Cloud Hosting

By Dustin Miller

HTF Columnist

EVELETH What is the cloud? The simple answer is it is a bunch of servers on the Internet networked together to provide you your services and storage from the Internet instead of your hard drive. Different servers will have different functions, such as processing your requests or storing your data. Most people use the cloud for somethingand many dont even realize it.

If you have your phones being backed up to Google or Apple, you are using cloud storage. They give you some storage space to back up your files from your phone in case disaster happens; you will then, hopefully, be able to restore your phone fairly easily with minimal data loss.

There are many different types of clouds out there as well. There is cloud storage, cloud backup, cloud sync and cloud software. Google Drive is a cloud computing service, which allows you to edit documents and spreadsheets all online. This service is entirely online-based and even allows you to save files on your account. You dont even need a computer to use thisthere are apps for most smart phones and tablets.

Dropbox is an example of a cloud sync application. You upload files and then the files will be transferred to all other dropbox installations that you have installed or users you are sharing the folder/file with. Of course, depending on the size of the file, this can take a little bit of time. This service is primarily used for sharing your files with other computers or people.

Cloud storage places such as Apple iCloud or Amazon Cloud are mostly used to back up your files and documents, and store them online. Many of your off-site storages will use a cloud-based storage as well. This gives you a backup of all of your data in the event something happens to your computer.

Is the cloud secure? Should I store personal data on the cloud? This depends. Some cloud services will encrypt your data, but always make sure it is encrypted before you do store any personal information up there. All the main cloud companies have many security measures in place to protect your data, but on the Internet (as with anything) there is always that chance it can end up in the wrong hands. Of course, using a strong password will also help keep your data safe.

When deciding if you want to use the cloud, you also need to see who actually owns the material once it is uploaded. You may give up some of your rights to that file on some cloud servicesso always be sure to check their terms and conditions. I, personally, like the cloud for storing some of my files that I like to access from multiple locations. I mostly use Google Drives storage for many of those files. I also use online backup for some of my critical documents in case of a computer crash.

Dustin Miller is a general partner of Cold Snap Technology in Eveleth, MN. Cold Snap Technology can be reached at 218-744-1210 or visit http://www.coldsnaptech.com.

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What is the cloud? Is it cloud storage, cloud backup, cloud sync, cloud computing? - Hometown Focus