53 | - **Outcome**: Increased security readiness with best practices in place for production environments.
54 | 
55 | ### Phase 5: Service Mesh with Linkerd
56 | - **Objective**: Optimize internal service communication with a lightweight service mesh.
57 | - **Details**: Implemented Linkerd for encrypted, efficient inter-service communication and observability, improving network security and load balancing.
58 | - **Outcome**: Enhanced traffic control and monitoring, with improved performance and internal traffic management.
59 | 
60 | ### Phase 6: Global Optimization with CDN
61 | - **Objective**: Enhance performance for a global user base by offloading static content.
62 | - **Details**: Integrated AWS CloudFront to cache and serve static assets, reducing workload on the K3s cluster and optimizing delivery speeds.
63 | - **Outcome**: Faster load times for international users and improved user experience.
64 | 
65 | ### Phase 7: Future Enhancements
66 | - **Next Steps**:
67 |    - **Failover and Multi-Cloud Setup** - Explore active/passive failover for improved reliability.
68 |    - **Advanced CI/CD Enhancements** - Multi-branch support and enhanced testing capabilities.
69 |    - **Extended Observability** - Addition of ELK for detailed logging insights.
70 |    - **Vertical and Horizontal Scaling** - For high availability and to support website expansion
71 |    - **New Hosting Options** - Potential migration to a cost-effective provider with robust features.
72 | 
73 | ---
74 | 
75 | ## 🌌 What I Learned
76 | 
77 | This project represents my journey in DevOps and Cloud Computing, 4 years in the making, with valuable lessons in:
78 | - **Infrastructure Design** - Importance of consolidating resources for performance and cost management.
79 | - **Automation** - Streamlining deployments with GitOps and CI/CD for consistency.
80 | - **Security Best Practices** - Implementing proactive security measures for cloud-native environments.
81 | - **Cost Efficiency** - Leveraging affordable cloud providers and tools to stay within budget.
82 | - **Troubleshooting and Adaptation** - Overcoming real-world challenges in multi-cloud, networking, and security.
83 | 
84 | ---
85 | 
86 | 


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2 | 


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 1 | ![Introduction to Cloud Computing Achievement](https://yt3.googleusercontent.com/oe2Q9wYI94GnBLTfNmVYR_0B2BvS3E4o6xHHlKZkyWC23EMelJuO32KBxKXAoC9x3jtym7gtwg=s900-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
 2 | 
 3 | ## Learning Resources & Tools for those new to the Cloud, Containers & Kubernetes
 4 | 
 5 | Welcome to the repository! Here, you'll find a collection of resources designed to help both beginners and small enterprises understand Cloud computing, containers, and working with Kubernetes (k8s). Whether you're looking for beginner-friendly material that explain complex concepts in simple terms (or how to explain to your kids what you do), or tools to evaluate Kubernetes deployment, we've got you covered.
 6 | 
 7 | ## Contents
 8 | 
 9 | - [When 2 Kubernetes GPT Assessment Tool](#When-2-K8s-Evaluation-GPT)
10 | - [Learning Pathways and Certification Costs](#learning-pathways)
11 | - [Learning Resources](#learning-resources)
12 | - [For Free? (Certifications)](#for-free)
13 | - [Spanish Version](#spanish-version)
14 | 
15 | 
16 | 
17 | ## When 2 K8s Evaluation GPT
18 | - Use my custom GPT instance to Evaluate if K8s is right for your business, trained to help small and midsize enterprises determine when and how to deploy Kubernetes.
19 | - [Evaluate Kubernetes Deployment](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/blob/main/Projects/When-2-K8s-Evaluation-GPT.md)
20 | 
21 | ## Learning Pathways
22 | - Find detailed learning pathways for cloud/native computing beginners, with options, ideas, and associated costs for whatever path interests you in cloud computing..
23 | - [Learning Pathways](./learning-pathways/README.md)
24 | 
25 | ## Learning Resources
26 | - Low-cost/free resources for learning cloud computing, cloud-native, Linux, IaC etc. 
27 | - [Learning Resources](./learning-resources/README.md)
28 | 
29 | ## My Personal Projects & More - Beatsinthe.Cloud
30 | - See how I implemented **Kubernetes** to deploy the main site with high availability, fault tolerance, automated CI/CD, and backups. This setup allows me to focus solely on code and the fun, creative stuff.
31 | - Feel free to explore my **Deployments** and fork the repo if you need it for your own projects.
32 | - Explore example project ideas, from simple to more challenging for you to try out, that I've personally tested.
33 | - [BeatsintheCloud Project Walkthrough](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/blob/main/Projects/)
34 | 
35 | 
36 | ## FOR FREE?
37 | - Earn Professional Credentials for free. Kickstart your resume.
38 | - [Free Certifications](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/learning-resources/freecertifications)
39 | 
40 | - Prove your skills and earn Professional Credentials a low cost. Further your resume.
41 | - [Low Cost Certifications](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/learning-resources/lowcostcertifications)
42 | 
43 | ## Spanish Version
44 | - This repository is also available in Spanish. Click the link below to access all the resources in Spanish.
45 | - [Versión en Español](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/Spanish)
46 | 


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 1 | ![Cloud Computing Diagram](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/0*8umCidPiVa_zH54D)
 2 | 
 3 | # Learning Resources for Cloud Computing and Cloud Native Technologies
 4 | 
 5 | Welcome to the **Learning Resources** section of GitGudAtCloudNative! Whether you’re **training for a new career in tech**, looking to **advance your cloud knowledge**, a **hobbyist** exploring new tech, or someone seeking **certifications** to validate your skills, this repository has resources to get you started and guide you through more advanced topics.
 6 | 
 7 | ## Cloud Computing Basics
 8 | 
 9 | **Training for a new career? Moving into tech? Just curious?** Whatever brings you here, we’ve got resources for learning the **fundamentals of cloud computing**. Start with the basics and gradually move to more advanced topics, covering:
10 | 
11 | - **Core Cloud Concepts**: Understand what cloud computing is, its service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and its deployment models (public, private, hybrid, multi-cloud).
12 | - **Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)**: Explore the top providers – **AWS**, **Microsoft Azure**, **Google Cloud Platform (GCP)**, and others – to understand their offerings, strengths, and best use cases.
13 | - **Getting Started with Workloads**: Resources on deploying your first workloads, basic infrastructure management, and cost-effective practices.
14 | - **Comparing CSPs**: Get insights into each provider’s unique features, pricing structures, and regions to make informed decisions on which to use.
15 | 
16 | Plus, I’ll share my personal opinions on the best way to start and why I recommend certain approaches over others. **Feel free to contribute** if you have resources or insights to add!
17 | 
18 | ➡️ **[Explore Cloud Computing Resources](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/learning-resources/cloudcomputing)**
19 | 
20 | ---
21 | 
22 | ## Cloud Native Technologies
23 | 
24 | So, what the &^$% is **Cloud Native**? Cloud Native technologies are the backbone of scalable, resilient applications in the cloud. They’re the tools and practices that allow organizations to develop, deploy, and manage applications that take full advantage of the cloud environment. Here’s where to start and what you need to know:
25 | 
26 | ### Core Cloud Native Tools
27 | 
28 | - **Docker**: The foundational technology for containerization, allowing apps to run consistently across environments.
29 | - **Kubernetes**: The gold standard for container orchestration, enabling the management, scaling, and automation of containerized applications.
30 | - **Service Meshes**: Tools like Istio and Linkerd that provide reliable communication, security, and monitoring between services within an app.
31 | - **CI/CD Pipelines**: Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, and GitHub Actions for automating the build, test, and deployment processes.
32 | 
33 | ### Why You Need Cloud Native Skills
34 | 
35 | Most cloud-based workloads integrate one or more of these tools, making knowledge of Cloud Native technologies essential. Learning these will help you understand how companies:
36 | 
37 | - **Scale Applications**: Ensure applications can grow and handle large user bases or traffic increases without breaking.
38 | - **Decentralize Solutions**: Break down monolithic applications into microservices for easier management and updates.
39 | - **Implement Observability**: Monitor, log, and trace applications to ensure performance and troubleshoot issues.
40 | 
41 | Once you have a solid grasp of **Cloud Computing**, jump into Cloud Native to understand the **next level of cloud operations**. I’ve compiled resources on each of these technologies, why they’re important, and the best starting points.
42 | 
43 | ➡️ **[Explore Cloud Native Resources](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/learning-resources/kubernetes)**
44 | 
45 | ---
46 | 
47 | ## Free and Low-Cost Certifications
48 | 
49 | Interested in certifications but worried about cost? I’ve included a section on **free and low-cost certification options** to help you validate your skills without breaking the bank. Certifications are great for boosting credibility, whether you’re a **job seeker** or looking to **advance in your current role**. Some topics covered:
50 | 
51 | - Free certifications and trials offered by major CSPs
52 | - Affordable alternatives and practice exams
53 | - Tips on studying effectively to pass exams without retakes
54 | 
55 | ➡️ **[Explore Free Certification & Badges Resources](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/learning-resources/freecertifications)**
56 | 
57 | ➡️ **[Explore low Cost Certification Resources](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/learning-resources/lowcostcertifications)**
58 | 
59 | ---
60 | 
61 | ## My Personal Projects
62 | 
63 | I’ve included some of my personal projects here to give you examples of how I’m applying these technologies in real-world scenarios. Feel free to explore, learn from, or even fork and contribute to these projects:
64 | 
65 | ➡️ **[Beatsinthe.cloud Project](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/tree/main/Projects/my-projects)**
66 | 
67 | ---
68 | 
69 | Happy Learning, and remember to **contribute** any resources or insights that have helped you along your journey!
70 | 


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 1 | # Cloud Computing Certification Exams Learning Resources
 2 | 
 3 | Welcome to the **Learning resources** page for cloud certification exams and related technologies! Here you'll find resources, notes, and recommended study material to help you prepare for various **cloud certifications**. Whether you’re studying for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, or DevOps certifications, this page is packed with insights and links to helpful content.
 4 | 
 5 | ## Certification Study Cram Videos
 6 | 
 7 | Here are some curated YouTube videos to help reinforce your knowledge on cloud computing, cloud-native technologies, and DevOps principles. These videos cover essential topics and are a great resource for anyone studying for certifications.
 8 | 
 9 | ### 1. Azure
10 | [![Azure](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZmQKeiBLANM/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmQKeiBLANM&t=688s)
11 |   
12 | ### 2. AWS
13 | [![Kubernetes](https://img.youtube.com/vi/W4-gE3Li0Yk/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4-gE3Li0Yk&t=512s)
14 | 
15 | ### 3. K8s en Espanol
16 | [![Introduction to DevOps & CI/CD](https://img.youtube.com/vi/mEHGQ9PrPYo/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEHGQ9PrPYo&t=5579s)
17 | 
18 | ### 4. Kubernetes for Absolute Beginners
19 | [![Kubernetes for Absolute Beginners](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ipDBBMcSJDM/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipDBBMcSJDM&t=2976s)
20 | 
21 | ### 5. GitOps
22 | [![Cloud Security Fundamentals](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Ui6nlY-MBjo/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui6nlY-MBjo&t=1097s)
23 | 
24 | ### 6. Security
25 | [![Advanced Kubernetes Techniques](https://img.youtube.com/vi/6Zl0BvW0jfE/0.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zl0BvW0jfE&t=3366s)
26 | 
27 | ### More Content
28 | 
29 | For more videos and in-depth tutorials, check out the **BeatsintheCloud** YouTube channel for the latest in cloud certification prep and cloud-native technology discussions:  
30 | ➡️ [BeatsintheCloud YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@BeatsintheCloud)
31 | 
32 | ---
33 | 
34 | ## Topics Covered
35 | 
36 | The study notes and resources here focus on key certification topics across major cloud providers and technologies, including:
37 | 
38 | - **AWS Certification**: Solutions Architect, SysOps, Developer, and more.
39 | - **Microsoft Azure Certifications**: Fundamentals, Administrator, and Architect roles.
40 | - **Google Cloud Certifications**: Associate and Professional certifications.
41 | - **Kubernetes Certifications**: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) and Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
42 | - **DevOps & CI/CD**: Best practices, tools, and pipelines for modern DevOps workflows.
43 | - **Cloud Security**: Security practices and certification topics for cloud platforms.
44 | 
45 | ---
46 | 
47 | ## Study Tips
48 | 
49 | 1. **Hands-on Practice**: Use free-tier accounts on cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) to practice deploying resources.
50 | 2. **Study in Chunks**: Break down complex topics into manageable study sessions.
51 | 3. **Join Study Groups**: Find online communities or study groups for accountability and support.
52 | 4. **Take Practice Exams**: Many certifications offer practice exams or sample questions. These are invaluable for understanding the format and areas to focus on.
53 | 
54 | Happy studying, and best of luck with your certification journey!
55 | 
56 | 


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 1 | ![My Image](https://as2.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/02/75/03/59/1000_F_275035961_0Gu3DoUS6b5HjT1Wxg7t0vJky60Rt0gj.jpg)
 2 | 
 3 | # Free Credentials You Can Learn and Earn
 4 | 
 5 | ## Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
 6 | - [Foundations Associate](https://education.oracle.com/oracle-cloud-infrastructure-2023-foundations-associate/pexam_1Z0-1085-24)
 7 | - [AI Foundations Associate](https://education.oracle.com/oracle-cloud-infrastructure-2024-ai-foundations-associate/pexam_1Z0-1122-24)
 8 | - [Container Engine for Kubernetes Specialist](https://blogs.oracle.com/oracleuniversity/post/announcing-the-2024-oci-container-engine-for-kubernetes-specialist-course)
 9 | - [Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Data Foundations Associate](https://mylearn.oracle.com/ou/learning-path/become-an-oracle-cloud-infrastructure-data-foundations-associate-2024/140339) <== NEW
10 | 
11 | ## Salesforce
12 | - [Salesforce AI Associate](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/credentials/aiassociate) <== NEW
13 | - [Salesforce AI Specialist](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/credentials/aispecialist) <== NEW
14 | 
15 | ## Slack
16 | - [Various Certified Slack Digital Skills](https://www.slackcertified.com/page/slack-skills) <== NEW
17 | 
18 | ## Harness
19 | - [Harness Continuous Delivery Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/certified-continuous-delivery-developer)
20 | - [Harness Cloud Cost Management Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/cloud-cost-management-developer)
21 | - [Harness Certified Internal Developer Portal Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/certified-internal-developer-portal-developer)
22 | - [Harness Cloud Cost Management Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/cloud-cost-management-developer) <== NEW
23 | - [Harness Certified Chaos Engineering Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/chaos-engineering-developer) <== NEW
24 | - [Harness Certified Security Testing Orchestration Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/security-testing-orchestration-developer) <== NEW
25 | - [Harness Certified Continuous Integration Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/certified-continuous-integration-developer) <== NEW
26 | - [Harness Certified Feature Flags Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/feature-flags-developer) <== NEW
27 | - [Harness Certified Software Engineering Insights Developer](https://university-registration.harness.io/certified-software-engineering-insights-developer) <== NEW
28 | 
29 | 
30 | ## ISC2
31 | - [ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity](https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc)
32 | 
33 | ## Databricks
34 | - [AWS Databricks Platform Architect](https://www.databricks.com/learn/training/certification)
35 | - [GCP Databricks Platform Architect](https://www.databricks.com/learn/training/certification)
36 | - [Lakehouse Fundamentals](https://www.databricks.com/learn/training/certification)
37 | - [Generative AI Fundamentals](https://www.databricks.com/learn/training/certification)
38 | - [Azure Databricks Platform Architect](https://www.databricks.com/learn/training/certification)
39 | - [Platform Administrator](https://www.databricks.com/learn/training/certification)
40 | 
41 | ## Google Cloud
42 | - [Skills Boost Generative AI Fundamentals](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/paths/118)
43 | - [Manage K8s in Google Cloud (w/ 1 Month Trial)](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/783)
44 | - [Various Skill Badges with One Month Trial](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/)
45 | 
46 | ## Google Skillshop
47 | - [Google Ads/Analytics/Marketing Certifications](https://skillshop.docebosaas.com/learn/signin) <== NEW
48 | 
49 | ## Buoyant
50 | - [Service Mesh 101](https://buoyant.io/courses/service-mesh-101)
51 | 
52 | ## Solo.io
53 | - [Envoy Basics](https://academy.solo.io/learn/courses/81/envoy-basics)
54 | - [Service Mesh Basics](https://academy.solo.io/learn/courses/80/service-mesh-basics)
55 | - [API Gateway Basics](https://academy.solo.io/learn/courses/79/api-gateway-basics)
56 | - [Cilium CNI Basics](https://academy.solo.io/learn/courses/78/cilium-cni-basics)
57 | - [Istio Basics](https://academy.solo.io/learn/courses/77/istio-basics)
58 | 
59 | ## Alteryx (link often goes to 403 forbidden, so copy and paste in browser or use search engine to find info on them)
60 | - [Designer Cloud Core](https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Certification-Resources/Alteryx-Designer-Cloud-Core-Exam-Prep-Guide/ta-p/1287545) <== NEW
61 | - [Designer Cloud, Trifacta Classic Core Certification](https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Certification-Resources/Designer-Cloud-Trifacta-Classic-Core-Certification-Exam-Prep/ta-p/1065126) <== NEW
62 | - [Designer Cloud, Trifacta Classic Advanced](https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Certification-Resources/Designer-Cloud-Trifacta-Classic-Advanced-Certification-Exam-Prep/ta-p/1065131) <== NEW
63 | - [Designer Cloud, Trifacta Classic Administrator](https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Certification-Resources/Designer-Cloud-Trifacta-Classic-Administrator-Certification-Exam/ta-p/1065134) <== NEW
64 | - [Additional Certifications including Micro Credentials, Designer Desktop & Server](https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Certification-Exams/bd-p/product-certification#micro-credentials) <== NEW
65 | 
66 | ## IBM Cognizant Class
67 | - [Docker Developer](https://cognitiveclass.ai/badges/docker-essentials)
68 | - [Containers, Microservices, Kubernetes, and Istio on the Cloud](https://cognitiveclass.ai/learn/containers-k8s-and-istio-on-ibm-cloud)
69 | - [Building Cloud Native and Multicloud Applications](https://cognitiveclass.ai/badges/building-cloud-native-and-multicloud-applications)
70 | - [Getting Started with Containers on IBM Cloud](https://cognitiveclass.ai/badges/getting-started-with-containers-on-ibm-cloud)
71 | - [Advanced Kubernetes Operator](https://cognitiveclass.ai/badges/advanced-kubernetes-operator)
72 | 
73 | ## AWS Skillbuilder Learning Badges
74 | - [AWS Skillbuilder Learning Badges](https://aws.amazon.com/training/badges/)
75 | 
76 | ## Microsoft Applied Skill Badges
77 | - [Applied Skill Badges - Cloud Skills Including Containers, AI, and More](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/browse/?credential_types=applied%20skills)
78 | 
79 | 
80 | 
81 | I will be updating this list soon with a more comprehensive list of low-cost credentials you can earn as well.
82 | 


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 1 | # Kubernetes Learning Resources
 2 | My philosophy is this: Container orchestration is here to stay. It is becoming ubiquitous at a rapid pace, and the rise of AI will only accelerate this. Getting to know "the cloud" is only the beginning, so even having a basic familiarity with Cloud Native technologies is a must if you're looking to kick-start your career as a "Cloud Engineer" (which is basically an umbrella term more than a role nowadays).
 3 | 
 4 | ## So What Is "Cloud Native"?
 5 | In short, it is technology meant to take advantage of cloud computing environments, their scaling capabilities, compute power, and their decentralized nature. 
 6 | 
 7 | According to the **[CNCF or, Cloud Native Computing Foundation](https://www.cncf.io)**, the leading organization in steering the way for Cloud Native technologies, Cloud Native is defined as:
 8 | "Cloud native practices empower organizations to develop, build, and deploy workloads in computing environments (public, private, hybrid cloud) to meet their organizational needs at scale in a programmatic and repeatable manner. It is characterized by loosely coupled systems that interoperate in a secure, resilient, manageable, sustainable, and observable manner. Cloud Native technologies and architectures typically consist of some combination of containers, service meshes, multi-tenancy, microservices, immutable infrastructure, serverless, and declarative APIs"
 9 | 
10 | So, think of the following:
11 | - Container Orchestration (Kubernetes, Google Borg, Docker Borg, Docker Swarm, Openshift)
12 | - Containers (Docker, etc)
13 | - Data Lakes (Delta Lake)
14 | - Service Meshes
15 | - Microservices
16 | - Serverless Computing
17 | - API Gateways
18 | - Observation and Monitoring Tools
19 | 
20 | Feel intimidated yet? Don't be. Baby steps. I was learning once, and still am, and this is intended to share my journey, past and ongoing. So you're not alone.
21 | 
22 | 
23 | ## Index
24 | 1. [Get Started with Docker](#get-started-with-docker)
25 | 2. [My Aggregated Study Notes, Perfect for KCNA](#my-aggregated-study-notes)
26 | 3. [Introductory Kubernetes Courses](#introductory-kubernetes-courses)
27 | 4. [K8s Video Theory](#k8s-video-theory)
28 | 5. [Kubernetes Hands-On Learning Resources](#kubernetes-hands-on-learning-resources)
29 | 6. [Installing Kubernetes Locally?](#installing-kubernetes-locally)
30 | 
31 | 
32 | ---
33 | 
34 | ## Get Started with Docker
35 | If you’re new to containerization, these resources will help you get started with Docker.
36 | 
37 | - **[Deploy Cloud-Native Apps Using Azure Container Apps](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/applied-skills/deploy-cloud-native-apps-using-azure-container-apps/)**: Microsoft Learn’s module that teaches how to deploy cloud-native applications using Azure Container Apps, ideal for Azure enthusiasts.
38 | 
39 | - **[Docker Essentials - Cognitive Class](https://cognitiveclass.ai/courses/docker-essentials)**: A beginner-level course on Docker, covering container basics, how to work with Docker images and containers, and managing Docker Hub.
40 | 
41 | ---
42 | 
43 | ## My Aggregated Study Notes
44 | - **[Study Notes](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/blob/main/learning-resources/kubernetes/Kubernetes%20Cloud%20Native%20Study%20Guide.pdf)**: Taken from a variety of sources, including the official docs, they have been beneficial when I have been stuck. If you're considering going for your KCNA, these are great to read over.
45 | - **[Lofi Study Cram](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipDBBMcSJDM&ab_channel=CloudFiBeats)**: A relaxed, narrated version of the study notes created with AWS Polly, set over my own Lofi beats meant for you to listen to while exercising, driving or working. it works for me, so I figured I'd share.
46 | 
47 | ---
48 | 
49 | ## Introductory Kubernetes Courses
50 | Not sure what Kubernetes (K8s) is? Start here with these foundational courses.
51 | 
52 | - **[Linux Foundation Introduction to Kubernetes](https://training.linuxfoundation.org/training/introduction-to-kubernetes/)**: Official introductory course by the Linux Foundation.
53 |   
54 | - **[Linux Foundation Introduction to Kubernetes on EdX](https://www.edx.org/learn/kubernetes/the-linux-foundation-introduction-to-kubernetes)**: The same official course, hosted on EdX.
55 | 
56 | - **[Civo Academy](https://www.civo.com/academy)**: Free Kubernetes and cloud-native technology courses covering the essentials of cloud-native development, containers, and Kubernetes.
57 | 
58 | ---
59 | 
60 | ## K8s Video Theory 
61 | A couple of reccomended videos that explain Kubernetes concepts, uses cases etc.
62 | 
63 | - **[Learn Kubernetes - KodeKloud](https://youtu.be/XuSQU5Grv1g?si=cRYIMRJ74BC4FiT0)**: A comprehensive beginner-friendly introduction to Kubernetes by KodeKloud, covering the core concepts and practical demonstrations.
64 | 
65 | - **[Kubernetes Tutorial - Techworld with Nana](https://youtu.be/X48VuDVv0do?si=WtiwUqi1CHDnJum_)**: Another excellent Kubernetes tutorial by Techworld with Nana, offering clear explanations and hands-on examples.
66 | 
67 | ---
68 | 
69 | ## Kubernetes Hands-On Learning Resources
70 | Here you will find resources to help you practice Kubernetes with real-world, hands-on labs and environments.
71 | 
72 | - **[Google Cloud Kubernetes Lab](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/783)**: Hands-on Kubernetes lab offered by Google Cloud.
73 | 
74 | - **[KillerCoda](https://killercoda.com/)**: An interactive learning platform for Kubernetes with real scenarios.
75 | 
76 | - **[Killer Shell](https://killer.sh/)**: Practice environment for Kubernetes, great for preparing for the CKA/CKAD exams.
77 | 
78 | - **[Play with K8s](https://labs.play-with-k8s.com/)**: A free tool that lets you create Kubernetes clusters in your browser and experiment.
79 | 
80 | - **[IBM Kubernetes Service Tutorials](https://www.ibm.com/products/kubernetes-service/kubernetes-tutorials)**: IBM’s collection of Kubernetes tutorials to help you get started with managing applications in Kubernetes clusters using the IBM Kubernetes Service.
81 | 
82 | - **[Get Started with Kubernetes](https://collabnix.github.io/kubelabs/)**: An amazing list of Kubernetes Labs and Tutorials
83 | ---
84 | 
85 | ## Installing Kubernetes Locally
86 | Ready to start working with K8s locally? Here are some ways to do it. Docker Desktop and Multipass are probably easiest, but if you are up for it, spin up Minikube or K3s!
87 | 
88 | 
89 | - **[MicroK8s with Multipass](https://microk8s.io/docs/install-multipass)**: MicroK8s is a small, fast, and secure Kubernetes installation from Canonical, ideal for local setups. Multipass creates isolated VMs to run MicroK8s, simplifying the process of spinning up Kubernetes clusters on your local machine.
90 | 
91 | - **[Docker Desktop Kubernetes](https://docs.docker.com/desktop/kubernetes/)**: Docker Desktop includes a simple way to enable a single-node Kubernetes cluster on your local machine. If you are already using Docker for container development, this is an easy way to integrate Kubernetes into your workflow.
92 | 
93 | - **[Minikube](https://minikube.sigs.k8s.io/docs/)**: Minikube is a tool that lets you run Kubernetes locally on your machine. It supports all Kubernetes features and is an excellent option for beginners who want a full Kubernetes experience on their local machine.
94 | 
95 | - **[K3s](https://k3s.io/)**: Lightweight Kubernetes distribution by Rancher Labs. K3s is a simplified and minimal installation of Kubernetes that works well for local development and testing, particularly on edge devices or low-resource environments.
96 | 
97 | 
98 | 
99 | 


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 1 | # Recursos de Aprendizaje de Kubernetes
 2 | 
 3 | Mi filosofía es esta: la orquestación de contenedores llegó para quedarse. Se está volviendo omnipresente a gran velocidad, y el auge de la IA solo acelerará esto. Conocer "la nube" es solo el comienzo, por lo que incluso tener un conocimiento básico de las tecnologías Cloud Native es imprescindible si deseas iniciar tu carrera como "Ingeniero en la Nube" (un término amplio más que un rol específico hoy en día).
 4 | 
 5 | ## Entonces, ¿Qué es "Cloud Native"?
 6 | En resumen, es tecnología diseñada para aprovechar los entornos de computación en la nube, sus capacidades de escalabilidad, potencia de cómputo y su naturaleza descentralizada.
 7 | 
 8 | Según la **[CNCF o Fundación de Computación Cloud Native](https://www.cncf.io)**, la organización líder en dirigir el camino para las tecnologías Cloud Native, Cloud Native se define como:
 9 | "Las prácticas Cloud Native permiten a las organizaciones desarrollar, construir y desplegar cargas de trabajo en entornos de cómputo (nube pública, privada, híbrida) para satisfacer sus necesidades organizacionales a escala de manera programática y repetible. Se caracteriza por sistemas débilmente acoplados que interoperan de manera segura, resiliente, manejable, sostenible y observable. Las tecnologías y arquitecturas Cloud Native suelen consistir en una combinación de contenedores, mallas de servicios, multitenencia, microservicios, infraestructura inmutable, computación sin servidor y APIs declarativas."
10 | 
11 | Así que piensa en lo siguiente:
12 | - Orquestación de Contenedores (Kubernetes, Google Borg, Tanzu, Docker Swarm, Openshift)
13 | - Contenedores (Docker, Podman)
14 | - Lagos de Datos (Delta/Data Lake)
15 | - Mallas de Servicios (Service Mesh) - Istio, Cilium, Linkerd, Consul
16 | - Microservicios
17 | - Computación sin Servidor
18 | - GitOps Reconciliadores - Flux, Argo
19 | - Puertas de enlace de API
20 | - Herramientas de Observación y Monitoreo (Grafana, Prometheus, K9s)
21 | 
22 | ¿Te sientes intimidado? No te preocupes. Paso a paso. Yo también estuve aprendiendo y sigo en ello, y esto está pensado para compartir mi viaje, pasado y en curso. Así que no estás solo.
23 | 
24 | ## Índice
25 | 1. [Comienza con Docker](#comienza-con-docker)
26 | 2. [Mis Notas de Estudio Agregadas, Perfectas para KCNA](#mis-notas-de-estudio-agregadas)
27 | 3. [Cursos Introductorios de Kubernetes](#cursos-introductorios-de-kubernetes)
28 | 4. [Teoría de Kubernetes en Video](#teoría-de-kubernetes-en-video)
29 | 5. [Recursos de Aprendizaje Práctico de Kubernetes](#recursos-de-aprendizaje-práctico-de-kubernetes)
30 | 6. [¿Instalar Kubernetes Localmente?](#instalar-kubernetes-localmente)
31 | 
32 | ---
33 | 
34 | ## Comienza con Docker
35 | Si eres nuevo en la contenedorización, estos recursos te ayudarán a comenzar con Docker.
36 | 
37 | - **[Despliega Aplicaciones Cloud-Native Usando Azure Container Apps](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/applied-skills/deploy-cloud-native-apps-using-azure-container-apps/)**: Módulo de Microsoft Learn que enseña cómo desplegar aplicaciones Cloud Native usando Azure Container Apps, ideal para entusiastas de Azure.
38 | 
39 | - **[Docker Essentials - Cognitive Class](https://cognitiveclass.ai/courses/docker-essentials)**: Curso de nivel principiante sobre Docker, cubriendo los conceptos básicos de los contenedores, cómo trabajar con imágenes y contenedores de Docker, y gestionar Docker Hub.
40 | 
41 | ---
42 | 
43 | ## Mis Notas de Estudio Agregadas
44 | - **[Notas de Estudio](https://github.com/catinahat85/GitGudAtCloudNative/blob/main/learning-resources/kubernetes/Gui%CC%81a%20de%20estudio%20sobre%20Kubernetes%20y%20Cloud%20Native.docx)**: Tomadas de una variedad de fuentes, incluidas las documentaciones oficiales, han sido útiles cuando me he quedado atascado. Si estás considerando obtener tu KCNA, son excelentes para leer.
45 | 
46 | - **[Lofi Study Cram](https://youtu.be/mEHGQ9PrPYo?si=feLzCKOs04BNcsGD)**: Una versión narrada y relajada de las notas de estudio creadas con AWS Polly, con mis propios beats Lofi para que escuches y leas mientras haces ejercicio, manejas o trabajas. Funciona para mí, así que pensé en compartirlo.
47 | 
48 | ---
49 | 
50 | ## Cursos Introductorios de Kubernetes
51 | ¿No estás seguro de qué es Kubernetes (K8s)? Comienza aquí con estos cursos básicos.
52 | 
53 | - **[Introducción a Kubernetes de Linux Foundation](https://training.linuxfoundation.org/training/introduction-to-kubernetes/)**: Curso introductorio oficial de la Linux Foundation.
54 |   
55 | - **[Introducción a Kubernetes de Linux Foundation en EdX](https://www.edx.org/learn/kubernetes/the-linux-foundation-introduction-to-kubernetes)**: El mismo curso oficial, alojado en EdX.
56 | 
57 | - **[Civo Academy](https://www.civo.com/academy)**: Cursos gratuitos sobre Kubernetes y tecnologías Cloud Native, cubriendo los conceptos básicos del desarrollo Cloud Native, contenedores y Kubernetes.
58 | 
59 | ---
60 | 
61 | ## Teoría de Kubernetes en Video
62 | Algunos videos recomendados que explican conceptos de Kubernetes, casos de uso, etc.
63 | 
64 | - **[Aprende Kubernetes - KodeKloud](https://youtu.be/XuSQU5Grv1g?si=cRYIMRJ74BC4FiT0)**: Una introducción completa y amigable para principiantes a Kubernetes por KodeKloud, cubriendo los conceptos básicos y demostraciones prácticas.
65 | 
66 | - **[Tutorial de Kubernetes - Techworld with Nana](https://youtu.be/X48VuDVv0do?si=WtiwUqi1CHDnJum_)**: Otro excelente tutorial de Kubernetes por Techworld with Nana, que ofrece explicaciones claras y ejemplos prácticos.
67 | 
68 | ---
69 | 
70 | ## Recursos de Aprendizaje Práctico de Kubernetes
71 | Aquí encontrarás recursos para ayudarte a practicar Kubernetes con laboratorios prácticos y entornos reales.
72 | 
73 | - **[Laboratorio de Kubernetes en Google Cloud](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/783)**: Laboratorio práctico de Kubernetes ofrecido por Google Cloud.
74 | 
75 | - **[KillerCoda](https://killercoda.com/)**: Una plataforma de aprendizaje interactiva para Kubernetes con escenarios reales.
76 | 
77 | - **[Killer Shell](https://killer.sh/)**: Entorno de práctica para Kubernetes, ideal para prepararse para los exámenes CKA/CKAD.
78 | 
79 | - **[Play with K8s](https://labs.play-with-k8s.com/)**: Una herramienta gratuita que te permite crear clústeres de Kubernetes en tu navegador y experimentar.
80 | 
81 | - **[Tutoriales del Servicio de Kubernetes de IBM](https://www.ibm.com/products/kubernetes-service/kubernetes-tutorials)**: Colección de tutoriales de Kubernetes de IBM para ayudarte a empezar a gestionar aplicaciones en clústeres de Kubernetes usando el Servicio de Kubernetes de IBM.
82 | 
83 | - **[Comienza con Kubernetes](https://collabnix.github.io/kubelabs/)**: Una lista increíble de Laboratorios y Tutoriales de Kubernetes.
84 | 
85 | ---
86 | 
87 | ## Instalar Kubernetes Localmente
88 | ¿Listo para empezar a trabajar con K8s localmente? Aquí tienes algunas formas de hacerlo. Docker Desktop y Multipass son probablemente las opciones más fáciles, pero si te atreves, pon en marcha Minikube o K3s.
89 | 
90 | - **[MicroK8s con Multipass](https://microk8s.io/docs/install-multipass)**: MicroK8s es una instalación de Kubernetes pequeña, rápida y segura de Canonical, ideal para configuraciones locales. Multipass crea máquinas virtuales aisladas para ejecutar MicroK8s, simplificando el proceso de crear clústeres de Kubernetes en tu máquina local.
91 | 
92 | - **[Kubernetes en Docker Desktop](https://docs.docker.com/desktop/kubernetes/)**: Docker Desktop incluye una forma sencilla de habilitar un clúster de Kubernetes de un solo nodo en tu máquina local. Si ya usas Docker para el desarrollo de contenedores, esta es una forma fácil de integrar Kubernetes en tu flujo de trabajo.
93 | 
94 | - **[Minikube](https://minikube.sigs.k8s.io/docs/)**: Minikube es una herramienta que te permite ejecutar Kubernetes localmente en tu máquina. Soporta todas las características de Kubernetes y es una excelente opción para principiantes que quieren una experiencia completa de Kubernetes en su máquina local.
95 | 
96 | - **[K3s](https://k3s.io/)**: Distribución ligera de Kubernetes por Rancher Labs. K3s es una instalación simplificada y mínima de Kubernetes que funciona bien para desarrollo local y pruebas, particularmente en dispositivos de borde o entornos de pocos recursos.
97 | 


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  1 | # Low-Cost Certifications
  2 | 
  3 | Get certified for under $150 and validate your skills to advance your career. These certifications are affordable and enhance your professional profile by demonstrating expertise in various tech domains.
  4 | ![Kubernetes Architecture](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*Okw9qGVN3ofJ8LEEaRFUgw.png)
  5 | 
  6 | # Table of Contents
  7 |   - [General Affordable Certifications](#general-affordable-certifications)
  8 |     - [Tableau](#tableau)
  9 |     - [Meta (Facebook)](#meta-facebook)
 10 |     - [Six Sigma](#six-sigma)
 11 |     - [Alteryx](#alteryx)
 12 |     - [Google](#google)
 13 |     - [Microsoft](#microsoft)
 14 |   - [Git and GitOps Certifications](#git-and-gitops-certifications)
 15 |     - [GitHub](#github)
 16 |     - [GitLab](#gitlab)
 17 |     - [Codefresh](#codefresh)
 18 |   - [Cloud Computing Certifications](#cloud-computing-certifications)
 19 |     - [Amazon Web Services (AWS)](#amazon-web-services-aws)
 20 |     - [Google Cloud](#google-cloud)
 21 |     - [Microsoft Azure](#microsoft-azure)
 22 |     - [Alibaba Cloud](#alibaba-cloud)
 23 |     - [Linux Professional Institute (LPI)](#linux-professional-institute-lpi)
 24 |     - [HashiCorp](#hashicorp)
 25 |     - [Canonical](#canonical)
 26 |   - [General IT Certifications](#general-it-certifications)
 27 |     - [Google](#google-it-certification)
 28 |     - [Microsoft](#microsoft-it-certification)
 29 |     - [IBM](#ibm-it-certification)
 30 |   - [Cybersecurity Certifications](#cybersecurity-certifications)
 31 |     - [Google](#google-cybersecurity-certification)
 32 |   - [Data Analysis Certifications](#data-analysis-certifications)
 33 |     - [IBM](#ibm-data-analysis-certification)
 34 |     - [Google](#google-data-analysis-certification)
 35 |   - [Project Management Certifications](#project-management-certifications)
 36 | 
 37 | ---
 38 | ![Exam Rules](https://www.rathinamcollege.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/exam-rules-410x205.png)
 39 | 
 40 | ## General Affordable Certifications
 41 | 
 42 | ### Tableau
 43 | #### Tableau Desktop Specialist
 44 | - **Issuer**: Tableau
 45 | - **Cost**: $100
 46 | - **Details**: Validates foundational skills in Tableau, focusing on data visualization and analysis.
 47 | 
 48 | ### Meta (Facebook)
 49 | #### Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate
 50 | - **Issuer**: Meta (formerly Facebook)
 51 | - **Cost**: $99
 52 | - **Details**: Validates proficiency in foundational aspects of digital marketing across Facebook platforms.
 53 | 
 54 | ### Six Sigma
 55 | #### Six Sigma White Belt Certification
 56 | - **Issuer**: Various accredited organizations
 57 | - **Cost**: Free
 58 | - **Details**: Introduces the basics of Six Sigma methodology for process improvement.
 59 | 
 60 | ### Alteryx
 61 | #### Alteryx Designer Core Certification
 62 | - **Issuer**: Alteryx
 63 | - **Cost**: Free
 64 | - **Details**: Demonstrates proficiency in data preparation and analysis using Alteryx Designer.
 65 | 
 66 | ### Microsoft
 67 | #### Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals
 68 | - **Issuer**: Microsoft
 69 | - **Cost**: $99
 70 | - **Details**: Demonstrates foundational knowledge of Microsoft's Power Platform, including Power Apps, Power BI, and Power Automate.
 71 | 
 72 | #### Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
 73 | - **Issuer**: Microsoft
 74 | - **Cost**: $99
 75 | - **Details**: Covers the basics of security, compliance, and identity concepts across cloud-based and related Microsoft services.
 76 | 
 77 | #### Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals
 78 | - **Issuer**: Microsoft
 79 | - **Cost**: $99
 80 | - **Details**: Validates understanding of Dynamics 365, including its applications, cloud concepts, and deployment options.
 81 | 
 82 | ---
 83 | ![Git Logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Git-logo.svg)
 84 | 
 85 | ## Git and GitOps Certifications
 86 | 
 87 | ### GitHub
 88 | #### GitHub Foundations
 89 | - **Issuer**: GitHub
 90 | - **Cost**: $99 ($49 with applied promo code for a limited time)
 91 | - **Details**: Provides foundational skills in GitHub, covering version control, collaboration, and workflows.
 92 | 
 93 | #### GitHub Administration
 94 | - **Issuer**: GitHub
 95 | - **Cost**: $99
 96 | - **Details**: Covers GitHub admin functionalities, user and permission management, and repository organization.
 97 | 
 98 | #### GitHub Advanced Security
 99 | - **Issuer**: GitHub
100 | - **Cost**: $99
101 | - **Details**: Focuses on security features in GitHub, including vulnerability management and security workflows.
102 | 
103 | #### GitHub Actions
104 | - **Issuer**: GitHub
105 | - **Cost**: $99
106 | - **Details**: Introduces GitHub Actions for CI/CD automation, covering workflow creation and integration.
107 | 
108 | #### GitHub Copilot
109 | - **Issuer**: GitHub
110 | - **Cost**: $99
111 | - **Details**: Covers using GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted coding, focusing on productivity and best practices.
112 | 
113 | ### GitLab
114 | #### GitLab Certified Git Associate Exam
115 | - **Issuer**: GitLab
116 | - **Cost**: $150
117 | - **Details**: Validates fundamental skills in Git, covering version control and basic GitLab features.
118 | 
119 | #### GitLab Certified Security Specialist Exam
120 | - **Issuer**: GitLab
121 | - **Cost**: $150
122 | - **Details**: Covers GitLab security features, including vulnerability assessment, security workflows, and DevSecOps principles.
123 | 
124 | #### GitLab Certified CI/CD Associate Exam
125 | - **Issuer**: GitLab
126 | - **Cost**: $150
127 | - **Details**: Focuses on GitLab CI/CD features, covering pipeline creation, automation, and deployment best practices.
128 | 
129 | ### Codefresh
130 | #### Codefresh Certified GitOps Fundamentals
131 | - **Issuer**: Codefresh
132 | - **Cost**: $50
133 | - **Details**: Demonstrates understanding of GitOps principles and fundamentals for managing infrastructure as code.
134 | 
135 | #### Codefresh Certified GitOps at Scale
136 | - **Issuer**: Codefresh
137 | - **Cost**: $50
138 | - **Details**: Covers advanced GitOps concepts for managing large-scale applications and infrastructure.
139 | 
140 | ---
141 | ![Cloud Services](https://primisdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cloud-Services.jpg)
142 | 
143 | ## Cloud Computing Certifications
144 | 
145 | ### Amazon Web Services (AWS)
146 | #### AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
147 | - **Issuer**: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
148 | - **Cost**: $100 (often discounted)
149 | - **Details**: Demonstrates a fundamental understanding of AWS Cloud concepts, services, and terminology.
150 | 
151 | #### AWS Solutions Architect Associate
152 | - **Issuer**: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
153 | - **Cost**: $150
154 | - **Details**: Validates expertise in designing distributed systems on AWS.
155 | 
156 | #### AWS Certified Developer – Associate
157 | - **Issuer**: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
158 | - **Cost**: $150
159 | - **Details**: Demonstrates proficiency in developing applications on AWS.
160 | 
161 | #### AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
162 | - **Issuer**: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
163 | - **Cost**: $150
164 | - **Details**: Validates skills in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS.
165 | 
166 | ### Google Cloud
167 | #### Google Cloud Digital Leader
168 | - **Issuer**: Google Cloud
169 | - **Cost**: $100
170 | - **Details**: Assesses knowledge of Google Cloud services and their application in business contexts.
171 | 
172 | #### Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
173 | - **Issuer**: Google Cloud
174 | - **Cost**: $125
175 | - **Details**: Demonstrates foundational knowledge of deploying and managing applications on Google Cloud.
176 | 
177 | ### Microsoft Azure
178 | #### Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
179 | - **Issuer**: Microsoft
180 | - **Cost**: $99
181 | - **Details**: Covers foundational knowledge of cloud services and how they are provided with Microsoft Azure.
182 | 
183 | #### Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
184 | - **Issuer**: Microsoft
185 | - **Cost**: $99
186 | - **Details**: Demonstrates knowledge of common AI and machine learning workloads and how to implement them on Azure.
187 | 
188 | #### Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
189 | - **Issuer**: Microsoft
190 | - **Cost**: $99
191 | - **Details**: Covers core data concepts and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure data services.
192 | 
193 | ### Alibaba Cloud
194 | #### Alibaba ACA Cloud Computing Associate
195 | - **Issuer**: Alibaba Cloud
196 | - **Cost**: $120
197 | - **Details**: Validates foundational cloud computing skills with Alibaba Cloud.
198 | 
199 | #### Alibaba ACP Cloud Computing Professional
200 | - **Issuer**: Alibaba Cloud
201 | - **Cost**: $120
202 | - **Details**: Advanced certification for designing and deploying cloud applications on Alibaba Cloud.
203 | 
204 | #### Alibaba Clouder Certification Credentials
205 | - **Issuer**: Alibaba Cloud
206 | - **Cost**: $10 Each
207 | - **Details**: Single certification courses focus on specific Alibaba Cloud product functions, building foundational knowledge in 30- to 60-minute sessions. Clouder courses act as stepping stones for advanced certifications, enhancing skills in product operations and solution development.
208 | 
209 | ### Linux Professional Institute (LPI)
210 | #### Linux Essentials Certification
211 | - **Issuer**: Linux Professional Institute (LPI)
212 | - **Cost**: $120
213 | - **Details**: Certifies foundational knowledge of Linux operating systems and basic command-line skills.
214 | 
215 | ### HashiCorp
216 | #### HashiCorp Terraform Associate
217 | - **Issuer**: HashiCorp
218 | - **Cost**: $70
219 | - **Details**: Certifies knowledge of Terraform and infrastructure as code principles.
220 | 
221 | #### HashiCorp Certified: Vault Associate
222 | - **Issuer**: HashiCorp
223 | - **Cost**: $70.50
224 | - **Details**: Validates foundational knowledge of HashiCorp Vault for secrets management and data protection.
225 | 
226 | #### HashiCorp Certified: Consul Associate
227 | - **Issuer**: HashiCorp
228 | - **Cost**: $70.50
229 | - **Details**: Demonstrates knowledge of HashiCorp Consul, focusing on networking and service discovery.
230 | 
231 | ### Canonical
232 | #### Canonical Ubuntu Essentials (CUE).01 Linux
233 | - **Issuer**: Ubuntu
234 | - **Cost**: $100
235 | - **Details**: Demonstrates basic Linux skills in securing and maintaining system resources, managing users/groups, navigating filesystems, and handling logs and installations.
236 | 
237 | ---
238 | ![Computer Lab](https://www.imperial.edu/ivc/images/computer.jpg)
239 | 
240 | ## General IT Certifications
241 | 
242 | ### Google IT Certification
243 | #### Google IT Support Professional Certificate
244 | - **Issuer**: Google
245 | - **Cost**: Varies (typically available on Coursera)
246 | - **Details**: Provides foundational skills in IT support, including troubleshooting, networking, and system administration.
247 | 
248 | ### Microsoft IT Certification
249 | #### Microsoft IT Support Specialist
250 | - **Issuer**: Microsoft
251 | - **Cost**: Varies (typically available on Coursera)
252 | - **Details**: Covers essential skills for IT support, including system maintenance, software installation, and network configuration.
253 | 
254 | ---
255 | 
256 | ## Cybersecurity Certifications
257 | ![Cybersecurity Program](https://www.lincolnu.edu/academics/lu-online/programs/cybersecurity-grid.jpg)
258 | 
259 | ### Google Cybersecurity Certification
260 | #### Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
261 | - **Issuer**: Google
262 | - **Cost**: Varies (typically available on Coursera)
263 | - **Details**: Provides foundational cybersecurity skills, including network security, incident response, and threat assessment.
264 | 
265 | ---
266 | 
267 | ## Data Analysis Certifications
268 | ![Data Analyst Role](https://www.simplilearn.com/ice9/free_resources_article_thumb/data_analyticstrendsmin.jpg)
269 | 
270 | ### IBM Data Analysis Certification
271 | #### IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
272 | - **Issuer**: IBM
273 | - **Cost**: Varies (typically available on Coursera)
274 | - **Details**: Offers skills in data analysis, including data visualization, data wrangling, and data analytics using Python and SQL.
275 | 
276 | ### Google Data Analysis Certification
277 | #### Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
278 | - **Issuer**: Google
279 | - **Cost**: Varies (typically available on Coursera)
280 | - **Details**: Provides a foundation in data analysis, including data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and using tools like SQL and Tableau.
281 | 
282 | ---
283 | 
284 | ## Project Management Certifications
285 | ![Project Management](https://forbytes.com/wp-content/uploads/successful-project-management-863x460-1-640x400.jpg)
286 | 
287 | ### Google Project Management
288 | #### Google Project Management Professional Certificate
289 | - **Issuer**: Google
290 | - **Cost**: Varies (typically available on Coursera)
291 | - **Details**: Trains in project management principles with a focus on data-driven project planning and Agile methodology.
292 | 
293 | ### IBM Project Management
294 | #### IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate
295 | - **Issuer**: IBM
296 | - **Cost**: Varies (typically available on Coursera)
297 | - **Details**: Provides training in project management specific to IT environments, covering Agile practices and project planning.
298 | 
299 | ### GitLab Project Management
300 | #### GitLab Certified Project Management Associate Exam
301 | - **Issuer**: GitLab
302 | - **Cost**: $150
303 | - **Details**: Demonstrates knowledge of GitLab’s project management tools, including issue tracking, milestones, and boards.
304 | 


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