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.
Looking for the old version of this video? You 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 can store all types of information in the cloud, including files and email. This means you can access these things from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection, not just your home computer. Dropbox and Google Drive are some of the most popular cloud-based storage services.
- 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 data: You can also use the cloud to protect your files. There are apps such as Carbonite that automatically back up your data to the cloud. This way, if your computer ever is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll still be able to recover these files 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 an office suite that runs in your browser. Much like Microsoft Office, you can use it to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. And because the files are stored in the cloud, it's easy to share them with others.
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I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of cloud computing and related concepts. Over the years, I've delved into the intricacies of the cloud, exploring its various applications and the transformative impact it has on modern computing. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience navigating the nuances of cloud platforms and services.
Now, let's break down the concepts covered in the provided article:
1. Cloud Basics
The article begins by addressing the fundamental question: What is the cloud? It succinctly defines the cloud as the Internet and clarifies that when something is in the cloud, it is stored on Internet servers rather than on a local computer's hard drive. This sets the stage for understanding the cloud's remote accessibility.
2. Reasons to Use the Cloud
The article highlights two primary reasons for utilizing the cloud: convenience and reliability. It draws parallels with web-based email services like Gmail or Yahoo! Mail, emphasizing that emails stored in the cloud can be accessed from any device with an Internet connection. The convenience and reliability aspects are crucial drivers for adopting cloud services.
3. Common Uses of Cloud
a. File Storage
The cloud is presented as a versatile storage solution, allowing users to store various types of information, including files and emails. Examples of popular cloud-based storage services, such as Dropbox and Google Drive, are mentioned, showcasing the practicality of accessing data from any device with an Internet connection.
b. File Sharing
The article emphasizes the ease of file sharing facilitated by the cloud. It cites examples like Flickr or iCloud Photos, where users can upload photos to the cloud and swiftly share them with friends and family. This underlines the collaborative potential of cloud-based services.
c. Data Backup
Cloud services are recommended for data backup, providing a layer of protection for files. Apps like Carbonite are highlighted as tools that automatically back up data to the cloud, ensuring data recovery in the event of computer loss, theft, or damage.
4. Web Apps
The concept of web applications (web apps) is introduced, distinguishing them from traditional desktop applications. Web apps run in the cloud and do not require installation on a local computer. The article lists examples of popular web apps, such as Facebook, Pixlr (an image editing application), and Google Docs (an office suite). The collaborative nature of Google Docs, enabled by cloud storage, is specifically highlighted.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing, from its basic definition to practical applications like file storage, sharing, backup, and the emergence of web apps. My in-depth knowledge in this domain allows me to appreciate the significance of these concepts and their impact on the evolving landscape of computer technology.
