On Cloud 9

Ever wondered what the cloud is? Or been asked where is the cloud? Well, the cloud is like a virtual file cabinet The problem with an ordinary file cabinet is that you can only access the data if you are able to physically open the cabinet. Therefore, problems will arise if you need to access your files and you are not able to get to your cabinet due to restrictions such as being out of the country. However, the cloud is a solution to this problem! Since the cloud is a virtual filing system in the “sky” you can access it anywhere and anytime with the master key — the internet! Another upgraded feature of the cloud is that your files are always backed up so if your files are lost on your computer they will still be safe in the sky.

The fact of the matter is most of us use the cloud everyday and rely on it without even knowing. Writing and responding to emails is a way people communicate everyday. These websites and forms of communication are always looking for ways to improve by becoming more reliable and faster. Nearly all email communication services have switched over to cloud computing since it gives users the ability to access their emails anywhere.

Social networking websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and lots of other websites also use cloud computing. Since these social networking websites allow users express themselves through photos and videos, these can essentially slow down the websites due to the amount of memory they can take up. The cloud fixes this problem by backing up the websites data storage. If problems are to arise on these social networking sites such as your computer crashing and you loosing all your data the cloud still allows you to access your networking sites with all of your data still intact. This is extremely important to social networking websites because of the vast amount of personal information people upload to their websites.

The cloud offers a unique service which allows you to access all of your data whether it be business or personal anywhere and anytime as long as you have the master key — an internet connection. The cloud offers services like ‘Google doc” which takes away the stress of having to carry all of your documents around with you and makes it easier for you to share with your peers. Moreover, the cloud insures that even if your file cabinet (i.e laptop) is to go missing or crash your data will not be lost. Personally, as a university student I think this feature is extremely helpful.