Cloud computing basics in Intro to Computing - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

What is the primary benefit of cloud computing?

Imagine you run a small bakery. You need ovens to bake bread. Which of these best explains the main advantage of using cloud computing for your bakery's computer needs?

A You buy and maintain your own ovens and ingredients at all times.

B You rent ovens only when you need them, paying for usage without owning them.

C You hire more bakers to work longer hours.

D You bake bread only on weekends to save money.

💡 Hint

Think about paying only for what you use instead of owning everything.

Cloud computing lets you rent computing resources like servers or storage as needed, similar to renting ovens only when baking. This saves money and effort compared to owning and maintaining your own equipment.

❓ trace

intermediate

Trace the flow of data in cloud storage

Look at the flowchart below showing how a file is saved to cloud storage. What is the correct order of steps?

A 1,2,3,4

B 2,1,3,4

C 1,3,2,4

D 3,2,1,4

💡 Hint

Think about the natural order from user action to confirmation.

The user first uploads the file, which is sent over the internet to the cloud server. The server stores it and then sends confirmation back to the user.

❓ identification

advanced

Identify the cloud service model from description

Which cloud service model lets you rent virtual machines and storage but you manage the operating system and applications?

A Software as a Service (SaaS)

B Platform as a Service (PaaS)

C Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

D Function as a Service (FaaS)

💡 Hint

Think about who controls the OS and apps.

IaaS provides virtual hardware like servers and storage. You install and manage the OS and applications yourself. SaaS provides ready-to-use software, PaaS provides a platform to build apps, and FaaS runs code functions.

❓ Comparison

advanced

Compare cloud deployment models

Which statement correctly compares public cloud and private cloud?

A Public cloud resources are shared among many users; private cloud is dedicated to one organization.

B Private cloud is always cheaper than public cloud.

C Public cloud is owned by a single organization; private cloud is shared by many users.

D Public cloud requires on-site hardware; private cloud is fully online.

💡 Hint

Think about who uses the resources.

Public cloud resources are shared by multiple users over the internet, while private cloud resources are dedicated to a single organization, often for security or compliance reasons.

🚀 Application

expert

Determine cost impact of cloud scaling

A company uses cloud servers that cost $0.10 per hour each. They run 5 servers for 8 hours daily. If they double the servers to 10 for 8 hours daily, what is the monthly cost increase? (Assume 30 days in a month)

A $960

B $240

C $480

D $120

💡 Hint

Calculate cost before and after doubling, then find the difference.

Original cost: 5 servers * 8 hours * $0.10 * 30 days = $120.
New cost: 10 servers * 8 hours * $0.10 * 30 days = $240.
Increase = $240 - $120 = $120.

Practice

1. What is the main idea of cloud computing?

easy

A. Using software without internet connection

B. Buying physical computers for your home

C. Storing files only on your personal computer

D. Using computers and storage over the internet

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of cloud computing

   Cloud computing means using computers and storage resources that are accessed via the internet, not locally.

2. Step 2: Compare options with the definition

   Only Using computers and storage over the internet describes using computers and storage over the internet, which matches cloud computing.

3. Final Answer:

   Using computers and storage over the internet -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Cloud computing = Using internet resources [OK]

Hint: Cloud means internet-based computing, not local [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking cloud means physical computers at home
• Confusing cloud with offline software
• Assuming cloud is only about storage

2. Which of the following is the correct way to describe a cloud service?

easy

A. A program installed only on your computer

B. A file saved only on a USB drive

C. A service accessed through the internet

D. A computer without internet connection

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify what a cloud service is

   A cloud service is a program or resource you use through the internet, not just on your device.

2. Step 2: Match options with cloud service definition

   A service accessed through the internet correctly states it is accessed through the internet, unlike the others.

3. Final Answer:

   A service accessed through the internet -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Cloud service = Internet access [OK]

Hint: Cloud services always need internet access [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing local-only programs as cloud services
• Confusing USB storage with cloud storage
• Ignoring the internet requirement

3. Look at this simple flowchart for accessing a cloud file:



What happens if the device is not connected to the internet?

medium

A. The file cannot be accessed

B. The device connects automatically to cloud

C. The file opens from cloud storage

D. The file is saved locally

Solution

1. Step 1: Follow the flowchart steps

   The flowchart shows that after opening the device, connecting to the internet is required before accessing cloud storage.

2. Step 2: Analyze what happens without internet

   If there is no internet connection, the step to access cloud storage cannot happen, so the file cannot be accessed.

3. Final Answer:

   The file cannot be accessed -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   No internet = No cloud access [OK]

Hint: No internet means no cloud file access [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming files open without internet
• Thinking device auto-connects to cloud
• Confusing local and cloud storage

4. A user tries to upload a file to cloud storage but gets an error. Which of these is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The internet connection is lost during upload

B. The file is already saved on the cloud

C. The device has too much free space

D. The cloud storage is offline but device is online

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand upload process to cloud

   Uploading requires a stable internet connection to send the file to cloud storage.

2. Step 2: Identify error cause from options

   If the internet connection is lost during upload, the process fails causing an error. Other options are less likely or incorrect.

3. Final Answer:

   The internet connection is lost during upload -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Upload needs stable internet [OK]

Hint: Upload errors often mean internet issues [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking file duplication causes upload error
• Assuming too much free space causes errors
• Ignoring internet connection stability

5. A company wants to use cloud computing to save costs and improve access. Which combination of cloud features should they choose?

1. Pay only for what you use
2. Access files from any device with internet
3. Install software only on local computers
4. Rent servers instead of buying hardware

Choose the best combination.

hard

A. 2 and 3 only

B. 1, 2, and 4 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All four features

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify cloud computing features

   Cloud computing includes paying for usage, accessing files anywhere via internet, and renting servers instead of buying hardware.

2. Step 2: Evaluate each feature

   Feature 3 (installing software only locally) is not a cloud feature because cloud software runs online or on rented servers.

3. Step 3: Select correct combination

   Features 1, 2, and 4 match cloud computing benefits; feature 3 does not.

4. Final Answer:

   1, 2, and 4 only -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   Cloud = pay-as-you-go + internet access + rented servers [OK]

Hint: Cloud avoids local-only software installs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Including local-only software as cloud feature
• Ignoring pay-as-you-go pricing
• Confusing renting servers with buying hardware