Cloud Computing and Emerging Technologies Notes for SSC Exams

Cloud computing and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain are now regular topics in SSC Computer Knowledge and current affairs. These cloud computing and emerging technology notes for SSC explain the terms in simple language with tables and practice questions. Read it with the Digital India, E-Governance and Digital Payments Notes and Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Notes notes.

What Is Cloud Computing?

• Cloud computing means using the services of remote servers on the internet (the cloud) instead of using the local computer. The services include storage, software and processing.
• You pay for what you use, and you can use it from anywhere.
• Examples: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Service Models of Cloud

Deployment Models of Cloud

Emerging Technologies

Related Terms to Remember

• Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency created in 2009 by a person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto.
• Chatbot is a program that talks with the users, and generative AI creates text, images or code.
• Deepfake is a fake video or audio made with AI.
• Virtualisation runs many virtual computers on one physical computer.
• Edge computing processes the data near the place where it is created.

Important Questions Explained

Question 1: What is the use of remote servers on the internet for storage and software called?
Answer: Cloud computing.

Question 2: What does SaaS stand for?
Answer: Software as a Service.

Question 3: Which technology is the base of Bitcoin?
Answer: Blockchain.

Question 4: What do we call everyday devices connected to the internet?
Answer: The Internet of Things (IoT).

Question 5: Who coined the term artificial intelligence?
Answer: John McCarthy (1956).

Question 6: Which cloud is used by only one organisation?
Answer: A private cloud.

Quick Tips to Remember

• Learn the three service models with one example each: SaaS for Gmail, PaaS for platforms, IaaS for servers.
• Link blockchain with Bitcoin and security.
• Link IoT with smart devices.
• Remember AI is the broad field and machine learning is a part of it.
• Read the latest news on AI and 5G, as SSC often asks about them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing SaaS, PaaS and IaaS.
• Writing blockchain as a type of cloud.
• Confusing virtual reality with augmented reality.
• Thinking that the cloud has no physical servers.
• Mixing AI with machine learning.

Quick Revision Points

• Cloud = services over the internet; SaaS, PaaS, IaaS.
• Public, private, hybrid and community clouds.
• AI term by John McCarthy; ML is a part of AI.
• Blockchain = Bitcoin technology; IoT = connected devices.
• VR = fully virtual; AR = virtual over real.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Gmail is an example of?
   Answer: SaaS (Software over the internet).
2. Google Drive is an example of?
   Answer: Cloud storage (Public cloud).
3. Blockchain is the technology behind?
   Answer: Bitcoin (Cryptocurrency).
4. What does IoT stand for?
   Answer: Internet of Things (Connected devices).
5. Who coined the term AI?
   Answer: John McCarthy (1956).
6. A cloud used by one organisation is?
   Answer: Private cloud (Not shared).
7. Which technology overlays digital objects on the real world?
   Answer: Augmented reality (AR).
8. What does IaaS provide?
   Answer: Servers and storage on rent (Infrastructure).
9. A fake video made with AI is called?
   Answer: Deepfake (Misinformation).
10. Which mobile network is the fifth generation?
    Answer: 5G (High speed).

How to Practise This Chapter

1. Read the tables once and learn the key facts by heart.
2. Revise the quick revision points the next day.
3. Attempt the practice questions above without looking at the answers.
4. Solve a full SSC CGL Tier 1 mini mock to test your general awareness.
5. Check the previous year papers to see how SSC asks computer questions.

Related Notes and Practice Papers

• Digital India, E-Governance and Digital Payments Notes
• Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Notes
• Computer Network Notes
• Computer Knowledge Notes for SSC
• SSC CGL Tier 1 Mini Mock

Explore More SSC Subjects

SSC exams test many subjects, so connect this topic with the related subjects below:

• General Science Notes
• General Awareness Notes
• Quantitative Aptitude Notes
• Reasoning Notes
• Electrical Engineering (SSC JE) Notes
• All SSC subjects and notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the use of storage, software and servers over the internet instead of on your own computer.

What are SaaS, PaaS and IaaS?

They are the three cloud service models: Software, Platform and Infrastructure as a Service.

What is artificial intelligence?

AI means machines that can learn, think and take decisions like humans.

What is machine learning?

Machine learning is a part of AI in which computers learn from data without being programmed for every step.

What is the Internet of Things?

IoT means everyday devices such as smart TVs and watches that are connected to the internet.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a secure digital record kept in linked blocks, and it is the technology behind Bitcoin.

What is the difference between VR and AR?

VR creates a fully virtual world, while AR adds digital objects to the real world.

What is big data?

Big data is a very large and complex set of data that needs special tools to analyse.

How many questions come from this topic in SSC exams?

One or two questions usually come from emerging technologies, often linked to current affairs.