Basic Cloud Computing Interview Questions & Answers
1. What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing means using the internet to access services like storage, servers, and
applications instead of keeping them on your own computer.
2. What are the main features of cloud computing?
• You can use it anytime you need (on-demand).
• You can access it from anywhere with internet.
• Resources are shared among many users.
• It can grow or shrink as needed (scaling).
• You pay only for what you use.
3. What are the types of cloud deployment models?
• Public Cloud: Open to everyone (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Private Cloud: Used by only one organization.
• Hybrid Cloud: Mix of public and private.
• Community Cloud: Shared by a group with similar needs.
4. What are the service models of cloud computing?
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Gives virtual computers, storage, and networks.
Example: AWS EC2.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Gives tools and platforms to build apps. Example: Google App
Engine.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-made apps that you just use. Example: Gmail.
5. What are the benefits of cloud computing?
• Saves money (no big upfront cost).
• Easy to scale up or down.
• Accessible from anywhere.
• Data backup and recovery is easier.
• Updates are automatic.
6. What are the problems/challenges of cloud computing?
• Data security issues.
• Service may go down sometimes.
• Hard to switch providers (vendor lock-in).
• Less control over infrastructure.
• Legal and compliance concerns.
7. What is virtualization?
Virtualization is dividing one physical computer into many small 'virtual' computers so that
resources are better used.
8. What is scalability in the cloud?
Scalability means increasing or decreasing resources (like CPU, RAM, storage) as per
workload.
9. What is elasticity in the cloud?
Elasticity means resources automatically grow or shrink depending on demand.
10. What is the difference between cloud and on-premises computing?
• Cloud: Resources are on the internet, and you pay as you go.
• On-premises: You own and maintain your own servers, which costs more upfront.
11. Name some cloud service providers.
Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud.
12. What is multi-tenancy?
Multi-tenancy means one cloud system serves many users (tenants), but their data stays
separate.
13. What is cloud storage and its types?
Cloud storage means saving data online.
• Object Storage: Stores data as objects (e.g., Amazon S3).
• Block Storage: Stores in blocks like hard drives (e.g., AWS EBS).
• File Storage: Stores as files/folders (e.g., Amazon EFS).
14. What is a hypervisor?
A hypervisor is software that creates and manages virtual machines.
• Type 1 (Bare Metal): Runs directly on hardware (e.g., VMware ESXi).
• Type 2 (Hosted): Runs on an OS (e.g., VirtualBox).
15. What is vertical vs horizontal scaling?
• Vertical Scaling: Add more power (CPU/RAM) to one machine.
• Horizontal Scaling: Add more machines to share the load.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service):
Provides basic IT infrastructure like virtual servers, storage, and networking over the
internet. Users manage operating systems and applications, while the provider manages
hardware.
Ex : - Think of it like renting a house where you bring your own furniture and do your
own setup. The house (infrastructure) is given by the owner, but you manage what’s
inside.
PaaS (Platform as a Service):
Provides a complete platform with tools, frameworks, and runtime environments to build
and deploy applications without managing servers or infrastructure.
Ex:- This is like renting a fully furnished flat where everything is ready—you just bring
your clothes and start living. The platform is ready, you only focus on building your app.
SaaS (Software as a Service):
Provides ready-to-use software applications over the internet, accessible through a web
browser or app, without installation or maintenance.
Ex :- This is like staying in a hotel where everything (room, food, cleaning) is already
managed—you just use the services.
