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Storing data in the "cloud"

he problem that always faces computer users

is this: "When the programs, data, calculations,
photos, music, etc, are not needed for a while
where can we keep them"? Through the years, the
answer to that question has changed dramatically
and yet it seems that the more capacious and faster
storage media have been created, the greater
storage capacity we need. Some people invest in
larger hard disks, others prefer external storage
devices like optical discs or USB drives. Desperate
people might delete entire files to make space for
new information. Many people are now choosing to
rely on a growing trend: cloud storage.
Instead of storing information on their computer's
hard drive or other external storage devices, they
save it on a remote server. The Internet provides the
connection between their computer and the server.

Whati~eC~OlAd9
The cloud is the internet - in other words,
a network of servers, Today, we do al! kinds
of things "in the cloud." If you've
ever checked your email online,
you've used the cloud!

li

i
ii

OGmail
O Yahoo! Mail

rou cali
use thc O Google Docs
cloud O Facebook
with: O Evernote

OMozy

)YIlat can you do

in the cloud~
o)

o)

~~';~rla'~ha~~~~
~~~t':~e~~~R~ti~
(your emails are stored on servers, which are
connected to the internet).
Collaborate

online with Google Docs. Just

create a document and send everyone the

web address. Everyone in your group will be
able to add to the document, and they can
even edit it at the same lime.
o)

Have you ever heard someone talking about

"the c1oud" and wondered what it meant?
Although the idea is relatively new, it's not too
hard to understand. In fact, you've probably
used the cloud many times without knowing it.

o)

1---

Make notes with Evernote, using your

computer or mobile device. Your notes will
always be up-to-date,
no matter which
.:;)
device you're using.
GCF

11

Read the text and say:

What is cloud storage?

What is meant by the term "cloud"?

Who provides the service?

What is needed to store data in the cloud?

What are the most important things you can do in the cloud?

12

Us~ the information to complete the following conversation between two friends.

A:
B:

A:
Hi! Nothing special. l'm just reading an article

B:

fram PC World.

A:

A:

A:

I didn't realize that. What else can we do in the

B:
A:

It seems that cloud storage has many advan-

Hold on! lt's nothing to do with front weather or

B:

Absolutely. It's a cool solution to our backup

tages over traditional storage.

stormy systems! It refers to saving data to an

problems. Space is never enough. The more we

off-site system maintained by a third party.

have, the more we need.

My qcodness. You know l'm not at home with

A:

It's true. Can I borrow the magazine? l'd like to

read the article.

computer technology. What exactly is "the cloud"?

B:

Have I used the cloud? Really? When was that?

lt's about storing data in the cloud.

A:
B:

~
.."vr

cloud?

B:

52

Store files in the cloud with Dropbox, SO you

won't have to wonry about bnnglng them
WITh you As long as you have access to the
Internet, your files are just a few clicks away.

B:

Of course. Why don't you --

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