Cloud Computing
Cloud computing means using remote servers on the internet to store data and run programs instead of local computers.
▶ Interact
Play with the controls to see the idea in action.
📘 Learn
Cloud computing means using remote servers on the internet to store data and run programs instead of local computers.
- Access files from anywhere
- Services include storage and software
- Depends on an internet connection
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Cloud Computing?
Within Computer Science, which covers algorithms, programming, data, networks, hardware and safe, responsible use of technology, this topic explains Cloud Computing. Computing topics explain how software, hardware and data work, with diagrams and models that show each step in order.
Check that you can explain Cloud Computing in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Cloud Computing helps you design, test and explain programs, websites and systems, from small projects to exam questions.
Cloud Computing in detail
Cloud computing provides services such as storage, software and processing power over the internet, from remote data centres, instead of local computers. Examples include Google Drive, Microsoft 365, Netflix and online backups. Users can access files from any device with internet.
Benefits include scalability (pay for what you use), automatic backups and updates, collaboration and lower hardware costs. Drawbacks include the need for internet access, security and privacy concerns, dependency on the provider and ongoing costs. Services are often described as IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Data centres use a lot of energy, so efficiency matters.
How the interactive helps you understand Cloud Computing
Watch the network in the interactive. Use any sliders or buttons it offers to change the values and see how the network responds.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Cloud Computing.
Real-life uses and examples
- Apply Cloud Computing when you design a small program, website or spreadsheet.
- Explain Cloud Computing to someone new to computing by comparing it to a familiar process.
- Trace through a process that uses Cloud Computing to check what it does step by step.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Testing only the normal case and forgetting the edge cases.
- Using the term without being able to say what the computer actually does.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing means using remote servers on the internet to store data and run programs instead of local computers.
What are the most important points about Cloud Computing?
The main points are: Access files from anywhere; Services include storage and software; Depends on an internet connection.
Why is Cloud Computing useful?
Understanding Cloud Computing helps you design, test and explain programs, websites and systems, from small projects to exam questions.
How can I practise Cloud Computing?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Cloud Computing?
Related topics in Computer Science include Encryption, Digital Footprint, Data Protection and Privacy.