The cloudA term often used to describe a location on the internet from which software applications are run and where data is stored. is a generic term for remotely accessed storage. This storage is accessed through the internetA global network connecting millions of computers.. Users do not actually know where their dataUnits of information. In computing there can be different data types, including integers, characters and Boolean. Data is often acted on by instructions. is stored - the geographical location is unimportant. Users only need to know that their data is stored securely on a serverA computer that holds data to be shared with other computers. Servers require server software. connected to the internet.
Using cloud storage brings several advantages:
the ability to access fileAnything you save. It could be a document, a piece of music, a collection of data or something else. from any location or any device, so long as an internet connection exists
access can be granted to another user so they can remotely access another person's data
reduced need to make backupA copy of important files that is kept separately in case the original files are lost or damaged. - cloud storage services back up the data for users
There are also disadvantages of using the cloud:
cloud storage hosts could be targeted by hackers
people have less control over their data
access to data is only possible with an internet connection - no connection means no access to data
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 offering limited versions of popular software such as word processors, spreadsheets and presentation software.