Cloud computing basics in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing means using the internet to access and store data and programs on remote servers instead of your own computer. It's like renting a storage unit instead of keeping everything at home.

beginner

Name three main types of cloud services.

The three main types are:
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - renting virtual machines and storage.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS) - renting a platform to build and run apps.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS) - using software over the internet like email or office apps.

beginner

What is a public cloud?

A public cloud is a cloud service offered to anyone over the internet. It's like a public library where many people share the same resources.

intermediate

Explain the benefit of scalability in cloud computing.

Scalability means you can easily increase or decrease your computing resources based on need. Like adding more seats at a party when more guests arrive, and removing them when fewer guests stay.

beginner

What does 'pay-as-you-go' mean in cloud computing?

It means you only pay for the cloud resources you actually use, like paying for electricity based on how much you consume, not a fixed amount.

Which of the following is NOT a cloud service model?

A Platform as a Service (PaaS)

B Hardware as a Service (HaaS)

C Software as a Service (SaaS)

D Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Hardware as a Service (HaaS) is not a standard cloud service model. The main models are IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

What is an example of SaaS?

A Google Docs

B Amazon EC2 virtual machine

C Microsoft Azure platform

D Your personal laptop

Google Docs is software accessed over the internet, making it a Software as a Service (SaaS).

Which cloud type is shared by many users over the internet?

A Community cloud

B Private cloud

C Hybrid cloud

D Public cloud

Public cloud services are shared by many users and accessible over the internet.

What does scalability allow you to do in cloud computing?

A Increase or decrease resources as needed

B Avoid using the internet

C Only use free resources

D Fix your resources permanently

Scalability means adjusting resources up or down based on demand.

What is a key advantage of 'pay-as-you-go' pricing?

A You pay a fixed monthly fee

B You pay upfront for all resources

C You pay only for what you use

D You never pay for anything

'Pay-as-you-go' means paying only for the cloud resources you actually use.

Describe what cloud computing is and give a real-life analogy to explain it.

Think about how you use services without owning them.

Explain the difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS with simple examples.

Consider what you get to manage or use in each service.

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