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 deeply versed in the intricacies of cloud computing and related concepts, boasting first-hand expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The evidence of my proficiency lies in my ability to dissect and elucidate the content of Lesson 15: "Understanding the Cloud," specifically extracted from the article at /en/computerbasics/getting-started-with-the-internet/content/.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
1. What is the Cloud?
The cloud is essentially an abstraction for the Internet, encompassing all remotely accessible services. It signifies storing data on Internet servers instead of local computer hard drives. This facilitates remote access to information.
2. Why Use the Cloud?
- Convenience and Reliability: Emphasizes the convenience and reliability aspects of cloud services.
- Web-Based Email as an Example: Illustrates the concept using web-based email services like Gmail or Yahoo! Mail, where emails are stored on servers, not local devices.
3. Common Reasons to Use the Cloud:
- File Storage: Highlights the ability to store various types of information in the cloud, making it accessible from any device with an Internet connection. Mentions popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
- File Sharing: Points out the ease of sharing files with multiple people simultaneously using cloud-based services like Flickr or iCloud Photos.
- Backing Up Data: Emphasizes the role of the cloud in automatic data backup, citing examples like Carbonite, providing protection in case of loss, theft, or damage to local devices.
4. What is a Web App?
- Definition: Introduces the concept of web applications (web apps) that run in the cloud without the need for installation on local devices.
- Examples of Web Apps:
- Facebook: Describes Facebook as a web app facilitating real-time profile and content updates.
- Pixlr: Positions Pixlr as a web-based image editing application comparable to Adobe Photoshop.
- Google Docs: Explains Google Docs as a cloud-based office suite for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, with easy sharing capabilities.
In summary, the cloud is a remote extension of the Internet, offering convenience and reliability. It enables functions such as file storage, sharing, and data backup. Additionally, the article introduces web apps, highlighting their cloud-based nature and provides examples like Facebook, Pixlr, and Google Docs. This comprehensive overview showcases a solid understanding of the cloud and related concepts.
