Cloud computing

Cloud computing describes services provided over a network by a collection of remote servers. This abstract "cloud" of computers provides massive, distributed storage and processing power that can be accessed by any Internet-connected device running a web browser. Schools, businesses, and everyone can benefit from cloud computing due to its ease of uploading and downloading information, making it simple to share information locally and globally.

How do you access cloud computing?

Cloud computing is accessed through an application (e.g., Dropbox app) on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or another mobile device. It is also often possible to access cloud computing through a website using your browser. All current browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari, support cloud computing.

Once connected to cloud computing, data can be retrieved and sent to and from the cloud using the application or browser.

Examples of cloud services

If you have spent any time on the Internet or use devices connected to the Internet, you likely have used cloud computing in some form. Below are examples of cloud computing you have likely heard of or used and examples for online storage of pictures, videos, documents, and other files.

• Adobe Creative Cloud is a cloud-based Software as a service offering from Adobe.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Amazon EC2 - Amazon.com provides a variety of different cloud computing services
• Dashlane - Online password service to synchronize and manage passwords between all devices.
• Google App Engine - A service that allows users to create scalable web services that use Google's resources.
• Google Calendar - A way to organize your schedule, synchronize, and share events with your friends.
• Google Docs - A fantastic free solution from Google that lets you open Microsoft Office documents and share them with other users with Internet access.
• Google Drive - A cloud-based file storage from Google. It allows users to share files, edit documents, and sync files across multiple devices.
• iCloud - A cloud service from Apple for iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and other Apple devices for storing photos, music, games, and other data.
• Microsoft OneDrive - Formerly known as SkyDrive, OneDrive is an online storage service for Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11 users to store files.
• Nextcloud - Open-source software that lets you run a personal cloud server, forked from the OwnCloud project.
• Online backup - Several online backup services store your important information offsite in the cloud. These solutions are also known as cloud storage, online storage, and internet storage that store information in the cloud. For examples, see: How to back up your computer.
• Oracle public cloud - Oracle cloud service for small and large businesses.
• OwnCloud - Open-source software for running a personal cloud file storage service.
• Windows Azure - A cloud computing solution by Microsoft that allows companies to develop and run services from their cloud.

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