Learning Aim C

Question 1

What are some personal uses of cloud storage

Answer 1

1.File backup and recovery
2.Sharing and collaboration
3.Photo and video
4.Media streaming
5.Convenience
6.Personal projects and hobbies
7.Digital organization
8.Automatic backup for mobile devices

Question 2

What are the 3 services provided in cloud computing

Answer 2

• Applications, referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Platforms, referred to as Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Infrastructure, referred to as Infrastructure as a Service (laaS)

Question 3

What is software as a service (SaaS)

Answer 3

is a cloud computing model where software applications are delivered over the internet. Instead of purchasing and installing software on individual devices, users access it via a web browser, typically on a subscription basis.

Question 4

Some features of SaaS

Answer 4

Key Features of SaaS:
1.Accessibility: Available anytime, anywhere with an internet connection.
2.Subscription-Based: Usually involves monthly or annual fees.
3.Maintenance-Free: Providers handle updates, maintenance, and security.
4.Scalability: Easy to scale up or down based on user needs.

Question 5

What is platform as a service (PaaS)

Answer 5

is a cloud computing model that provides developers with a complete platform to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

Question 6

Some key features of PaaS

Answer 6

Key Features of PaaS:
1.Includes tools for application development, testing, and deployment.
2.Offers a managed environment with middleware, databases, and runtime.
3.Simplifies software development by removing infrastructure management.
4.Scalable based on demand.

Question 7

What is infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Answer 7

is a cloud computing model that provides virtualised computing resources over the internet. It offers foundational IT infrastructure, such as servers, storage and networking, allowing users to build and manage their own applications and services without maintaining physical hardware.

Question 8

Key features of an infrastructure as a service

Answer 8

1.Scalability: Easily adjust resources (compute, storage, and networking) as needed.
2.Pay-as-You-Go Pricing: Users only pay for the resources they consume.
3.On-Demand Availability: Resources are available whenever needed without delays.
4.Customisation: Users can configure the operating system, software, and applications.
5.Data Storage: Secure and scalable storage options for files, databases, and backups.
6.Security: Basic security features like firewalls, encryption, and identity management.

Question 9

Some examples of Saas

Answer 9

Examples of SaaS:
•Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail)
•Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Teams)
•Dropbox, Slack, Salesforce

Question 10

Examples of PaaS

Answer 10

Examples of PaaS:
•Google App Engine
•Microsoft Azure App Service
• Google AI Platform
• AWS Elastic Beanstalk (Amazon Web Services)
• Google Cloud SQL

Question 11

Examples of Iaas

Answer 11

Examples of IaaS Providers:
• Amazon Web Services (AWS EC2)
• Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines
• Google Cloud Compute Engine
• IBM Cloud Infrastructure

Question 12

What is remote working

Answer 12

is a work arrangement where employees perform their job duties outside of a traditional office environment, typically from home or other locations. Instead of commuting to an office, remote workers use digital tools, such as the internet, video conferencing, and collaboration software, to communicate and complete tasks.

Question 13

Features of remote working

Answer 13

1.Flexibility: Workers can choose their work environment and often set their own hours.
2.Technology-Dependent: Relies on communication tools like email, video calls, and project management software.
3.Work-Life Balance: Offers more control over personal time, though it can blur boundaries between work and personal life.
4.Cost Savings: Reduces costs related to office space, commuting, and utilities.

Question 14

Advantages of cloud computing

Answer 14

Cost: Cloud storage is typically less costly than buying sufficient disk storage or equivalent to store all the applications, organisational data and customer data.

Data security: Data held on a server on the premises is always at risk. Cloud providers have data centres located in several different geographical areas, with multiple redundancies so that data is always safe even if one data
centre is catastrophically destroyed.

Reliability: Cloud services and storage are more reliable than in-house applications. System maintenance, software updates and backups are all taken care of.

Scalability: As an organisation expands, its storage needs wil grow accordingly. When a 1TB server is close to filling up, should the company buy another 1Tb server at huge expense, which may not be used to capacity for many years? If the data needs become less, you cannot return the server and get a refund. With cloud storage,the organisation pays for the storage they are actually using, and this expands and contracts according to demand.

Flexibility: Organisations which experience very high activity on certain days of the year may find that a website held on a company server cannot cope with the extra demands, and the users may then experience very slow response times. A cloud-based website wil allocate the necessary resources to cope with any level of activity.

Global access: Applications and data held in the cloud are available from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. Employees working for an organisation with offices in different towns can all access thesame software and data, and can access them from home or while travelling.

Question 15

Drawbacks of cloud computing

Answer 15

Internet connection speed and reliability
Without a fast broadband connection, users in the office may find that it takes much longer to download data and perform application tasks than when everything is held on the local server.
If the Internet connection fails, no one in the office can access the cloud applications or data if synchronised versions are not held locally. Business could grind to a halt until the connection is restored.
Contingency plans are needed to cope with this situation.
Security threats
Data transmitted over the Internet is vulnerable to hackers. The best protection is to educate all employees:
• to use strong passwords on al their devices
• to recognise possible phishing attacks
• not to open email attachments from unknown sources

Question 16

What is remote desktop technology

Answer 16

Remote desktop software allows a user to connect to and interact with a computer in another location via a WAN, VPN or the Internet. The user can see and control a connected PC or laptop as though they were sitting directly in front of it. It can be used, for example, for demonstrations, collaborative working or trouble-shooting by technical support.

This technology enables an organisation to outsource the technical IT support occasionally needed both by employees working in the office and those working at home or at a remote location.Using this type of software, it is possible to:
• display the remote computer screen on your own screen in real time
• use your own keyboard and mouse to control the remote screen
• allow a remote user, for example a technical support worker, complete access to and control over your computer
• connect either via an internal network or IP address

Question 17

Impact and implications of remote working

Answer 17

Productivity: Vodafone’s 2016 study revealed that 35% of global companies have adopted flexible working policies, with 61% claiming it increased profits and 80% stating productivity was boosted.

Increased pool of potential employees: Cloud computing enables remote work, attracting experienced and technical talent, and eliminating the need for costly newspaper advertisements.

Increased employee loyalty: Customizing work schedules for employees can boost loyalty, motivation, and reduce turnover, as high staff turnover negatively impacts productivity.

Fewer sick days: Employees working from home tend to incorporate more exercise into their daily routines, leading to better health and reduced personal days off due to minor health issues.

Decreased overheads cost: Office space in prime urban locations is expensive, but remote employees can use spare desks for part-time work, reducing the need for office facilities.

Question 18

What is social media

Answer 18

Social media is a set of online communication software tools to enable people to interact with one another, get and share information.

Question 19

Ways of communicating and interacting with online communities and what they are

Answer 19

A blog (short for “web log”) is an online journal or informational piece of writing posted on a website, with the most recent post appearing first. Many companies integrate a blog into their websites to share information and encourage feedback from viewers. A blog could, for example, share food recipes, provide the latest news on a company product, or give daily updates on an individual’s travels around the world.

A microblog is a type of blog that lets users publish short text updates. Platforms that enable users to do this include Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as well as instant messaging services.

A vlog (short for video log) is a blog that takes the form of a video. Some successful “YouTubers” make a fortune from posting videos that are watched by millions of viewers. YouTube’s algorithm picks up on successful videos and directs viewers to the uploader’s other vlogs. The downside for the vlogger is that success depends on day- by-day reliability, and unless daily videos are posted, rankings tumble.

Question 20

What is wiki

Answer 20

A wiki is a collaborative website that comprises the work of many authors. The most famous wiki is Wikipedia, a free online encyclopaedia. It is hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organisation, and contains millions of articles written in many different languages. Most of the articles are not reviewed by a moderator. However, readers can edit, improve and re-publish articles. It is an invaluable free reference source for millions of users around the globe, funded by voluntary contributions from users.

Question 21

What is a wikileak

Answer 21

WikiLeaks is another famous wiki that publishes secret information and news leaks provided by anonymous sources. These are often political in nature, and much of it is considered illegal under the Official Secrets Act or equivalent in other countries. High-profile whistle-blowers such as Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning used WikiLeaks to publicise what they considered to be illegal or unethical behaviour by the US government.

Question 22

What is a chatroom

Answer 22

A chatroom is technically a channel, the term “room” being used as a metaphor to promote the idea of chatting to someone else. A chatroom provides a venue for communities of users with a common interest to communicate in real time by typing text onscreen.

Question 23

What is instant messaging

Answer 23

instant messaging is similar to a chatroom in that it allows the user to chat with someone in real time using screen-based text. The difference is that conversation is private, accessible only for a group of invited individuals. Typically, the instant messaging service alerts you whenever somebody on your contact list is online. You can then initiate a chat session with that person

Question 24

What is a podcast and podcasting

Answer 24

Podcasting is a way of distributing digital media files (usually audio but sometimes video) via the Internet. Once a podcast has been downloaded, it can be listened to on a computer or portable device.
A podcast is a series of files which can be listened to or viewed using a podcasting application called a podcatcher.

Question 25

What is a Forum

Answer 25

An Internet forum or message board is an online discussion site where people post and respond to messages. A forum can have several subforums, and each subforum may have several topics. Within a topic, each new conversation is known as a thread. A forum is similar to a chatroom, but messages are often longer and are at least temporarily archived so that you can look back through a thread.

Question 26

Reasons why individuals use online communities

Answer 26

According to a survey, the top four reasons that people use social media are to:
• stay in touch with what their friends are doing (42%).
• stay up-to-date with news and current events (41 %).
• fill up spare time (39%).
• find funny or entertaining content (37%).

Question 27

What are some security threats to social media

Answer 27

• Identity thieves can steal your identity - use a strong password. An identity thief who has obtained your email account may click on “Forgot password” on your social media account. They can then gain access to your personal information.
• Be careful with your status updates. Don’t post “We’re all of on holiday tomorrow… Yippee!” - you could be letting a burglar know the house wil be empty for a week. Use privacy controls.
• Be careful not to inadvertently let stalkers find you. The more you post, the more vulnerable you become to those who may wish to harm you. To keep sites from tracking your activity, click on the “Do Not Track” feature.

Question 28

What are implementation

Answer 28

An organisation or company planning to develop its online presence needs to be clear about its objectives, and how these can be achieved and measured. For example, the person driving the project should ask:
• Is there someone in the organisation who is familiar or experienced in developing an online presence and
marketing through online media?
• What online resources, such as a website with online sales capabilities, do they already have?
• Do they have content such as photographs and videos that would work well online?
• What is the current traffic to the website?

Question 29

What are timescales

Answer 29

Objectives need to be specific, measurable, achievable and realistic. A timescale should be set stating a date by which the objectives should be achieved. The organisation needs to be clear about:
• Who they want to connect with
• What content they will share
• How they wil interact with people, and how they can influence their actions

Question 30

What are the steps to prevent hacking

Answer 30

• Use a strong password. Use a different password and change the password regularly
• Use two-factor authentication, which requires the user to provide further evidence
• Educate all employees to be vigilant in recognising phishing attacks.
• Limit the number of people in the organisation who can post on the social media account. Even though there may be whole teams of people working on social media messaging, content creation or customer service, not everyone needs to know the password or be able to post.
• Monitor all accounts, whether they are in daily use or have never been used at all. Someone should be put in charge of this function, and should follow up on any unexpected, inappropriate or negative post. It could be a hacker testing security before creating something more dangerous.
• Watch for fraudulent sites impersonating your brand. Set up alerts for brand mentions and check that they are legitimate.