Overview of GCP (Google Cloud Platform) Flashcards
Self explanatory title. An overview of what GCP is, why it might be used and some key concepts/terminology.
What is GCP?
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a cloud platform that offers IT services through the cloud. Services such as:
Compute
Storage
Networking
Big Data and Machine Learning
What do we mean by the term Compute Services?
Much like on a home computer (laptop, desktop, mobile phone) looking to run an application like Microsoft Word, or a video game; customers require processing power or a Compute Environment in which to run the applications.
“Compute services” is the overarching category which covers these environments.
The fundamental unit of compute services in the cloud is a Virtual Machine. (VM) this can be thought of as a virtual version of your home desktop or server.
What do we mean by the term Storage services?
Storage refers to the maintaining and manageing of data. Customers data can come in many shapes and sizes and there are a plethora of storage options, each with its own benefits and limitations. Pickeing the correct storage option for a job is a big part of becoming an infrastructure architect and passing the Associate Cloud Engineer cert.
The storage types of storage that Google (and other cloud service providers) advertises are:
Object storage
File Storage
Block storage
Cacheing Services
What do we mean by the term Network services?
Networking is the term to refer to the connections made between resources. These connections have commonly used protocals that help identify different computers over the internet, and maintain the integrity and security of the information being sent over the network.
Some specific services that are classed as networking services include:
Virtual Private Networks (VPN’s)
Domain Name Services (DNS)
Network Firewalls
What are Googles flagship Compute services taught in the Associate Cloud Engineer Cert?
Recall the names of the services in bold, then the definitions.
Virtual Machines - Fundamental/Basic compute resource. A virtualised computer which provides compute power (Number of CPU’s) and Random Access Memory (RAM). Highly customizable.
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) - Kubernetes is an open-source container-orchestration system for automating computer application deployment, scaling, and management. Built upon Virtual Machines service.
App Engine - Serverless Computing offering, is used for applications and containers that run for extended periods of time, such as a website backend, point-of-sale system, or custom business application.
Cloud Functions - Serverless Computing offering, is a platform for running code in response to an event, such as uploading a file or adding a message to a message queue. Used for managing interactions between larger services or running short processes which are responses to events.
What are the 4 main storage types Google services cater for?
Object storage - Serverless. Stores Objects or Blobs (Which are files of any format) but not in a traditional “file explorer” format. Googles object storage service is called Cloud Storage. Objects in Cloud Storage are individually addressable, usually via URL.
File storage - Hierarchicalstorage system for file, much like the traditional “file explorer” format we are used on home machines. TheseNetwork File Systems(NFS) are available accross multiple VM’s, as the file system, its directories, and its files exist independent of VMs or applications that may access those files.
Block storage - Block storage uses a fixed-size data structure called a block to organize data. you can install file systems on top of the block storage, or you can run applications that access blocks directly. Used when performance is more importeant than size.
Caches - Caches are in-memory data stores that maintain fast access to data. The time it takes to retrieve data is called latency. The latency of in-memory stores is designed to be much faster than that of other storage methods.
Object Storage in-depth.
What is the service offered by Google that covers Object Storage?
Can you pick out the key points:
What are objects?
Objects are grouped into [What}?
Key feature of how objects are acccessed?
Are objects replicated?
Cloud Storage is Googles Object Storage service offering.
Object storage is a system that manages the use of storage in terms of objects or blobs. Usually these objects are files, but it is important to note that the files are not stored in a conventional file system. Objects are grouped into buckets. Each object is individually addressable (accessed individually), usually by a URL.
Multiple copies of objects are stored to improve availability and durability.
Access controls can be applied at the object level. This allows users of cloud storage to control which users can access and update objects.
File Storage in-depth.
What is the service offered by Google that covers File Storage?
Can you pick out the key points:
The term/s used to describe the way in which the directories and files in Filestore are structured?
Are files stored in Filestore require a VM to exist?
Cloud Filestore is Googles file storage service offering.
File storage services provide a hierarchical storage system for files. Cloud Filestore which is based on the Network File System (NFS) storage system.
File storage is suitable for applications that require operating system–like file access to files. The file storage system decouples the file system from specific VMs. The file system, its directories, and its files exist independent of VMs or applications that may access those files.
Block Storage in-depth.
What service/s offered by Google cover Block Storage requirements?
Block storage is available on disks that are attached to VMs in Google Cloud Platform. These come in the form of Persistant Disks or Local SSD’s.
In Linux file systems, 4KB is a common block size. Relational databases often write directly to blocks, but they often use larger sizes, such as 8KB or more
High performance, medium cost storage option.
Storage scenarios:
What Storage Option does Google provide to meet the archival data needs of a business?
Cloud Storage (Objects Storage) is the most cost efficient storage option to meet archival and backup needs. Google offers multiple Storage Classes within Cloud Storage. Their prices differ based on how often the storage is accessed. These storage options are:
Standard Storage: Good for “hot” data that’s accessed frequently, including websites, streaming videos, and mobile apps.
Nearline Storage: Low cost. Good for data that can be stored for at least 30 days, including data backup and long-tail multimedia content. To remain cost efficient, shouldn’t be accessed more than once a month.
Coldline Storage: Very low cost. Good for data that can be stored for at least 90 days, including disaster recovery. To be cpost efficient, shouldn’t be accessed more than twice every six months.
