Cloud Computing Interview Guide
1. What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services-servers, storage, databases, networking, software,
analytics, and more-over the internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and
economies of scale.
It allows you to rent rather than buy IT infrastructure.
2. Cloud Service Models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Offers virtualized computing resources (e.g., AWS EC2, Azure VM).
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides hardware and software tools over the internet (e.g., Google App
Engine).
- SaaS (Software as a Service): Software accessible via a web browser (e.g., Gmail, Salesforce).
3. Cloud Deployment Models
- Public Cloud: Services delivered over the public internet (e.g., AWS, Azure).
- Private Cloud: Exclusive use by a single organization.
- Hybrid Cloud: Combination of public and private clouds.
- Multi-Cloud: Using services from multiple cloud providers.
4. Key Components of Cloud Computing
- Compute: VMs, containers, and serverless computing.
- Storage: Object, file, and block storage systems.
Cloud Computing Interview Guide
- Networking: Virtual networks, firewalls, load balancers.
- Database: Managed SQL/NoSQL databases.
- Security: IAM, encryption, threat detection.
- Monitoring: Tools to track usage, performance, errors.
5. Popular Cloud Providers
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Others: IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, Alibaba Cloud
6. Advantages of Cloud Computing
- Cost Efficiency
- Scalability
- Performance
- Speed and Agility
- Reliability
- Global Reach
7. Disadvantages or Challenges
- Downtime risks
- Security concerns
- Limited control
- Internet dependency
8. Real-Life Applications
Cloud Computing Interview Guide
- Data backup and recovery
- Hosting websites and blogs
- Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify)
- AI/ML applications
- IoT device management
9. Common Interview Questions
Q1: What is cloud computing?
A: It is the on-demand availability of computer resources without direct active management.
Q2: Difference between IaaS, PaaS, SaaS?
A: IaaS gives infrastructure, PaaS gives platform tools, SaaS gives ready-to-use apps.
Q3: What are examples of cloud providers?
A: AWS, Azure, GCP.
Q4: Public vs Private cloud?
A: Public is shared, private is exclusive.
Q5: What is virtualization in cloud?
A: Creating virtual versions of servers, storage, etc., to efficiently use physical hardware.
10. Summary Tips for Interview (2-Day Revision)
- Day 1: Understand basics, service models, deployment models, and key components.
- Day 2: Revise real-life examples, advantages, and practice interview Q&A.
- Draw diagrams during explanations to impress.
- Keep examples ready (like using Google Drive as SaaS).
