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SimpleCloud
Short Notes —Computing
Quick Revision Guide
1. What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing means using the internet to access computers, storage, and software instead of
having them on your own machine or local server.
Think of it like electricity — you don't build your own power plant; you just plug in and pay for what you use.
Similarly, with cloud computing you rent computing resources from providers like AWS, Google, or Azure.
■ Simple Analogy: Google Drive is cloud storage — your files live on Google's servers, not your PC.
2. Key Characteristics (NIST Model)
On-Demand Self-Service — Get resources anytime, no human needed.
Broad Network Access — Access from anywhere via internet (laptop, phone, etc.)
Resource Pooling — Many users share the same physical hardware.
Rapid Elasticity — Scale up or down instantly based on demand.
Measured Service — Pay only for what you use (like a utility bill).
3. Service Models (IaaS / PaaS / SaaS)
Cloud is offered in three layers — think of it as a pizza analogy:
Model Full Form You Manage Example
IaaS Infrastructure as a Service OS, Apps, Data AWS EC2, Azure VM
PaaS Platform as a Service Apps & Data only Heroku, Google App Engine
SaaS Software as a Service Nothing (just use it) Gmail, Zoom, Dropbox
■ Memory Trick: 'I Provide Software' → IaaS, PaaS, SaaS from bottom to top.
4. Deployment Models
Type Who Uses It Pros Cons
Public Anyone via internet Cheap, scalable Less control
Private One org, own servers Secure, customizable Expensive
Hybrid Mix of both Flexible, balanced Complex setup
Multi Multiple providers No vendor lock-in Hard to manage
5. Benefits of Cloud Computing
• Cost Saving — No need to buy expensive hardware; pay-as-you-go model.
• Scalability — Easily increase or decrease resources as needed.
• Availability — Access your data/apps 24/7 from anywhere.
• Disaster Recovery — Data is backed up automatically in the cloud.
• Automatic Updates — Software stays updated without manual effort.
• Collaboration — Multiple people can work on the same file in real time.
6. Challenges / Disadvantages
• Security & Privacy — Sensitive data stored on third-party servers.
• Internet Dependency — No internet = no access to cloud resources.
• Downtime Risk — Provider outages can affect your services.
• Vendor Lock-in — Hard to switch providers once deeply integrated.
• Cost Overruns — Poor management can lead to unexpected bills.
7. Major Cloud Providers
AWS (Amazon) Azure (Microsoft) GCP (Google) IBM Cloud
Largest cloud; EC2, S3, Strong for enterprise; Best for AI/ML; BigQuery, Enterprise & hybrid cloud
Lambda integrates with Windows Kubernetes focus
8. Important Terms (Quick Reference)
Virtualization Creating virtual versions of physical hardware so multiple VMs run on
one server.
VM (Virtual Machine) A software-based computer running inside a physical computer.
Container Lightweight package of code + its dependencies (Docker is most
popular).
Serverless Run code without managing any server — cloud handles it (e.g., AWS
Lambda).
CDN Content Delivery Network — servers placed globally to deliver content
faster.
SLA Service Level Agreement — provider's promise about uptime and
performance.
Auto-scaling Automatically adding/removing resources based on traffic load.
Load Balancer Distributes incoming traffic evenly across multiple servers.
Cloud Computing Notes | Simple & Concise | For Quick Revision