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What is "The Cloud"? According to WikiPedia, it's:
A file hosting service, cloud storage service, online file storage provider, or cyberlocker is an Internet hosting service specifically designed to host user files. It allows users to upload files that could then be accessed over the internet from a different computer, tablet, smart phone or other networked device, by the same user or possibly by other users, after a password or other authentication is provided. Typically, the services allow HTTP access, and sometimes FTP access. Related services are contentdisplaying hosting services (i.e. video, image, audio/music), virtual storage, and remote backup. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_hosting_service
Why the importance?
Jump/Flash Drives get lost, boken, stolen, or they may simply just fail. Storing information in "the cloud" allows you to access your information from any device that connects to the Internet
With technology trends moving towards cloudbased computing and online virtual storage capabilities, more and more companies are offering online storage services.
"The Cloud" also serves as a backup device. This is also a good way to backup an existing tablet, netbook, laptop, etc.
Other benefits include the ability to "share" files or folders with others. This may be used to collaborate on a project; swap family photos; disseminate information to a class or board members.
As a side note: I wouldn't advise placing personal information into "The Cloud" for securuty reasons and peace of mind.
While on the topic of security, these services offer solid security as is. You must first create an account by registering at the site and establishing a USERNAME and PASSWORD. This is key if you wish to gain access to your information.
Since many companies are now offering "cloud" services, they understand that security, accessability, continuous backups are critical to mainstream users. For those who desire additional features [for a fee], there is also tech support, greater storage capacity, and in some cases, the ability to manage multiple storage accounts.
For more information on how to create a solid password, please read this NY Times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/08/technology/personalt ech/howtodevisepasswordsthatdrivehackers away.html?smid=lishare
How does this work?
After you create an account, will may need to check your email in order to verify the account. This is another form of security.
Once you're in, create your profile. This is now your space, so you can make modifications to the account settings. Next, you can create Folders, much the same way you would on your computers desktop. Then, search your hard drive for content to upload.
Some sites, such as Dropbox.com, ask you to download a small app to your computer. This app (short for "application"), allows you to have a shortcut folder on your computer. Meaning, you can save files directly to this new folder and items will automatically upload to your account. Items can be uploaded and shared regardless of the platform you are using.
What is the size of my storage account?
Dropbox.com offers you 2GB of online storage. All you need is to sign up to open a free account. For addition storage capacity, in the 5GB range, there are other options, such as: the Google Drive, Ubuntu One, OpenDrive, and Amazon's own Cloud Drive. While SkyDrive from Microsoft offers 7GB. For those who need even more storage, there is 4Shared.com which provide you with 15GB of online storage.
Early subscribers to Microsoft's SkyDrive where able to acquire 25GB of online storage. As stated above, current subscribers can only get 7GB.
Are there other types of online storage available?
Yes. There are online services for musicians, such as SoundCloud (http://soundcloud.com/) where a musician or DJ can upload their music files, share them, and monitor the number of listeners that have come by. There is a FREE version, but the feebased version has additional features.
There are also online storage for artists, such as MyFolio (http://www.myfolio.com/) where artists can store and share their artwork as well as collaborate with other artists.
Now ‐
For this workshop, we'll create an account at 4Shared.com since they offer 15GB of free online storage, let's take advantage of this.
On your way to creating this account bear in mind that there are somethings to watch out for. For example, you will be asked to download and install the "4Shared.com Toolbar" please decline. In my experience, the toolbar has some features that should be disabled, but unfortunately, I was not able to get the "Toolbar Options" to work at all.
You'll also be asked whether you want to download and install "4Sync". This is a good idea to do if you have multiple devices such as, Laptops, Tablets, SmartPhones, etc. By 'syncing' all of your devices, you will always have access to your information.
How to store and share files!
After you establish your account, begin by uploading files: documents, powerpoints, spreadsheets, music/audio files, video clips, graphics/photos, etc.
Type in the name(s) of the people you want to share with and press ENTER when done.
The receipient(s) will reveive a notification that something has been sent to them. Once this notification is clicked, they can see what the item is and if they choose to, click the item, then the download process will begin.
Once the download is complete, it will appear in your list of files. Click the file to preview.
Click the DOWNLOAD button to store the file onto your computer.
How do you manage multiple accounts?
If you're like me, who has multiple online storage accounts and do not enjoy having to login into every account to see where things are located, then try ZeroPC [www.zeropc.com]. The user interface allows you to easily access your accounts all at once. All this for FREE.
There is also a subscription option to ZeroPC, where you can then add additional accounts to your online storage arsenal, which in turn would significantly increase your storage size capabilities. I use the subscription version which allows me to add additional Dropbox and 4Shared accounts. This interface can also be accessed from your desktop, laptop, notebook or netbook, and tablet.
One Location ‐ Accessed One Time ‐ With the FREE version, you can have all of these accounts at your finger tips with just one login.
At a glance, you'll be able to view the status of your virtual storage drives.
The ZeroPC Interface on your computer.
A view of additional features
