Cloud and DevOps Accelerator

Peter, this guide is for you.

I created this roadmap to help you enter technology from the ground up. I am not expecting you to already understand Linux, networking, AWS, security, containers, or DevOps. We are going to build those skills one layer at a time until you can explain them, use them, and show employers what you built.

What I need from you: consistency, curiosity, and honest effort. Do not be embarrassed when something does not make sense. Ask questions, take notes, repeat the labs, and get comfortable troubleshooting. Confusion is part of learning technology.

Your 8-10 month path

This plan assumes roughly 15-20 focused hours each week. Certification preparation and portfolio projects happen together.

01
4 weeks

Foundations, Linux, Bash, and Git

Build the computer, command-line, troubleshooting, and version-control foundation required for every later phase.

Linux Essentials (010-160)
02
4 weeks

Networking and Network+

Understand how devices communicate, design small networks, and troubleshoot connectivity from the physical layer through applications.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
03
4 weeks

AWS Foundations and AI Practitioner

Understand cloud basics, AI/ML concepts, generative AI use cases, responsible AI, and the AWS services used to deliver AI solutions.

AWS Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01)
04
8 weeks

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Learn to design secure, resilient, high-performing, and cost-optimized AWS architectures and explain the tradeoffs behind each decision.

AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)
05
4 weeks

Cybersecurity and Security+

Build a practical security foundation across threats, architecture, operations, identity, cryptography, risk, and incident response.

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
06
8 weeks

Docker, Kubernetes, and CKA

Develop command-line speed and practical skill deploying, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters.

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
07
8 weeks

DevOps Integration and Capstone

Connect Git, Terraform, CI/CD, observability, security, documentation, and incident response into a production-style delivery workflow.

Portfolio and job readiness

What I want you to do first

  1. Watch the short DevOps overview below so you understand the destination.
  2. Watch the broader IT support course in sections; do not try to finish it in one sitting.
  3. Install Ubuntu using VirtualBox or WSL.
  4. Create a GitHub account and a repository named peters-tech-journey.
  5. Write your first README: why you are learning tech, your target roles, and what you learned this week.

Videos to start right now

Start with the DevOps explanation, then the IBM overview. The longer courses should be watched in 30-60 minute sections while taking notes and completing hands-on practice.

What is DevOps? REALLY understand it | DevOps vs SRE

TechWorld with Nana - A clear, non-technical explanation of the DevOps mindset and how teams deliver software.

Watch on YouTube

IBM IT Support - Complete Course

freeCodeCamp.org - A broad introduction to computers, operating systems, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud.

Watch on YouTube

Introduction to Linux - Full Course for Beginners

freeCodeCamp.org - A practical first look at Linux and the command line.

Watch on YouTube

Computer Networking Full Course - OSI Model Deep Dive

freeCodeCamp.org - A detailed networking foundation that can be watched in sections.

Watch on YouTube

AWS In 5 Minutes | What Is AWS?

Simplilearn - A quick introduction to cloud computing and common AWS services.

Watch on YouTube

How I want you to study

Learn

Watch or read one focused concept. Pause and write unfamiliar words.

Practice

Type the commands and complete the lab yourself. Watching is not practice.

Explain

Describe what you did in plain language as though you are teaching me.

Document

Push notes, diagrams, scripts, and lessons learned to GitHub every week.