Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is like using services over the internet instead of having to own or manage the equipment yourself. It's like renting space or services from someone else, so you don’t need to worry about maintaining hardware or software.
Characteristics of Cloud Computing
On-Demand Self-Service:
Meaning: You can get the services you need (like storage or computing power) whenever you need them, without asking anyone.
Example: You can create a virtual computer (server) on the internet in just a few clicks.
Broad Network Access:
Meaning: You can access cloud services from anywhere, using your phone, tablet, or computer.
Example: You can open your Google Drive on your phone and computer, and access your files.
Resource Pooling:
Meaning: Cloud providers use big data centers, and multiple customers share the same resources, but your data stays safe and separate.
Example: Many people use the same servers at Google, but each person’s data is kept private.
Rapid Elasticity:
Meaning: You can quickly get more or fewer resources depending on how much you need.
Example: If a website gets more visitors, it can automatically add more servers to handle the extra traffic.
Measured Service:
Meaning: You only pay for the services you use, like electricity where you pay based on how much you consume.
Example: If you only store 10GB of files in Google Drive, you pay for just that amount of storage.
Cloud Computing Service Models
Cloud computing offers three main types of services: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Here's a quick breakdown:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
Meaning: Provides basic resources like virtual machines and storage, allowing you to build your own systems.
What you get: Virtual computers, storage, and networks.
You manage: The operating system, applications, and data.
Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Renting virtual servers to host a website.
Use Case: Hosting websites or managing databases.
Platform as a Service (PaaS):
Meaning: Provides a platform for developers to build and run applications without managing the underlying hardware.
What you get: A platform for app development (includes servers, databases, and development tools).
You manage: The apps you build and deploy.
Example: Google App Engine – A platform that allows developers to build and run apps.
Use Case: Developing web or mobile apps.
Software as a Service (SaaS):
Meaning: Provides fully functional software over the internet that you can use directly.
What you get: Ready-to-use software applications.
You manage: Nothing; just use the software.
Example: Google Gmail – Using email over the internet.
Use Case: Using email, file storage, or productivity software without installing anything.
Cloud Computing Components
Front-End:
Meaning: The device or application you use to access cloud services.
Example: Using your phone or computer to access Google Drive.
Back-End:
Meaning: These are the big servers and systems that store your data and run the cloud services.
Example: Google’s servers where your files are stored.
Cloud Service Provider:
Meaning: The company that offers the cloud services.
Example: Amazon (AWS), Google, or Microsoft (Azure).
Network:
Meaning: The internet connection that links the front-end and back-end.
Example: The internet connection you use to access cloud services like Google Drive.
Cloud Computing Security and Privacy
Security:
Meaning: Keeping your data safe from unauthorized access or hackers.
How it's done:
- Encryption: Turning data into unreadable text so no one can steal or read it.
- Authentication: Verifying that you are the person trying to access the service (e.g., logging in with a username and password).
- Access Control: Giving permission only to the people who should see or use your data.
Example: Your Google Drive files are encrypted, and only you can access them with your password.
Privacy:
Meaning: Protecting your personal information and making sure it is not misused.
How it's done: Cloud providers follow laws (like GDPR) to keep your data safe and handle it properly.
Example: Google follows privacy rules to ensure your personal information stays safe.
Notes:
Cloud computing is when you use services over the internet instead of having to own and manage them yourself.
Characteristics:
On-demand access, can be used from anywhere, shared resources, easy scaling, and pay only for what you use.
Service Models:
IaaS: Rent virtual servers and storage (e.g., AWS EC2).
PaaS: A platform for developing apps (e.g., Google App Engine).
SaaS: Use ready-made software like Gmail.
Components:
Front-End: Your device (e.g., smartphone or computer).
Back-End: The servers and storage (e.g., Google data centers).
Service Provider: The company offering cloud services (e.g., Google, Amazon).
Network: The internet connection.
Security and Privacy:
Security: Protecting data through encryption, login checks, and control over who accesses data.
Privacy: Ensuring personal data is kept safe and handled according to laws.
Real-Life Example:
If you use Google Drive to store your homework, you’re using SaaS (Software as a Service). Google stores the data (using IaaS), and you access it from your phone or computer (the front-end) over the internet (the network). Your data is kept private and secure with encryption and login checks.
This makes it easy for you to store, access, and share files without worrying about hardware, while Google takes care of everything in the background.
