TOPIC:5: WEB APPS AND THE CLOUD

  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? Basically, the cloud is the internet - more specifically, it's all of the things that you can access remotely over the internet.
When something is in the cloud, that means it is stored on servers on the internet, instead of on your computer. It lets you access your calendar, email, files and more, from any computer that has an internet connection.
If you've ever used web-based email, then you've used the cloud - all of the emails in your Inbox are stored on servers. However, there are many other services that use the cloud in different ways. Here are just a few examples:
  • Dropbox is a cloud storage service that lets you easily store and share files with other people, and it lets you access your files from a mobile device as well.
  • Evernote lets you type notes, clip web pages, take photos, and organize all of them from your computer or mobile device.
  • Mozy and Carbonite can automatically back up your data in case your computer is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Using Mozy to back up files

Why Use the Cloud?
There are many reasons to use the cloud, but the main reasons are convenience and reliability. In the past, if you wanted to bring a file with you, you would have to save it to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or CD-R disc. Saving a file to the cloud ensures that you'll be able to access it with any computer that has an internet connection, so you don't have any physical media to keep track of. The cloud also makes it much easier to share a file with coworkers or friends, making it possible to collaborate over the internet.
With the cloud, you're much less likely to lose your data, since it is stored on servers. However, just like anything online, there is always a risk that someone may try to gain access to your personal data, so it's important to choose a strong password and pay attention to any privacy settings for the service you're using.

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