Introduction to Cloud Computing

If you’ve ever uploaded a photo to Google Drive, watched a show on Netflix, or played an online game with friends, then you’ve already used cloud computing—without needing to know what was going on behind the scenes.

Cloud computing is the reason all of this works so seamlessly, no matter where you are in the world. It gives both individuals and companies a way to run apps, host websites, and store data—without having to deal with the hassle of managing physical hardware. We’ll take a closer look at what the cloud really offers, how it changes the way things work, and why it matters so much in today’s tech-driven world.

What exactly is cloud computing?

Imagine you’re working on a project and suddenly realize your laptop doesn’t have enough speed or space to handle everything you need. Instead of going out and buying a bunch of hardware, cloud computing lets you rent exactly what you need—from powerful servers to databases to tools that help you run code—all over the internet.

Companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud own giant data centers full of machines. You get access to those machines by logging into a web interface or using code, and you only pay for the time and space you use. No setup, no maintenance, no big upfront costs.

This is a game-changer for anyone working on something digital. You can launch a website, store large files, test a new app, or run data-heavy tasks—without needing expensive equipment or tech staff to help you manage it.

How is cloud computing different?

Before the cloud came along, everything had to be hosted on physical machines that you owned or rented in a data center. Setting up a server meant buying hardware, installing operating systems, keeping it cool and secure, and making sure it could handle traffic.

That took time, money, and planning. And if your app suddenly got popular? You might run out of capacity—or be stuck with extra hardware you didn’t need most of the time.

The great thing about cloud computing is that you don’t have to make big decisions upfront. You can begin with just the basics, then quickly add more power or storage as your project grows. It’s quick, adaptable, and helps you concentrate on creating your app or website instead of dealing with technical setup.

If you’re a student, an amateur coder, or someone just beginning to explore tech, that kind of freedom can really open doors.

The cloud connects the world

One of the coolest things about cloud platforms is how global they are. You could be working from your bedroom, but your app can be accessed by someone in another country within seconds. That’s because cloud services aren’t based in just one place—they’re built on massive networks of servers located all over the world.

Because of how it’s built, the cloud keeps apps running smoothly for people everywhere. That’s a big reason why platforms like Spotify, TikTok, and Airbnb can support so many users at once—they’re backed by cloud systems built to handle worldwide demand without missing a beat.

The amazing part? You can use that same infrastructure too. Whether you’re building something just for fun or hoping to launch the next big thing, the cloud gives you tools that scale with your ambition.

Understanding the different types of cloud services

As cloud computing has evolved, different types of services and setups have emerged to meet the wide variety of needs out there. Whether you're just getting started or planning something big, it helps to understand the main types of cloud models you'll run into.

IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS

Cloud services generally fall into three categories:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) gives you raw computing resources—like virtual machines, networking, and storage. You control most of the system, and it’s great for developers who want flexibility. AWS EC2 is a good example.
  
  
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) sits a layer above. It provides tools and environments to develop, run, and manage apps without dealing with the infrastructure underneath. Think of AWS Elastic Beanstalk or Google App Engine.
  
  
• Software as a Service (SaaS) is where everything is handled for you. You just use the software—like Gmail or Google Docs—without worrying about how it's built or maintained.
  
  

Each type serves a different purpose. As a beginner, you might start with SaaS, but as you build more complex projects, you’ll likely work with IaaS or PaaS.

Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud

• A public cloud is owned and operated by third-party providers like AWS or Google Cloud. Resources are shared across many users, but your data is kept separate.
  
  
• A private cloud is dedicated to one organization. It can be hosted on-premises or by a service provider. It offers more control but often comes with higher costs and complexity.
  
  

Some companies choose a hybrid cloud, which blends both. It lets them keep some things in a private environment while using the public cloud for flexibility and cost savings.

VPS vs. Public Cloud

If you’ve ever rented a Virtual Private Server (VPS) for web hosting, it might seem similar to using the cloud—but there are differences:

• A VPS is a slice of a physical server, offering fixed resources. It’s useful for smaller websites or applications but doesn’t scale well when demand increases.
  
  
• The public cloud is designed to scale. You can adjust resources in real time, automate backups, and take advantage of advanced tools and global infrastructure.
  
  

VPS hosting might work for simple needs, but cloud platforms give you more freedom as your project grows.

What’s next?

Cloud computing opens the door to so many possibilities, whether you’re building a school project, launching an app, or experimenting with something new. It’s powerful, flexible, and ready when you are.

In the next topic, we’ll start to explore Amazon Web Services (AWS)—one of the most widely used cloud platforms—and see how you can start using it from day one.