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Questions and Answers
What is meant by the flexibility and elasticity of cloud systems?
Which service model allows customers to develop and test new applications?
What is a significant benefit of utilizing cloud computing for companies?
How does cloud computing utilize economies of scale?
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What does cloud computing primarily refer to?
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In which of the following ways does cloud computing promote accessibility?
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Which characteristic describes cloud computing's services as always available?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)?
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What financial model does cloud computing primarily operate on?
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How do cloud computing users manage costs?
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What is a common challenge that companies may face when adopting cloud computing?
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What do cloud computing customers not own?
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What is the primary benefit of cloud computing's shared infrastructure?
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What does the term 'commodified' refer to in cloud computing?
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What is a significant downside of relying on cloud computing services?
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an advantage of cloud computing?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cloud computing?
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What is meant by 'no-need-to-know' in cloud computing?
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What issue arises with data ownership in cloud computing?
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What potential problem could occur if a remote server goes down?
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Why might users prefer cloud-based software over traditional software?
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Which aspect of cloud computing contributes to improved document format compatibility?
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What is a notable benefit of automatic updates in cloud computing?
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How does cloud computing provide improved performance for users?
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What is one significant disadvantage of using cloud computing with low-speed Internet connections?
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In what way can web-based software applications be slower than desktop applications?
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What is a potential risk concerning the security of data in cloud computing?
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Why might you experience slower performance with cloud applications even on a fast connection?
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What is a concern regarding data stored in the cloud if it goes missing?
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What is one of the main advantages of cloud computing regarding data reliability?
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How does cloud computing ensure that the latest version of documents is always available?
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What is one disadvantage of cloud computing mentioned in the content?
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Which of the following accurately describes the impact of device independence in cloud computing?
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What does easier group collaboration in cloud computing primarily involve?
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Why might cloud computing be less effective in areas with unreliable Internet connections?
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What challenge is posed by the need for a constant Internet connection in cloud computing?
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What is a significant benefit of universal document access through cloud computing?
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Study Notes
Cloud Computing Basics
- Cloud computing is a general term for storing and accessing data and programs over the internet.
- It describes a new class of network-based computing hosted remotely, offering ubiquitous access, and a commodified utility computing model.
- Cloud computing services can be accessed from public, enterprise, corporation, and business markets.
Cloud Computing Characteristics
- Cloud computing offers a shared pool of configurable computing resources, like networks, servers, storage, applications, and services.
- Users can rapidly provision and release resources with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
- Users do not own the physical infrastructure, resulting in reduced capital expenditure on hardware, software, and services.
- Cloud computing offers low shared infrastructure costs, low management overhead, and immediate access to a broad range of applications.
Cloud Computing Infrastructure
- For a user, the network elements representing the provider-rendered services are invisible, as if obscured by a cloud.
Basic Cloud Characteristics
- Cloud computing provides a "no-need-to-know" approach to underlying infrastructure details.
- It offers "flexibility and elasticity" allowing systems to dynamically scale up and down at will.
- These systems utilize various resources such as CPU, storage, server capacity, and databases.
- Cloud computing promotes "pay as much as used and needed" utility computing with an "always on!, anywhere and any place" network-based computing model.
Cloud Computing Services
- There are three service models:
- Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS): Offering remotely accessible servers, networks, and storage capacity. Also known as Hardware-as-a-service.
- Platform-as-a-service (PaaS): Customers rent servers, operating systems, storage, databases, software development technologies, and network capacity over the internet. Allows for running existing applications or developing and testing new ones.
- Software-as-a-service (SaaS): Provides software specific to customer requirements.
Purpose & Benefits
- Cloud computing enables infrastructure-less companies and applications.
- By using "pay as used and on demand" cloud infrastructure, users can save on capital and operational investment.
- Clients can store their data on the platform instead of their own computers or servers.
- Applications can also be hosted on the cloud, utilizing cloud servers for processing and data manipulations.
Opportunities & Challenges
- Cloud computing offers several opportunities, including:
- Services can be used without understanding their infrastructure.
- It utilizes economies of scale, potentially lowering initial outlay expenses for startups.
- Data and services are stored remotely while remaining accessible from anywhere.
- Cloud computing also presents challenges, such as:
- Dependence on others might limit flexibility and innovation.
- Security concerns arise, with questions about data safety and ownership.
- Policy and access issues create uncertainty regarding data stored abroad and potential service interruptions.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
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Improved Performance:
- Fewer large programs consuming computer memory result in better performance.
- Computers in a cloud system boot and run faster due to fewer programs and processes loaded in memory.
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Reduced Software Costs:
- Users can access free or low-cost web-based applications like Google Docs Suite, Dropbox, and iCloud.
- Reduced software costs compared to similar commercial options may justify switching to cloud applications.
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Instant Software Updates:
- Web-based applications receive automatic updates, eliminating the need for manual upgrades.
- Users access the latest version without needing to download or pay for updates.
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Improved Document Format Compatibility:
- Cloud-based documents are compatible across different applications and operating systems.
- Sharing documents in the cloud eliminates format incompatibility issues.
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Unlimited Storage Capacity:
- Cloud computing offers virtually limitless storage compared to limited local storage.
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Increased Data Reliability:
- Data is replicated across multiple machines in the cloud, reducing the risk of data loss from single computer failures.
- Users can still access data even if their personal computer crashes.
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Universal Document Access:
- Documents are stored in the cloud, accessible from any computer with an internet connection.
- Instant document availability regardless of location.
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Latest Version Availability:
- Users always access the latest version of documents as long as they are connected, eliminating outdated versions.
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Easier Group Collaboration:
- Multiple users can collaborate on documents and projects easily.
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Device Independence:
- Users are not restricted to a single computer or network.
- Access to applications and documents remains available across various devices.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
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Requires a Constant Internet Connection:
- Cloud computing is impossible without an internet connection.
- Loss of internet connectivity blocks access to applications, documents, and data.
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Does not Work Well with Low-Speed Connections:
- Slow internet connections hinder the efficiency of cloud computing.
- Large documents and web-based applications require significant bandwidth.
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Feature Limitations:
- Some web-based applications may have fewer features than desktop counterparts.
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Potential for Slow Performance:
- Web-based applications may be slower than desktop versions due to data transfer between the user's computer and cloud servers.
- Network congestion or server load can impact performance speed.
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Data Security Concerns:
- Storing data in the cloud raises concerns about unauthorized access to confidential information.
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Data Loss Risks:
- While cloud data is replicated across multiple machines, it's still possible for data to be lost, particularly if a system-wide failure occurs.
- Having no physical or local backups increases reliance on the cloud provider for data security.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of cloud computing, highlighting its characteristics and infrastructure. Learn about resource provisioning, cost efficiencies, and the various types of cloud services available. Test your understanding of how cloud computing operates and its significance in the modern digital landscape.