Cloud Concepts

What is the AWS definition of cloud computing?

• AHosting servers in a third-party data center
• BOn-demand delivery of IT resources over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing✓
• CRenting physical hardware from a cloud provider
• DStoring data on remote hard drives accessible via a network

Answer: AWS defines cloud computing as the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing, eliminating the need to manage physical hardware.

Which cloud deployment model runs infrastructure exclusively on-premises using cloud technologies?

• APublic cloud
• BHybrid cloud
• CPrivate cloud✓
• DCommunity cloud

Answer: A private cloud deployment runs cloud infrastructure exclusively for a single organization, either on-premises or hosted by a third party, not shared with other organizations.

Which of the following is a key advantage of cloud computing over traditional on-premises infrastructure?

• AUnlimited free storage
• BTrade capital expense for variable expense✓
• CNo need for internet connectivity
• DGuaranteed 100% uptime

Answer: A key advantage of cloud computing is the ability to trade large upfront capital expenses (CapEx) for variable operational expenses (OpEx), paying only for what you consume.

What does 'elasticity' mean in the context of AWS cloud computing?

• AThe ability to move workloads between regions
• BThe ability to automatically scale resources up or down based on demand✓
• CThe durability of stored data across multiple locations
• DThe speed of network connections between services

Answer: Elasticity refers to the ability to automatically acquire and release resources as needed, scaling up during demand spikes and down when demand decreases, avoiding over-provisioning.

A company wants to avoid the undifferentiated heavy lifting of managing physical servers. Which cloud computing benefit does this represent?

• AHigh availability
• BElasticity
• CAgility
• DStopping spending money on running and maintaining data centers✓

Answer: One of the six advantages of cloud computing is stopping spending money on running and maintaining data centers, allowing companies to focus on differentiating workloads rather than infrastructure management.

Which of the following best describes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?

• AThe vendor manages the OS, middleware, and runtime
• BThe customer manages applications and data; vendor manages everything else including virtualization✓
• CThe vendor provides a complete software application over the internet
• DThe customer manages the application; everything below is abstracted away

Answer: IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. With IaaS, the customer manages applications, data, OS, and middleware, while the cloud provider manages the physical infrastructure and virtualization layer.

A startup wants to quickly deploy a web application without managing the underlying infrastructure. Which AWS service provides a Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution?

• AAmazon EC2
• BAWS Elastic Beanstalk✓
• CAWS Lambda
• DAmazon VPC

Answer: AWS Elastic Beanstalk is a PaaS offering that automatically handles deployment, capacity provisioning, load balancing, and auto-scaling, letting developers focus on their application code.

What is the AWS Well-Architected Framework?

• AA set of AWS services that guarantee application uptime
• BA guide of best practices for building secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient cloud infrastructure✓
• CA pricing model for enterprise AWS customers
• DA compliance framework for regulated industries

Answer: The AWS Well-Architected Framework provides architectural best practices across five pillars: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, and Cost Optimization, helping customers build robust cloud architectures.

What are the five pillars of the AWS Well-Architected Framework?

• AScalability, Elasticity, Durability, Availability, Performance
• BOperational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, Cost Optimization✓
• CCompute, Storage, Network, Database, Security
• DAgility, Innovation, Flexibility, Control, Compliance

Answer: The five pillars of the AWS Well-Architected Framework are Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, and Cost Optimization. A sixth pillar, Sustainability, was added later.

What is the difference between vertical scaling and horizontal scaling?

• AVertical scaling adds more instances; horizontal scaling increases instance size
• BVertical scaling increases instance size (scale up); horizontal scaling adds more instances (scale out)✓
• CVertical scaling is for databases; horizontal scaling is for compute
• DBoth terms mean the same thing in AWS

Answer: Vertical scaling (scale up/down) means increasing or decreasing the size of an individual resource (e.g., larger EC2 instance). Horizontal scaling (scale out/in) means adding or removing instances to handle load.

What is AWS Trusted Advisor?

• AA security scanning service for EC2 instances
• BAn online tool providing real-time guidance to help provision resources following AWS best practices✓
• CA cost forecasting service for enterprise accounts
• DA compliance reporting service for regulated industries

Answer: AWS Trusted Advisor is an online tool that provides real-time recommendations across five categories: cost optimization, performance, security, fault tolerance, and service limits to help follow AWS best practices.

What is the AWS Partner Network (APN)?

• AA network of AWS data centers
• BA global program for technology and consulting businesses that build solutions on AWS✓
• CA private network connecting AWS regions
• DA marketplace for purchasing AWS services through third parties

Answer: The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program for companies building on AWS, including technology partners (software/hardware) and consulting partners (professional services), offering training, resources, and go-to-market support.