Cloud computing

Cloud computing

1. Advantages

   • You only pay for the storage you use
   • You don't have to worry about upgrading your computer for more storage power because it is all stored online

2. Disadvantages

   • You can only rely on internet access
     • If you are out of range from internet access, you cannot access what you have stored
   • Security of data
     • Files are stored is on the hosts website, therefore the safety of the data is under their control and not yours.
     • You can however check their security policies before storing data
   • The host may not have the most up to date software, which means the files could be less secure
   • Depending on how far the host is, the performance could be lower

3. Types of cloud computing

   • Software as a service (SAAS)
     • Schools use software like WORD, excel and photoshop
       • These packages of software take up space on the computer's disk drive
         • They load into the computer's memory and run from there
     • Software keeps changing and the packages keep expanding, This means the computer hardware has to keep updating to keep up
     • SAAS is where software like Word or photoshop are run on other companies' servers
       • These servers are what make up the cloud. you only pay for what you use
       • It is up to the company that provides the service to provide the most up to date software available
     • When you want to use the software, you have to log in top the company's server and the software should appear
     • That company that offers SAAS also backs up your files
     • You don't have to pay anyone to install the software onto your client computer or upgrading them
   • Infrastructure as a service (IAAS)
     • This service is only used for storage any is offered by companies like Flickr and companies that stream films and music
     • Netflix is another company that uses this service. It allows you to stream movies when you log in but doesn't use storage on your device, instead, they host the films using cloud.
     • It doesn't use your phone or computer's storage, it is stored on cloud instead so you don't have to constantly upgrade and use up more storage space