Cloud computing. It’s a neat catch-phrase, but what does it mean? It simply refers to applications that are accessible via the internet instead of being installed in your computer.
Without even being aware of it, you most likely are already using some cloud-enabled programs. Web-based email is a good example. If you have, for example, a Hotmail or Gmail email account you’re using a cloud-based program. These programs store nothing on your computer. Instead you log onto their servers, enter your credentials and read and send emails.
Cloud computing – also called Software as a Service (SaaS) has several advantages over traditional installed programs. First of all, the programs (with a few exceptions) don’t reside on your computer. That means they aren’t eating up disk space. Also, you don’t have to worry about downloading updates. The program is always current. Most importantly, though, true cloud apps don’t force you to store your data locally on your computer. Instead, you save your work on their servers. This allows you to access your work from any computer that has an internet connection.
Google has been a leader in cloud computing. They have even released a beta of their Chrome operating system that’s entirely internet based. You create an account and customize your desktop and applications to suit you. Then from any computer, you access Chrome, log in with your credentials, and there’s your desktop. And your programs. And, most importantly, your data!
It’s going to be a while until your entire computing experience can be cloud-based. Until then, here is a subjective list of the best cloud applications:
Google Apps – The granddaddy of online applications, Google apps offer a multitude of solutions: word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, photo editing… way too much to list here. Just reviewing everything they offer is great fun! http://www.google.com/apps/
Microsoft Office Cloud – Microsoft was rather late getting into cloud computing, and has been playing catch-up with Google. They offer online storage and accessibility for their popular Office suite of apps (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). http://www.microsoft.com/cloud/
Microsoft SkyDrive – All you need is a Windows Live account and you can store documents, pictures, videos – any file – on Microsoft’s SkyDrive service. SkyDrive is offered as part of the Windows Live experience. http://explore.live.com/
Mint – Mint.com is a free online personal finance application. Set up and maintain a budget, track expenses and easily generate reports. Mint is also available as an iPhone app. http://www.mint.com/
Panda Cloud Antivirus – If you’re looking for a solid anti-virus program that has a small footprint and uses few resources (for a netbook, as an example), then Panda Cloud Antivirus is for you. http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/
Picnik - The Picnik website says it best – “Photo editing made fun”. One-click photo fixes, special effects, cropping and more. http://www.picnik.com/
Fitday - A free online diet journal, Fitday features tracking tools for your foods, exercise, weight loss and goals. http://www.fitday.com/
Sumo Paint – Sumo Paint is an online image editing application with a full palette of tools, allowing image enthusiasts to create and edit their own masterpieces. http://www.sumopaint.com/home/
iCloud – If cloud-based apps, aren’t enough, how about a virtual online operating system? iCloud is a desktop with applications that you access through your browser. This virtual computer offers the most popular productivity programs – a Microsoft Word-compatible document editor, a calendar, contact management and a to-do list. Plus iCloud has a music player, a movie player, a photo viewer – even an online radio! http://www.icloud.com/en
Cloud computing is an idea whose time has come. Fortunately, more and more vendors are creating cloud-based programs. And, as you see above, many of them are free! Have fun up in the clouds!
This article is provided by Steve Smith, The Computer Psychic. All content is protected by applicable copyrights, and may not be reproduced without express consent of the author.
The information in this knowledge base article is provided “as-is” with no warranty, express or implied, as to the suitability or validity of its content. It is up to the reader of this article to determine if the steps outlined herein are appropriate for his or her use. As with all tasks on the computer, be sure to have a current backup of your data before proceeding.
