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) from LearnQuest on Coursera introduces the core ideas that make cloud platforms work. You will learn how Azure services and APIs relate to cloud computing, identify managed services and their differences, and understand deployment models such as public, private and hybrid clouds. The course walks through hosting scenarios that compare bare metal, virtual machines, containers and on-premises setups against third-party cloud providers.
What this particular course does with that subject is focus on evaluation rather than implementation. The module list shows you will compare cloud platforms, examine service models such as SaaS, PaaS and IaaS, and use the Azure cost calculator to weigh options for simple business scenarios. The stated outcomes ask you to explain common cloud models, compare provider options at a high level, and make reasonable recommendations for straightforward cloud use cases.
At the end you should be able to explain common cloud models, compare provider options, and estimate the cost of a basic Azure virtual machine setup. The course does not cover hands-on system administration or build-from-scratch labs; it is more conceptual than practical. Learners who need deep technical implementation should look elsewhere in the data, such as the Udemy fundamentals course which includes build-heavy labs, or the IBM Introduction to Cloud Computing on edX which offers a three-week structured path.
Honest limits: this course does not teach you how to configure servers, manage cloud infrastructure, or write code against cloud APIs. It stops at explaining models and comparing platforms. If your goal is to set up a cloud environment, the free IBM course on edX or the free Udemy fundamentals course provide more hands-on material at no cost.
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 8 Nov 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 8 November 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
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) | View ↗ |
| IBM: Introduction to Cloud Computing |
|
4.6★ | Free | 3 weeks | Free — and still gives a certificate | Start free ↗ |
| Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services |
Coursera
|
4.5★ | Check price | 9h 38m | Beginner-friendly · 9h 38m | View ↗ |
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.