The Power of Cloud Computing
When you hear the term “the cloud”, what do you think of? If it is the white mass you see when you look up at the sky, then you have a lot to learn. Cloud computing, as it is known, is a “means of storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer’s hard drive” (PCMAG.com).
Examples of Cloud-based Services
Google Drive
As a student, Google Drive has been an angel sent from heaven. I’m sure you’ve run across this service in one way or another. However, if you haven’t, I definitely recommend checking it out!
How does it work?
Google Drive allows users to store any file type online in Google’s cloud. As a free user, you have access to 15GB of storage. You have the ability to increase your storage limit by upgrading to a premium plan. Accessing your drive is very simple. Using your Gmail account, you have the ability to access it via your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Google Drive is not just a storage service, but also a collaborative tool. Once logged in, you can instantly collaborate, in real-time, with peers and co-workers using apps such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides. This improves efficiency when doing group work. These apps have eliminated the tedious process of collectively working on a paper or assignment together. Where once you had to save your work, and send it to your team members for editing, Google Apps allows you to do instantaneously. Google Apps allows multiple users to simultaneously work on any given document.
Apple iCloud
If you have an Apple product, then you have probably used iCloud for numerous its capabilities. However, for non-Apple users, “Apple iCloud is a cloud based storage service that allows for easy access to your photos, videos, documents, music, apps and more across all of your Apple devices” (Apple).
How does it work?
Whether you have an iPhone, Macbook, iMac, or any other apple device, you already use iCloud. In my opinion, one of the best features is the photo streaming function. Across all of your devices, whether you take a picture on your iPhone, or iPad, you will be able to access it anywhere. This feature eliminates the need to constantly sync your photos on a computer to view them elsewhere.
In Conclusion…
If you weren’t aware that using these services meant you were on the cloud, well now you know. Cloud computing has revolutionized how we do our everyday tasks. Moving forward, I believe cloud computing will continue its rapid growth. Do you agree with me? Comment below your predictions of cloud computing for the future.
