What is Cloud computing?

We have heard the terminology “cloud computing” for quite a while now, but what is it? 

“Cloud computing” putting it in a simple way is storing your data over the internet. 

We all know about filing paperwork, well with the rate of technology we are using today we no longer just have paperwork we have electronic data to file as well.  We all use email and digital cameras, these electronic files need to be stored somewhere so we can continue to use the device at optimum speed.  To do this we need to backup, transfer our electronic data to an external storage device to free up the internal storage on your device.  This can be your local computer or external storage like a USB or Hard drive.  However with the ease of digital technology we are tending to store way more than we would have with paper.  Let’s be honest, how many of us cull our pictures and files when we go to store them, not many hey, so this means we are needing more storage to keep up with our demands. 

Now not only do we need to contend with the increasing demands of storage but we want to synchronise our devices as most of us will have at least two different devices we use to access our data.  Whether it be your mobile phone, computer, tablet or TV, you don’t want to have to save your data in multiple places so you can access it. 

So along came “Cloud computing”.  Internet based data storage option. One location to store your data you want to be able to access on any device at any time anywhere. 

Microsoft have included a “Cloud” app as part of the release of Windows 8 and 10. Those who purchase Microsoft 365 will have 20GB free cloud storage as part of their subscription. 

“Cloud computing” is not only just for storing your data, you can also centralise software applications so that you can maximise and access this on multiple devices and not take up precious space on your own device and minimise data downloads for keeping the software up to date. 

So with the introduction of “Cloud computing” where do things go from here for you? 

Do an audit of what devices you currently use, assess what files you want to access from multiple devices and think about how “Cloud computing” can help you with your everyday computing needs. 

What is the downside of “Cloud computing? 

The main issue people may experience would be related to internet access.  If your internet is reliable look at your cloud options. If you are located in an unstable internet environment, most probably not the best way forward for you. You may want to look at a local network storage device (NAS) instead.  

Whatever you decide to do we still strongly recommend that you back up your most valuable data to an external hard drive or store your digital photos on DVD. 

Do not be afraid of technology, embrace it. Do not hide and think it will just go away. It won’t it will only advance further. And when you’re too far behind and feel like you can never catch up again call us. We don’t bite! We have technicians and in store facilities available for one on one training, so you don’t need to feel you are being left behind.