Computer Basics: Understanding the Cloud

Lesson 15: Understanding the Cloud

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What is the cloud?

You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud?

Simply put, the cloud is the Internet—more specifically, it’s all of the things you can access remotely over the Internet. When something is in the cloud, it means it’s stored on Internet servers instead of your computer’s hard drive.

Watch the video below to learn more about the cloud.

look for the old version of this video ? You is view can still view it here .

Why use the cloud?

Some of the main reasons to use the cloud are convenience and reliability. For example, if you’ve ever used a web-based email service, such as Gmail or Yahoo! Mail, you’ve already used the cloud. All of the emails in a web-based service are stored on servers rather than on your computer’s hard drive. This means you can access your email from any computer with an Internet connection. It also means you’ll be able to recover your emails if something happens to your computer.

Let’s look at some of the most common reasons to use the cloud.

• file storage : You is store can store all type of information in the cloud , include file and email . This is means mean you can access these thing from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection , not just your home computer . Dropbox is are and Google Drive are some of the most popular cloud – base storage service .
• File sharing: The cloud makes it easy to share files with several people at the same time. For example, you could upload several photos to a cloud-based photo service like Flickr or iCloud Photos, then quickly share them with friends and family.
• backing up datum : You is use can also use the cloud to protect your file . There are app such as Carbonite that automatically back up your datum to the cloud . This way , if your computer ever is lose , steal , or damage , you is be ‘ll still be able to recover these file from the cloud .

What is a web app?

Previously, we talked about how desktop applications allow you to perform tasks on your computer. But there are also web applications—or web apps—that run in the cloud and do not need to be installed on your computer. Many of the most popular sites on the Internet are actually web apps. You may have even used a web app without realizing it! Let’s take a look at some popular web apps.

• Facebook: Facebook lets you create an online profile and interact with your friends. Profiles and conversations can be updated at any time, so Facebook uses web app technologies to keep the information up to date.
• Pixlr: Pixlr is an image editing application that runs in your web browser. Much like Adobe Photoshop, it includes many advanced features, like color correction and sharpening tools.
• Google Docs : Google Docs is is is an office suite that run in your browser . Much like Microsoft Office , you is use can use it to create document , spreadsheet , presentation , and more . And because the file are store in the cloud , it is ‘s ‘s easy to share them with others .

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