Cloud Computing Fundamentals

Study Notes

Cloud Computing

The number one concern about cloud computing is security concerns.
Google Docs is a type of cloud computing.
Ladder is not a cloud computing pricing model.
An Internet connection is necessary for cloud computing interaction.
In cloud computing, "cloud" represents the Internet.
Before implementing cloud computing technology, a company should consider employee satisfaction, potential cost reduction, and information sensitivity.

Cloud Computing Concepts

Cloud computing is computing resources that can be accessed on demand, like electricity from a utility.
Examples of services built on cloud-computing technology include Twitter, Skype, Gmail, and YouTube.

Database and SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language.
The SQL statement used to extract data from a database is SELECT.

Data, Information, and Knowledge

Computerized representations of models and attributes of real or simulated entities are data.
Representation of the results of a computational process, such as statistical analysis, or the transcripts of some meanings assigned by human beings is information.
Representation of the results of a computer-simulated cognitive process, such as perception, learning, association, and reasoning is knowledge.

Data Representation

Analog data is a continuous representation, similar to the actual information it represents.
Digital data is a discrete representation, breaking the information up into separate (discrete) elements.
Two bits can represent four things.

Unicode and Character Sets

The extended version of the ASCII character set is not enough for international use.
The Unicode character set uses 16 bits per character.
The first 256 characters in the Unicode character set correspond exactly to the extended ASCII character set.

Computer Systems

The levels of computer systems from top to down are users, application software, operating system software, and the hardware system.
The levels of computer systems from bottom to up are hardware system, operating system software, application software, and users.

Software

Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Adobe Acrobat Reader are examples of application software.
Microsoft Windows, Unix, and Mac OS are examples of system software.

Hardware

The operating system is the master controller for all activities that take place within a computer.
A network interface card (NIC) sends data from a computer over a network and collects incoming data sent by other computers.
A modem enables data from a computer to be transmitted via phone lines or television cable lines to reach other computers on the Internet.
ENIAC was the first computer prototype to use vacuum tubes.

Computer Components

The microprocessor is the main component that executes instructions stored in the main memory.
Main memory stores instructions to be executed by the microprocessor.
Storage devices store data permanently even when the computer is turned off.
Peripherals enable data input and output.
The chipset acts as the traffic cop controlling the flow of data and coordinating interactions among components in the system.
The motherboard provides sockets for microprocessor and memory chips, slots for circuit boards, and the circuitry that enables electrical signals to travel from component to component.

Description

Test your knowledge of cloud computing basics, including security concerns, pricing models, and types of usage. Learn about the essential requirements and considerations for implementing cloud computing technology.