In the Cloud. Scoville Memorial Library February, 2013

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Aubrey Turner
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1 In the Cloud Scoville Memorial Library February, 2013

2 What is the Cloud? You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud? Basically, the cloud is the internet - more specifically, it's all of the things that you can access remotely over the internet. When something is in the cloud, that means it is stored on servers instead of on your computer. It lets you access your calendar, , files and more, from any computer that has an internet connection.

4 Why Use the Cloud? There are many reasons to use the cloud, but the main reasons are convenience, portability and reliability. In the past, if you wanted to bring a file with you, you would have to save it to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or CD-R disc. Saving a file to the cloud ensures that you'll be able access it with any computer that has an internet connection, so you don't have any physical media to keep track of. The cloud also makes it much easier to share a file with coworkers or friends, making it possible to collaborate over the internet.

5 With the cloud, you're much less likely to lose your data, since it is stored on servers. However, just like anything online, there is always a risk that someone may try to gain access to your personal data, so it's important to choose a strong password and pay attention to any privacy settings for the service you're using. You can use a service like lastpass.com to generate a random password (and remember it). You will, however, need to remember your lastpass.com master password.

6 Web or Cloud Apps Applications or programs are installed on your computer and allow you to perform tasks, such as word processing. Web or Cloud Apps do not need to be installed on your computer yet allow you to perform many of the same tasks. Examples are: such as gmail, yahoo, hotmail Google Drive (formerly known as Google Docs) an office suite, much like Microsoft Office Facebook - social media and storage of photos

7 How do Web Apps Work When you use a web app, you are working from your computer or mobile device but the processing is being done by a network of servers, not your device. Your device is connecting to the servers via the Internet. Cloud Packages Companies such as Google, Microsoft and Apple bundle a variety options in the cloud. You can use these services, often for free, by signing up with an account.

8 Google Services tied to your Google account reached by one login. Gmail Google Drive Google Calendar Picasa Google Reader Google + works with Windows or Apple Chrome browser Apps from Chrome

9 Apple icloud many services designed to sync across Apple devices have to enable sync in all the devices itunes Photos Notes Calendar Office suite is $9.99 for each component Apps from app store Can work with a PC by downloading the icloud control panel

10 Microsoft Sky Drive If you have a Hotmail account, you have a Microsoft Sky Drive (formerly live) account - outlook Office Suite - Office 365 Skydrive - online storage of documents, photos, etc. All of these packages are similar yet different. For more information, Google what you are interested in. For document creation, it's best to pick one and stick with it.

11 Cloud Backup Another common use of the cloud is to use it as a backup Most tablets backup automatically to the cloug Apple mobile devices backup to icloud in settngs You can also sign up with paid services such Mozy & Carbonite to backup a computer to the Cloud Backing up stores all data on a server on the internet The initial backup may take hours. After that, only new data is added on the schedule you choose. If something happens to your device, you can simply restore from your backup Cloud backups can be done in addition to backups to an external hard drive

12 Some Useful Free Apps Evernote- syncs across all devices. Create notes, save text, photos, etc. Dropbox - you can add to your dropbox account from any computer and then access it from anywhere. 2GB free storage. Paper by 53 - capture ideas as sketches, diagrams, etc. Remember the Milk - create and organize your to do lists

What is the Cloud? Computer Basics Web Apps and the Cloud. Page 1

What is the Cloud? Computer Basics Web Apps and the Cloud. Page 1 Computer Basics Web Apps and the Cloud What is the Cloud? You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud? Basically, the cloud is