Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks
Coursera · Google Cloud · Updated
Platform rating
4.6/5
AI Tutor Rating
8.6/10
Duration
Self-paced
Classes
8
This is a self-paced lab that takes place in the Google Cloud console. In this lab you will schedule a Cloud Function to identify and clean up unused and orphaned persistent disks.
Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks on Coursera is a self-paced lab authored by Google Cloud that focuses on a specific, practical cost optimization task within Google Cloud Platform. The course teaches learners to schedule a Cloud Function in the Google Cloud console to automatically identify and delete both unused and orphaned persistent disks. This course serves cloud engineers, DevOps practitioners, and FinOps professionals who are responsible for managing Google Cloud infrastructure and want to implement automated solutions to reduce waste and control costs.
What you'll learn in Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks
Our Review of Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks
This course is structured as a single, focused lab, which is its defining characteristic. The teaching format is entirely hands-on, taking place directly within the Google Cloud console, providing a realistic simulation of a real-world administrative task. The self-paced, lab-only format means there are no introductory lectures or theoretical deep dives; you learn by doing the exact procedure you would use on the job. This makes it highly efficient for its stated goal but assumes comfort with the platform's interface.
The depth is precisely matched to the difficulty of implementing this one automation script. The learning outcomes suggest a learner will finish with a working, scheduled Cloud Function that can identify and clean up two specific types of disk waste: unused disks (likely not attached to a VM) and orphaned disks (whose parent VM may have been deleted improperly). This is a concrete, immediately applicable skill for cost optimization. The $10 price point and inclusion of a certificate offer clear value for a credentialed, platform-specific skill that can directly impact cloud bills, though the value is intrinsically tied to one's need for this exact Google Cloud automation task.
Pros and cons of Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks
Pros
- Extremely focused and practical hands-on lab for a specific cost control task
- Direct application within the real Google Cloud console for authentic experience
- Clear, actionable outcomes: build and schedule a working Cloud Function
- Low cost at $10 with a shareable certificate of completion
- No prerequisites lower the barrier for those already in the Google Cloud console
Things to consider
- Extremely narrow scope; it is a single procedure, not a broad course
- No foundational instruction on Cloud Functions or persistent disk concepts
- Self-paced lab format lacks instructor guidance or peer interaction
- Value is minimal for those not using Google Cloud or not concerned with disk cleanup
Who should take Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks?
This course is best for Google Cloud platform engineers, administrators, or DevOps professionals who have operational access to a GCP project and need a quick, guided solution to automate the cleanup of wasted persistent disk resources. It fits learners who prefer learning by doing and want a certified proof of skill for a very specific infrastructure automation and cost optimization task.
Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks at a glance
| Provider | Coursera |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Google Cloud |
| Level | Beginner |
| Time to complete | Self-paced |
| Pricing | $10 |
| Certificate | Certificate |
| Prerequisites | None |
Fit
Best for
Not ideal for
The bottom line on Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks
Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks delivers exactly what it promises: a concise, hands-on walkthrough for automating a common Google Cloud cost optimization task. It offers good value for its price if this specific skill is needed, but its utility is limited to practitioners actively managing GCP infrastructure who learn best through direct, guided execution in the console.
Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks: frequently asked questions
What exactly will I learn to do in the Clean Up Unused and Orphaned Persistent Disks course?
You will learn to schedule a Cloud Function in the Google Cloud console that automatically identifies and deletes both unused persistent disks and orphaned persistent disks within a cloud environment, a key skill for infrastructure cost optimization.
Do I need any prior experience with Google Cloud or Cloud Functions to take this lab?
The course lists no formal prerequisites. However, as a self-paced lab within the Google Cloud console, basic familiarity with navigating the GCP interface is implied for a smooth experience.
Is the certificate from this Coursera lab worth the $10 cost?
The certificate provides verifiable proof of a specific, practical Google Cloud automation skill. For professionals managing GCP costs, this represents good value for a credential that demonstrates direct impact on operational efficiency.
How does this focused lab compare to a broader Google Cloud cost management course?
Unlike a broad course, this lab drills into one precise automation task. It is ideal for immediate implementation but does not teach overarching cost management principles or strategies beyond disk cleanup.
How can I get the most value from taking this self-paced lab?
To get the most value, apply the lab's steps directly in a non-production Google Cloud project you manage. Understanding the script's logic and adapting its schedule or scope to your needs will solidify the learning.