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Cloud Computing will have a major influence on how we use computers in the future. The influence is already being felt with the ability to share information between people and devices without transferring the information by email or by memory stick.
Cloud Computing is a group of Data centres, i.e. large computers and associated equipment that are all connected together and can be accessed by any device that can connect to the Internet.
A selection of companies offer personal services through the cloud. The most popular, in no particular order, are: Apple with its iCloud service, Google and the Google Apps, Drop Box, Egnyte, Skydrive from Microsoft, Amazon Cloud Drive and Open Drive. To avail of them you set up an account with the service and in most cases they will provide you with an amount of Cloud Storage Space Free, with the option to buy extra storage space if and when it is required.
Connecting your devices to your Cloud Computing account will allow you access the same data on each of the devices. A device is any piece of computer equipment that can connect to the Internet, be it a phone, a computer, a pad, a television or a gaming console.
Any type of digital data can be stored in the Cloud, i.e. pictures, videos , documents or accounts, etc.
To start with the Cloud .create an account with one of the providers mentioned above. If you already have a Gmail email address, an Apple id or a Microsoft account, these can be used to access your cloud storage with each of these companies.
Cloud services may remove the need to upgrade your machines as often as previously. It is akin to having an extra hard drive on your computer. It can also be useful as a way of backing up your important data. There are still some uncertainties surrounding privacy and the Cloud but risking your data in this way is better than risking losing it by not having a backup.
Joan Maguire is a Fellow of the Irish Computer society and runs Compucara on Dykegate Lane, Dingle , Where she provides courses on computers for individuals and groups as well as a service answering questions about
technology. 066 91 52222 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.