Cloud computing is entirely new concept. Normally, you buy CDs and DVDs containing the software to install the software or games on your computer. That would require space in your house as well as on your hard drive. Also, sometimes, installing and removing them is tedious task. In order to solve this problem, computer scientists came up with an entirely new concept of Cloud Computing.
The word Cloud Computing itself tells a lot. You join to a cloud, share things and disconnect. Simple isn’t it? A cloud is, in reality, a group of servers that provide data to you. The point here is that you can access all tools, softwares, games and almost everything online. So, that saves disk space, storage space and time. There’s no need to install anything except, in case they recommend you for a plugin; but that’s pretty simple.
Let me give you an example. Are you familiar with Google Docs? If not, get familiar here. You log on the Google Docs with your ID and password, and you are served with Office online. Google Docs provide you with a word program, spreadsheet and many more similar to the office suite. Now, you know how much time Microsoft Office takes to launch. Also, installing it requires a lot of disk space and consumes your time. It’s expensive too. On the contrary, Google Docs is a free-of-cost online software that requires no installation. It’s online and follows the Cloud Computing principle. You can make documents online, download them in various formats and you can also convert them to PDF. It also offers you a facility to upload documents, which you can then edit. To make it short, you can do anything that Microsoft Office Word can do.
In this case, Google Docs – a sort of software program is stored on Google’s server and you can access it from your home directly online, without the need to download or install it. Google’s spreadsheet program comes with a broad range of cool facilities which will never come in Microsoft Excel. Make sure you check that out.
Another example of Cloud Computing is Live Mesh at http://mesh.live.com. It allows you to have an online Desktop which anyone you permit can share. An exclusive article on Live Mesh will be coming soon.
With cloud computing, you can access your software which is online from anywhere. Google Docs is same on my PC as well as your PC. All you require is User ID and Password. That’s the greatest benefit. So, you no longer need to carry your Laptop wherever you go. Just slip in a Cyber Café and access your documents!
The dominance of Cloud Computing is increasing in this field. With its advantages, you have a bit of disadvantage also. The disadvantage is that you need an internet connection. So, If you don’t have one, you’ll need to quit.
With cloud computing, all I see is advantage. Be sure, you see it too!
