Purpose

In this module, you will learn how modern computing resources can be delivered over the internet instead of running entirely on a local computer.

Many companies today use cloud services and virtualization to run applications, store data, and manage computing resources. 

You should understand:

• what cloud computing is
• what virtualization is
• the different types of cloud services
• why organizations use cloud technology

What Is the Cloud?

The cloud refers to computing services delivered over the internet instead of running on a local computer.

Instead of storing data or running programs on your personal device, the data and software are stored on remote servers in data centers.

These servers can be located anywhere in the world.

Examples of cloud services include:

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• Microsoft 365
• Apple iCloud
• Netflix
• Gmail

When you use these services, your device connects to remote servers through the internet. This means that you can log into any computer and access any information and any software stored in the cloud.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud services provide several advantages.

Accessibility

Users can access files and applications from almost anywhere with an internet connection.

Scalability

Organizations can increase or decrease computing resources depending on their needs.

Reduced Hardware Costs

Companies do not need to maintain as much physical hardware because computing resources are hosted remotely.

Automatic Updates

Cloud providers often handle software updates and maintenance.

What Is Virtualization?

Virtualization allows a single physical computer to run multiple virtual computers at the same time.

Each virtual computer is called a virtual machine (VM).

A virtual machine behaves like a real computer and can run its own operating system and software.

For example, one physical server could run several virtual machines, each acting as a separate system.

This allows organizations to use hardware more efficiently.

Keep in mind that a virtual machine is not physical. It has it's own OS, memory (RAM), storage, and it also runs independently. Here's the important defining factor - they all share the same physical hardware. 

Hypervisors

A hypervisor is software that manages virtual machines.

The hypervisor allows multiple operating systems to run on one physical computer.

The hypervisor controls how resources such as the ones listed below are distributed to each virtual machine.:

• CPU
• RAM
• storage
• networking

Types of Cloud Services

Next up are cloud services. The cloud is not as complicated as it may seem. Picture servers that are owned and managed by a company, which run the services you want to “rent.”

At its most basic level, the company that owns these resources (e.g., servers) is renting out its infrastructure, time, expertise, and more to individuals or businesses that pay for access. Because of this, things like documents and software can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, and on almost any device.

Cloud services are commonly grouped into three categories.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides virtual hardware resources such as servers, storage, and networking over the internet.

Organizations manage their own operating systems and applications while the cloud provider manages the physical infrastructure.

Example providers include Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS provides a platform for developers to build and run applications without managing the underlying hardware or operating system.

Developers can focus on writing software for multiple platform types while the cloud provider manages the environment.

Examples include AWS Elastic Beanstalk or Google App Engine. If you don’t recognize those names, look them up and learn one new thing about them.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS provides complete software applications delivered over the internet.

Users access the software through a web browser without installing it on their computer.

Examples include Google Docs and Microsoft 365.

Virtual Resources

Virtual machines use virtual versions of physical hardware components.

These include:

• virtual processors
• virtual memory
• virtual storage
• virtual network interfaces

Even though these components are virtual, they function similarly to physical hardware. It’s really quite amazing to think of one machine making many, even if those machines are theoretical and not pieces of equipment you can hold and touch

Important Acronyms for This Module

VM — Virtual Machine - A virtual computer created through virtualization that can run its own operating system and applications.

IaaS — Infrastructure as a Service - A cloud service model that provides virtual servers, storage, and networking resources over the internet. Think of it as things you can touch or hold - equipment.

PaaS — Platform as a Service - A cloud service model that provides a development platform where applications can be built and deployed.

SaaS — Software as a Service - A cloud service model where users access complete software applications through the internet.

vCPU — Virtual Central Processing Unit - A virtual processor assigned to a virtual machine that represents a portion of the host computer's CPU. Picture pieces of a pie - the physical CPU is the pie.

vRAM — Virtual Random Access Memory - Memory allocated to a virtual machine from the host system's available RAM. Again, pie!

vNIC — Virtual Network Interface Card - A virtual network adapter that allows a virtual machine to connect to a network. 

vHDD — Virtual Hard Disk Drive - A virtual storage device used by a virtual machine to store its operating system and files. 

VPN — Virtual Private Network - A secure connection that encrypts internet traffic between a device and a network.

Key Takeaways

Cloud computing allows organizations to access computing resources over the internet instead of relying only on local hardware.

Virtualization makes it possible for a single physical computer to run multiple virtual machines, improving efficiency and flexibility.