Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of cloud computing and CompTIA certifications! If you picked up this book because you want to improve yourself with a secure and rewarding job in the new and fast-growing cloud computing space, you have come to the right place. Whether you are striving to enter the thriving, dynamic IT sector, or you are seeking to enhance your skills in the emerging cloud computing field, being CompTIA Cloud+ certified can seriously stack the odds of success in your favor.

CompTIA certifications are powerful instruments of success that will most certainly improve your knowledge of cloud computing. As you progress throughout this book, you'll gain a broad and deep understanding of cloud computing operations that offers unprecedented exposure to this dynamic field. The knowledge and expertise that you will gain are essential for your success in all areas of the cloud computing field.

By deciding to become Cloud+ certified, you're proudly announcing to the world that you want to become an unrivaled cloud computing expert-a goal that this book will get you well on your way to achieving. Congratulations in advance on the beginning of your brilliant future!

For up-to-the-minute updates covering additions or modifications to the CompTIA certification exams, as well as additional study tools, videos, practice questions, and bonus material, be sure to visit the Sybex website and forum at www.sybex.com.

Why Should You Become Certified in Cloud Technologies?

CompTIA has created the world's leading vendor-neutral family of certifications in the technology industry. CompTIA's certifications are recognized and respected worldwide for their quality and rigorous standards. They offer a broad range of certifications on a wide variety of technology topics. When you become Cloud+ certified, you have validated your skills and expertise in the implementation and ongoing support of cloud-based services. Becoming a CompTIA Cloud+ certified professional validates that you have the knowledge to be a successful cloud engineer.

The Cloud+ certification is recognized as one of the premier cloud certifications on the market today. Studying for and passing the Cloud+ exam gives engineers the set of skills to succeed in the fast-growing field of cloud computing.

Rest assured that when you pass the CompTIA Cloud+ exam, you're headed down a path to certain success!

What Does This Book Cover?

This book, consisting of ten chapters, follows the most recent version of the CompTIA Cloud+ exam, CV0-004. The exam blueprint is divided into five sections which are explained in sufficient detail to help you become a Cloud+ certified professional.

Chapter 1: Introducing Cloud Computing Configurations and Deployments The book starts out by investigating the most common cloud components, such as applications, compute, storage, and networking. Then it discusses how to determine the correct size and scale of the systems. You will gain a basic understanding of configurations found in the cloud and learn about production, quality assurance, and development of cloud systems.

Chapter 2: Cloud Deployments In this chapter, you'll learn about deploying services in the cloud and how to execute a deployment plan; the most common service models; and the various ways that clouds are delivered, such as public, private, and community. Common cloud terminology and storage are explained.

Next, the chapter delves into the technical background and you'll learn how to determine the needs and design of an effective cloud deployment. This includes what virtualization is, its benefits, and why it's a central technology in cloud computing. You'll learn about hypervisors and virtual machines, and how to migrate from your existing operations to the cloud.

Chapter 3: Security in the Cloud This chapter covers cloud security, starting with security policies, laws, and standards. You will then learn about specific security technologies, applications, and services.

Chapter 4: Implementing Cloud Security This chapter builds on your security knowledge by explaining how to implement secure storage, networks, and compute systems. Security tools, intrusion systems, encryption, tools, techniques, and services are introduced.

Chapter 5: Maintaining Cloud Operations This chapter focuses on keeping your cloud deployment current with the latest updates, and it discusses the processes to follow. Automation is introduced, and you will learn about the importance of cloud automation and orchestration systems. The chapter concludes with a discussion of backing up your data in the cloud.

Chapter 6: Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity, and Ongoing Maintenance You take a step back in this chapter and learn how to go about developing a disaster recovery plan and the common models available. You will learn the importance of business survivability during a severe outage and understand the issues concerning recovery. The chapter ends by describing how to perform ongoing maintenance in your cloud environment.

Chapter 7: Cloud Management You'll now delve deeply into the operations aspects of cloud computing. This chapter begins with a discussion of monitoring the cloud, and then it moves on to look at the allocation and provisioning of resources. Then you will learn about business requirements, application lifecycles, and the impact they have on managing your cloud deployment. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the security of your cloud operations with accounts, automation, authentication, and automation models.

Chapter 8: Cloud Management Baselines, Performance, and SLAs This chapter explains how to determine what is considered normal cloud operations by creating and maintaining baseline measurements. Using these measurements, you can monitor your cloud fleet for deviations from the baseline and learn the steps to take when this occurs. Service level agreements and chargeback models are also explained in this chapter.

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting This chapter goes deeply into the technical aspects, identifying and correcting cloud technical issues. Troubleshooting of new and existing deployments is covered. You will learn about common problems found in the cloud that you will need to resolve. You will learn how to identify and resolve deviations from your baselines and what to do when breakdowns in the workflow occur. Be sure to pay close attention to this chapter!

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Networking and Security Issues and Understanding Methodologies The final chapter continues investigating troubleshooting with a focus on tools and techniques. Common troubleshooting utilities found in Linux and Windows systems are presented, and you'll learn how to perform a structured troubleshooting approach.

Appendix A: Answers to Review Questions This appendix contains answers to the book's Review Questions.

Appendix B: Answers to Written Labs This appendix contains the answers to the book's Written Labs.

Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank

Wiley has put together some great online tools to help you pass the Cloud+ exam. The interactive online learning environment that accompanies the Cloud+ exam certification guide provides a test bank and study tools to help you prepare for the exam. By using these tools, you can dramatically increase your chances of passing the exam on your first try.

Sample Tests Many sample tests are provided throughout this book and online, including the assessment test at the end of this Introduction and the Review Questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are two exclusive online Practice Exams with 50 questions each, as well as a bonus exam. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.

Flashcards The online text banks include 100 flashcards specifically written to hit you hard, so don't get discouraged if you don't ace your way through them at first! They're there to ensure that you're ready for the exam. Armed with the Review Questions, Practice Exams, and flashcards, you'll be more than prepared when exam day comes. Questions are provided in digital flashcard format (a question followed by a single correct answer). You can use the flashcards to reinforce your learning and provide last-minute test prep before the exam.

Other Study Tools A glossary of key terms from this book and their definitions is available as a fully searchable PDF.

Go to www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep to register and gain access to this interactive online learning environment and test bank with study tools.

How to Use This Book

If you want a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparing for the CompTIA CV0-004 Cloud+ exam, then look no further. Hundreds of hours have been spent putting together this book with the sole intention of helping you to pass the exam as well as to learn about the exciting field of cloud computing! The book has been completely updated and refreshed from the original to match the new version of the CompTIA Cloud+ exam, CV0-004.

This book is loaded with valuable information, and you will get the most out of your study time if you understand why the book is organized the way it is. In order to maximize...