Cloud Computing

             

           Cloud computing is something that has always confused and disturbed me. In a nutshell, it is when someone can store and access data over the Internet instead of on their hard drive. People can reach the cloud anywhere, anytime. However, most don’t even realize they are utilizing it. Some examples of cloud computing include Google Drive, Apple iCloud, and Amazon Cloud Drive. Dropbox is a hybrid because it not only syncs your files online, but also with local storage. The Cloud could also just simply be an online service, such as Instagram or Adobe Creative Cloud.

            What is the cloud exactly? It is not actually a physical thing. It is a network of servers in which each server holds a different function. No one knows for sure how much the Cloud can store, but in the article I read, they referenced another article that guessed the cloud could store about 1 Exabyte. That is equal to 4.2 million MacBook Pro hard drives! This is a reason why it is so beneficial – it saves money for companies and individual users by saving space on their hard drives. However, there are some downsides, including the security of the cloud, which has been a major issue in the media when it comes to hackers. It is better to store non-sensitive information than personal data.

      http://mashable.com/2013/08/26/what-is-the-cloud http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2c2817%2c2372164%2c00.asp