Before we begin, I would like to extend a warm welcome and congratulate you on your decision to embark on a journey to becoming an AWS Certified SysOps Administrator. This publication, the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate Guide, is designed to guide you through the process of learning about the services AWS offers and gives you the tools required to access, configure, and use of the AWS cloud computing environment as well as perform basic troubleshooting in the environment.

By reading through this book and trying out the practical examples that are outlined throughout, you will be able to gain valuable knowledge that can be put to use when you decide to attempt to take the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator exam. Taking an exam is no small feat and should be considered a learning process.

In general, this book is intended to familiarize the reader with the concept of cloud computing and the services offered by Amazon Web Services – currently, the market leader and de facto standard for public cloud computing services. The reader will learn about the technologies offered by Amazon Web Services that allow for the deployment and operation of modern, web-scale applications. Furthermore, particular attention will be given to those areas covered in the blueprint of the Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator-Associate exam, since the main purpose of this book is to prepare the reader with the information required to undertake and pass the aforementioned exam.