What PEOPLE MEAN WHEN THEY SAY “THE CLOUD”

You hear the term “the cloud” everywhere. Phones talk about saving photos to the cloud. Computers mention backing up files to the cloud. Apps offer cloud storage. Even though the phrase is used constantly, it is not always clear what it actually means.

Despite the name, the cloud is not something floating in the sky. The cloud simply means storing your files on secure computers that belong to a company rather than only on your personal devices.

When something is saved to the cloud, the file is stored on large servers operated by companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, or Microsoft. Those servers are connected to the internet, which allows you to access your files from different devices. Some devices, such as smart phones, can automatically back up certain data to the cloud. For example, when iCloud backup is turned on, iPhones can back up to Apples cloud storage called iCloud. Most Android phones can back up to Google’s cloud services, but it isn’t automatic for every device and it isn’t identical across all manufacturers.

For example, when a photo taken on your phone later appears on your tablet or computer, that usually means it was saved or backed up to the cloud and then shared with your other devices.

Cloud storage can also protect your files if something happens to your device. If a phone is lost, damaged, or replaced, photos and documents stored in the cloud can usually be downloaded again onto a new device.

Another benefit is convenience. A document saved on your computer at home can also be available on your phone while you are out running errands.

At the same time, it helps to understand that cloud storage is simply another place where your files live. When devices are connected to the same cloud account, deleting a file on one device can remove it from the others as well.

Like anything connected to the internet, cloud accounts should be protected with strong passwords.

The cloud may sound complicated, but in practice it simply means your files are stored online so they can be accessed no matter where you are.

If you are curious about the larger technology behind cloud services, this article from IBM explains cloud computing in more detail:
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/cloud-computing