Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101)
Welcome to Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101).
Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Cloud Computing. It is structured in 6 modules with 4 stated learning outcomes, over 8h 13m. Learners rate it 4.5/5 from 6.6K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Cloud Computing courses collection, where we compare it against 5 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 8h 13m |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.5★ (6.6K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) is an 8-hour 13-minute course offered on Coursera by LearnQuest. It is designed for beginners and delivered in English. A certificate is available upon completion. The course moves at your own pace and costs nothing to audit.
The syllabus moves from foundational ideas into concrete choices. It starts with "What is the Cloud?" and then breaks down managed service levels, deployment models, and hosting scenarios. You compare major platforms—Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud—before finishing with a look at where cloud computing is headed.
By the end, you should be able to explain common cloud models, compare provider options at a high level, and make a reasonable recommendation for a straightforward scenario. For example, you could weigh public versus hybrid cloud for a use case with sensitive data, or estimate the cost of a basic Azure virtual machine setup. It is a solid outcome if you want to discuss cloud choices clearly and evaluate trade-offs, rather than build and manage a full cloud environment yourself.
The course is more conceptual than hands-on. Most learning comes through lessons, readings, and comparisons, with guided exercises and quizzes used to reinforce ideas. It is a better fit if you want clear explanations and decision-making frameworks before doing deeper cloud implementation. Learners who want open-ended projects or build-from-scratch labs may find the guided exercises too limited.
Free options include the Udemy course Introduction to Cloud Computing on AWS for Beginners [2026] and the edX course IBM: Introduction to Cloud Computing. Both are beginner-friendly and offer certificates, though the Udemy course has a much larger learner base (234,841 vs 431). The Coursera course Introduction to Cloud Computing on Coursera runs 12 hours 19 minutes and holds a 4.6 rating from 7,775 reviews if you want a longer, highly-rated alternative.
This course does not cover hands-on cloud setup, advanced architecture, or build-from-scratch labs. It is best suited for people who need a broad overview before choosing a provider or role. If your goal is to configure virtual machines or deploy live applications, a more practical course with labs would serve you better.
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
6 modulesThe 6-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 8h 13m.
Module 1 · What is the "Cloud"?
Module 2 · Levels of Managed Service
Module 3 · Deployment Models
Module 4 · Hosting Scenarios
Module 5 · Comparing Cloud Platforms
Module 6 · The Future of Cloud Computing
What learners rate it
Rated 4.5/5 by 6.6K learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
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Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) This |
 Coursera
|
4.5★ | Check price | 8h 13m | Most popular — 0 learners |
| Introduction to Cloud Computing |
Coursera
|
4.6★ | Check price | 12h 19m | Highest rated (4.6★ from 7.8K reviews) |
| IBM: Introduction to Cloud Computing |
|
4.6★ | Free | 3 weeks | Free — and still gives a certificate |
| Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services |
Coursera
|
4.5★ | Check price | 9h 38m | Beginner-friendly · 9h 38m |
Where Cloud Computing leads
Roles we map to Cloud Computing on CoursesGlobal. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by Coursera.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for cloud engineers.
Common questions
How much does Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) take?
Coursera lists it at 8h 13m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101) cover?
It is organised into 6 modules, starting with What is the "Cloud"? and going on to Levels of Managed Service, Deployment Models, Hosting Scenarios, Comparing Cloud Platforms, among others. The full outline is on this page.