What is cloud computing?
It's a very simple concept. Instead of a piece of software running on your local computer, you are using an application on a server somewhere. An example of this is Google Docs. It's a full word processor that you use on their servers instead of downloading the application to your personal computer.
There are many advantages to this. First is that your data will be backed up. Many forget to do this on their personal machines and lose information all the time. When it's on a server that is being backed up constantly, the chance of losing data when your computer crashes is negated. Your documents will be there.
You might have a desktop, laptop, netbook, work computer, and others that you use during the week. This means that you have data all over the place. With cloud computing, you can access your applications from each of these computers and access the same data. This way you don't have to use USB sticks to make sure everything is synced. This is done automatically for you.
You might also be using different operating systems on your computers. Most cloud applications don't care which you are using as they work on Windows, Mac, and Linux since they run in a browser. This means you can use the operating systems you like the most and still use the same applications.
If running a slower computer like a netbook, the processing power is being done on the servers instead of your computer. You can have a slow machine but still have fairly quick processing in your applications as they are running on superior hardware.
While this might not meet everyone's need as of yet, cloud computing does offer many advantages that you might consider.
Published by Lance Esondi
- Browser Based Operating SystemsBrowser based operating systems offer users the ability to log into an online version of their desktop.
Cloud Computing Applications Provide Software as a Service (SaaS)Cloud Computing applications (SaaS and SOA) offer a level playing field to small businesses and consumers.
An Introduction to the New Google Chrome OS Notebook Cloud Computing CR-48Google's new laptop offers a fast, reliable operating system for people who travel. Never lose your work to a hard drive crash again using Google cloud computing.- The Basics of Cloud Computing ExplainedThis is cloud computing explained for those not interested in hearing the minuscule details and complexities of cloud systems and their intricate features.
Exciting Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Internet Use in 2010Cloud computing should start to make big leaps and bounds during 2010 with the new Google Chrome OS, Android smartphones and more mass storage websites.
- Some Facts on a New Collaborative Technology: Cloud Computing
- Cloud Computing and How it Will Affect the Internet in 2010
- Highlights from the Cloud Computing World Forum 2010
- Cloud Computing Will Be Big for Large Corporations, Less So for Personal Computing
- Understanding Cloud Computing Technologies and the Industry Most Suited to Use Them
- How Small Businesses Benefit from Using Cloud Computing Technologies
- Explanation of Microsoft's Cloud Computing Strategy



