What Am I Doing On the Cloud?

The "Cloud" is something I often hear about but I'm not exactly sure when do I really use it. Later on I found out that I use it all the time I just wasn't aware of it. These days everybody is on the cloud, I'll give you some examples below.

Cloud computing is computing as a service, you don't have to buy a physical product. Cloud computing can provide you with the necessary data storage, applications or even processing speed. You don't need a large hard drive anymore. In cloud computing you are connected to a large number of computers and servers which can be located anywhere in the world.

The idea of cloud computing was mentioned in the 1960's when John McCarthy mentioned that "computation may someday be organized as a public utility". In this sense it could be compared to the electricity grid. No, Al Gore didn't invent the cloud ;-).

Cloud computing connects computers and other devices such as tablets, cell phones and certain TV's to each other. Cloud computing makes it possible to easily share information between these devices.

When do we use cloud computing? Basically we use cloud computing when if our computer is damaged the services and data is still available (from another device). In other words cloud computing makes it possible that your applications and data are safe even if you have computer virus or your computer crashes. Here is a list of some examples:

• Online email services are connected to the cloud such as Google, Microsoft and Yahoo mail. These are accessible from any device around the world.
• Your music, pictures and videos can be stored on the cloud.
• Social network sites are on the cloud connecting millions of members.
• Financial and tax preparing software are available on the cloud. Whenever you pay bills on your bank's website you are on the cloud.
• When you book a flight or make some reservations online you are on the cloud.
• When you make online purchase you are using these services.
• You can create and store documents on the cloud, you can even collaborate with others.

There are many advantages of cloud computing. You don't have to install all those programs, you don't need a large hard drive. You don't have worry about new versions or updates of these computing services. There are disadvantages too especially in the security and privacy area. Where is your private data stored such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and social security number and how safe is that storage?