Ask HN: What do I need to start learning DevOps? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What do I need to start learning DevOps?

3 pointslexmo671 comment

I'd like to learn about devops. I think that hands-on is the best way to learn. I can run Docker and VirtualBox on my desktop, but what about VPS? I guess that there is difference if I'm doing something on localhost and on real server that is on Internet.

I couldn't find any free VPS server providers. Cheapest are about 10 USD per month. What do I need to look for at VPS server that I would like to use for learning?

I know that I'll have to learn AWS, GCP or Azure. I guess that they all have some free tier. Is this correct assumption?

Are there some security practices that I should follow for the very start? I don't want to end up with someone using my test servers for something malicious.

I've read a bunch of horror stories about AWS costs that go through the roof. Can I somehow limit the monthly cap and spending on AWS and other cloud providers?

> I couldn't find any free VPS server providers.

If you don't hate Oracle already, they have a killer VPS deal where they give you 4 cores and 24gb of RAM for free. They aren't a great company per-se, but a free server is a free server. I use mine for an AI-based Discord bot, they're no joke compute wise.

> What do I need to look for at VPS server that I would like to use for learning?

You want a good selection of OSes to boot from, at least covering the basics (Ubuntu, RHEL, Debian). There are also a lot of "gotcha" charges you should be aware of - egress fees, storage charges, and more insidious bills often crop up in this department. Don't let those slip through the cracks, read the fine-print.

> Can I somehow limit the monthly cap and spending on AWS and other cloud providers?

Yes! Most services (Oracle, AWS and Azure at least) include this.

> Are there some security practices that I should follow for the very start?

This gets complicated, fast. I'd say use a strong key for your SSH login and you should be good. There are more specific configurations you can make for different security purposes, but auth is the biggest one to look out for.

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