Computer systems are a combination of both hardware and software working together. Hardware is the physical components of a computer and software is the programs that run on a computer.
Storing dataUnits of information. In computing there can be different data types, including integers, characters and Boolean. Data is often acted on by instructions. at a remote location online is known as cloud storage. When files and data are sent to the cloud, they are actually being sent to a server that is connected to the internet. Files can be uploaded to a folder system and downloaded as required.
In recent years, the cloud has also become a term for internet-based softwareThe programs, applications and data in a computer system. Any parts of a computer system that aren't physical. facilities.
Cloud storage has many advantages:
data can easily be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
the business running the cloud storage service manages backupA copy of important files that is kept separately in case the original files are lost or damaged. and security.
additional storage can be added easily without having to invest in additional hardwareThe physical parts of a computer system, eg a graphics card, hard disk drive or CD drive..
However, cloud storage also has a number of disadvantages associated with it:
if you can access your data from anywhere with an internet connection, then a hacker can potentially do the same.
if your internet connection fails, then you won鈥檛 be able to access your files.
you are relying on other people to correctly secure your data and keep backups.
you don鈥檛 know if employees of the cloud service will have access to your data.
A business that is considering using a cloud computing service will have to think about whether the advantages outweigh the risks. This is a complex decision and will depend on many factors, including the type of data to be stored in the cloud system.
Technology is always changing and it is important to think about the risks involved when using any new technology. This is especially important when that technology is used to store information that could be private and confidential. Do the risks outweigh the disadvantages? Is the technology likely to suffer from some kind of cyberattack?