This document provides an overview of cloud computing, including its basic concepts, deployment models, service models, history, benefits, risks, and key characteristics. Cloud computing allows users to access applications over the internet as utilities. It offers on-demand, scalable resources and services with pay-as-you-go pricing. The document discusses public, private, hybrid and community cloud models as well as Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service and Software as a Service. It also covers security, lock-in and other risks of cloud computing.