Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

What defines cloud computing?

1. High-speed internet access only

2. Using personal computers to perform calculations

3. Utilizing distributed calculations and/or storage for data

4. Storing all files on local drives

The correct answer is: Utilizing distributed calculations and/or storage for data

Cloud computing is defined by the utilization of distributed calculations and/or storage for data. This concept revolves around leveraging a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than relying solely on a local server or a personal computer. In cloud computing, resources such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics can be accessed dynamically. This approach allows for greater flexibility and scalability, as users can easily adjust their resources based on demand. This characteristic of being able to distribute workloads across multiple servers in remote locations distinguishes cloud computing from traditional computing models. The other options focus on concepts that do not encompass the full scope of cloud computing. High-speed internet access is an important facilitator for cloud services but does not define the concept itself. Using personal computers for calculations and storing files on local drives are traditional computing practices that lack the global, distributed nature characteristic of cloud computing. Thus, the ability to use distributed calculations and storage is what fundamentally defines cloud computing as it showcases the integration of computing resources from various locations accessible via the internet.