The document provides an overview of cloud computing, including definitions, models, advantages, disadvantages, characteristics, and applications. It discusses the history of cloud computing concepts dating back to the 1960s. The key models of cloud computing are infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). The document outlines the advantages of cloud computing like reduced costs, scalability, and accessibility, as well as disadvantages around security, internet dependence, and speed. Common characteristics are pooled computing resources, virtualization, elastic scaling, flexible pricing, and resources delivered as a service. The future of cloud computing is predicted to include increased customization, mission-critical applications in the