Cloud Computing for Everyone

We want to discuss the concept of cloud computing as it applies to our daily lives. Often when we hear the term it sounds like it comes from some IT fantasy land  Actually you may have been using the process for some time and didn’t know it. If you have a gmail account, then you have been operating in the realm of cloud computing. Google keeps all of your hundreds (or thousands) of emails on their servers. When you log in to your account, you get a copy of the first batch of emails. If you click the next button, you go back to the previous 50. This is a great example of how computing in the clouds works.

Currently there are many more sophisticated ways to use this feature. Adobe Creative Cloud is one of the most elaborate. With a subscription you can access all of their current design, graphic, audio, video, photographic and website authoring programs. Adobe also gives you storage space to keep the files you create and will host 5 websites for you to get you started. In addition you get access to features in the software that is not available to the standard buy once programs. Plus as any programs are updated, your copies automatically update.

There may be some risks involved in your files being located in the cloud somewhere. If you want to share and collaborate with others, the cloud is a great way to do that. You don’t want to keep your precious original photographs of a special assignment only on the cloud. In that case you would need to keep the originals safe on your equipment. You can upload copies that are in process of being changed for coworkers to see.

Michael Edwards

Web Technologies

Tuesday, February 12, 2013