Virtualization and Cloud Computing

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Vocabulary lab

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Explain the term before you reveal the back. Then compare your explanation with the definition, example, and warning.

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hypervisor: A hypervisor is the software layer that creates and manages virtual machines. Example: A host runs several isolated guest operating systems under one hypervisor. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse the hypervisor with a guest operating system.
virtual machine: A virtual machine is a software-defined computer with virtual CPU, memory, storage, and devices. Example: A Windows guest runs inside a VM on a physical host. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse a VM with a container; a VM includes a guest operating system.
container: A container packages an application and dependencies while sharing the host operating-system kernel. Example: A web service runs in a container without a full separate guest OS. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse a container with a virtual machine.
VDI: Virtual desktop infrastructure delivers centrally hosted desktop environments to endpoint users. Example: A user signs into a managed virtual desktop from a lightweight client. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse VDI with locally installed desktop virtualization.
IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service provides virtualized compute, storage, and networking resources managed through a cloud provider. Example: A team creates cloud virtual machines and manages their operating systems. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse IaaS with SaaS; IaaS exposes infrastructure rather than a finished application.
PaaS: Platform as a Service provides a managed application platform so developers focus on deploying code rather than managing the underlying servers. Example: An application is deployed to a managed runtime with built-in scaling. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse PaaS with IaaS, where more infrastructure management remains with the customer.
SaaS: Software as a Service delivers a complete application through a network service. Example: Users access a hosted productivity suite through a browser. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse SaaS with PaaS; SaaS is the finished application.
public cloud: A public cloud provides shared provider-operated infrastructure to many customers with logical isolation. Example: A school uses a commercial cloud service without owning the provider's data center. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse public cloud with public access; resources can still require authentication.
private cloud: A private cloud provides cloud-style infrastructure dedicated to one organization. Example: An organization operates self-service virtual infrastructure for its own departments. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse private cloud with a single traditional server; cloud characteristics still matter.
elasticity: Elasticity is the ability to increase or decrease resources in response to demand. Example: A cloud workload adds compute capacity during a usage spike and releases it afterward. Do not confuse it with: Do not confuse elasticity with simple high performance; it describes changing capacity.

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