Basic Questions
1. What is cloud computing?
Answer:
Cloud computing refers to delivering computing services like servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics over the internet (“the cloud”). It allows users to access resources on-demand, scale them as needed, and pay only for what they use.
2. What are the main types of cloud deployment models?
Answer:
1. Public Cloud: Services are available to anyone on the internet (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud).
2. Private Cloud: Dedicated infrastructure for a single organization.
3. Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds for flexibility and security.
3. What are the different types of cloud services?
Answer:
1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtual machines, storage, and networks.
2. PaaS (Platform as a Service): Tools and frameworks for application development.
3. SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use software applications.
4. What is the difference between scalability and elasticity in cloud computing?
Answer:
- Scalability: The ability to handle an increasing workload by adding resources.
- Elasticity: Automatically adjusting resources to meet real-time demand.
5. What are some key benefits of cloud computing?
Answer:
- Cost efficiency
- Scalability
- Flexibility
- Disaster recovery
- Improved collaboration
Intermediate Level
6. What is serverless computing?
Answer:
Serverless computing allows developers to build and run applications without managing infrastructure. Providers handle server allocation and scaling automatically. Examples include AWS Lambda and Azure Functions.
7. What is load balancing in the cloud?
Answer:
Load balancing is the process of distributing incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure reliability, scalability, and optimal resource utilization.
8. What is the role of virtualization in cloud computing?
Answer:
Virtualization enables the creation of virtual versions of hardware resources, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine. It underpins cloud computing by enabling resource sharing and isolation.
9. What are the security risks in cloud computing?
Answer:
- Data breaches
- Unauthorized access
- Data loss
- Insider threats
- DDoS attacks
10. What is a cloud service provider (CSP)?
Answer:
A CSP offers cloud computing services to businesses and individuals. Examples include AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud.
11. What is the difference between cloud storage and cloud computing?
Answer:
- Cloud Storage: Storing data online (e.g., Google Drive).
- Cloud Computing: Using cloud-based resources for processing and computation.
12. What are containers in cloud computing?
Answer:
Containers are lightweight, portable units that package an application and its dependencies, ensuring it runs consistently across environments. Examples include Docker and Kubernetes.
13. What is a Content Delivery Network (CDN)?
Answer:
A CDN is a network of distributed servers that deliver web content to users based on their geographic location, improving load times and reducing latency.
14. What is edge computing?
Answer:
Edge computing involves processing data near its source rather than in a centralized cloud, reducing latency and improving response times for real-time applications.
15. What is multi-tenancy in cloud computing?
Answer:
Multi-tenancy is an architecture where multiple customers (tenants) share the same computing resources while maintaining data isolation and privacy.
Advanced Level
16. What is an API gateway in cloud services?
Answer:
An API gateway acts as a single entry point for managing APIs, handling tasks like authentication, routing, rate limiting, and load balancing.
17. What is the difference between vertical scaling and horizontal scaling?
Answer:
- Vertical Scaling: Adding resources to an existing machine (e.g., more CPU/RAM).
- Horizontal Scaling: Adding more machines or nodes to a system.
18. What is the shared responsibility model in cloud security?
Answer:
The shared responsibility model divides security responsibilities between the cloud provider and the customer. For instance, providers handle infrastructure security, while customers handle data and application security.
19. What is a virtual private cloud (VPC)?
Answer:
A VPC is a private, isolated section of the cloud where users can deploy resources with full control over networking and security configurations.
20. What is the significance of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in cloud computing?
Answer:
SLAs define the service standards, uptime, response times, and penalties for non-compliance between the provider and the client, ensuring clear expectations and accountability.