Cloud Computing

1. What is Cloud Computing?

Delivery of computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software) over the internet (“cloud”).

  • Key Features:
    • On-demand self-service.
    • Broad network access.
    • Resource pooling.
    • Rapid elasticity.
    • Measured service.

2. Types of Cloud Computing

  • Based on Deployment:
    1. Public Cloud: Shared resources accessible to multiple users (e.g., AWS, Azure).
    2. Private Cloud: Dedicated resources for a single organization.
    3. Hybrid Cloud: Combination of public and private clouds.
  • Based on Service Models:
    1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtual machines, storage, and networks (e.g., AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine).
    2. PaaS (Platform as a Service): Development platforms and tools (e.g., Google App Engine, AWS Elastic Beanstalk).
    3. SaaS (Software as a Service): Software applications (e.g., Gmail, Microsoft 365).

3. Advantages of Cloud Computing

  • Cost-effective: Pay-as-you-go model.
  • Scalability: Resources can be scaled up or down.
  • Accessibility: Access from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Disaster Recovery: Data is backed up and secure.
  • Reduced Maintenance: No need to maintain physical servers.

4. Challenges of Cloud Computing

  • Data Security and Privacy: Risk of breaches.
  • Downtime: Internet dependency can cause disruptions.
  • Limited Control: Users rely on service providers.
  • Compliance Issues: Regulatory challenges.

5. Key Cloud Computing Technologies

  • Virtualization: Creating virtual instances of resources (e.g., Virtual Machines).
  • Containers: Lightweight virtual environments (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Serverless Computing: Running applications without managing servers (e.g., AWS Lambda).

6. Cloud Storage Services

  • AWS S3 (Amazon Simple Storage Service).
  • Google Cloud Storage.
  • Microsoft Azure Blob Storage.
  • Dropbox, Google Drive.

    7. Cloud Service Providers

    • Amazon Web Services (AWS): Market leader with services like EC2, S3.
    • Microsoft Azure: Offers hybrid cloud solutions.
    • Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Focuses on AI and big data.

    8. Virtualization vs. Cloud Computing

    • Virtualization: Technology to create virtual resources.
    • Cloud Computing: Delivery of services using virtualization as a core.

    9. Applications of Cloud Computing

    • Healthcare: Telemedicine, data storage.
    • Finance: Fraud detection, data analysis.
    • Education: Online learning platforms.
    • Gaming: Online multiplayer games.
    • Business: Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom).

    10. Cloud Computing Models Comparison

    FeatureIaaSPaaSSaaS
    ManagementUser manages VMsVendor manages platformVendor manages all
    ExampleAWS EC2Google App EngineGmail, Salesforce

    11. Quick Revision Tips

    • Understand the difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
    • Focus on types of cloud deployment (public, private, hybrid).
    • Remember examples of service providers and their offerings.
    • Know the challenges like security risks and downtime.

    Cheat Sheet Summary

    Applications: Healthcare, finance, education, gaming.

    Deployment Models: Public, Private, Hybrid.

    Service Models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.

    Key Technologies: Virtualization, Containers, Serverless Computing.

    Providers: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.

    Multiple Choice Questions on Cloud Computing

    1. What are the key features of Cloud Computing?

    A) On-demand self-service, Resource pooling, Scalability, Disaster recovery
    B) Rapid elasticity, Broad network access, Limited accessibility, Resource pooling
    C) Measured service, On-demand self-service, Broad network access, Rapid elasticity
    D) Cost-effectiveness, Broad network access, Resource pooling, Vendor dependency

    Answer: C

    2. Which of the following is NOT a deployment model in Cloud Computing?

    A) Public Cloud
    B) Private Cloud
    C) Distributed Cloud
    D) Hybrid Cloud

    Answer: C

    3. Which of the following is an example of IaaS?

    A) Gmail
    B) AWS EC2
    C) Google App Engine
    D) Microsoft Teams

    Answer: B

    4. What does SaaS stand for?

    A) System as a Software
    B) Software and Storage
    C) Software as a Service
    D) Storage as a Service

    Answer: C

    5. Which technology is used to create lightweight virtual environments in Cloud Computing?

    A) Serverless Computing
    B) Containers
    C) Virtual Machines
    D) Networking

    Answer: B

    6. What is the main advantage of Serverless Computing?

    A) Provides dedicated hardware
    B) Eliminates server management
    C) Offers unlimited storage
    D) Ensures data privacy

    Answer: B

    7. Which of the following is NOT a challenge of Cloud Computing?

    A) Data Security
    B) Internet Dependency
    C) Scalability
    D) Compliance Issues

    Answer: C

    8. Which service provider offers Azure Blob Storage?

    A) Amazon Web Services
    B) Google Cloud Platform
    C) Microsoft Azure
    D) Dropbox

    Answer: C

    9. What type of Cloud Computing service is used for developing and deploying applications?

    A) IaaS
    B) SaaS
    C) PaaS
    D) DBaaS

    Answer: C

    10. What is the main benefit of using Hybrid Cloud?

    A) Improved security
    B) Flexibility in data deployment
    C) Reduced internet dependency
    D) Unlimited scalability

    Answer: B

    11. What does AWS Lambda support?

    A) Virtual machine management
    B) Serverless computing
    C) Data storage solutions
    D) Real-time data analytics

    Answer: B

    12. Which of the following is NOT an example of a Cloud Storage service?

    A) AWS S3
    B) Google Cloud Storage
    C) Dropbox
    D) Apache Hadoop

    Answer: D

    13. Which of these Cloud Computing providers is best known for AI and big data services?

    A) AWS
    B) Microsoft Azure
    C) Google Cloud Platform
    D) IBM Cloud

    Answer: C

    14. What does the term “Measured Service” in Cloud Computing mean?

    A) Regular updates of the cloud platform
    B) Automatic scaling of resources
    C) Pay-as-you-go billing model
    D) Monitoring and managing data security

    Answer: C

    15. What is the role of virtualization in Cloud Computing?

    A) Managing databases
    B) Creating physical resources
    C) Simulating hardware and software resources
    D) Encrypting data for security

    Answer: C