Get your head in the cloud
Cloud computing has subtly become how I get most of my work done on a computer these days. For those unfamiliar with the term ‘cloud computing’, it refers to computing that is done over the Internet. So, rather than installing software applications locally on your own computer, you access them via any Internet enabled device. For a more technical definition:
“Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, as with the electricity grid.” – from Wikipedia
A early example of cloud computing is web based e-mail services such as Hotmail, Gmail, or Yahoo!Mail. With these services nothing is stored or running on the computer aside from the web browser. This means you have easy access to all of your e-mail from any computer, anywhere in the world assuming it is connected to the Internet. We’ve come a long way since the early days of web mail; it is now possible to create documents, design websites, write music, and even do sophisticated photo and audio editing, all from within a web browser.
As with web based e-mail, you gain universal access to your work by using ‘web apps’ but there are additional advantages to keeping your work in the cloud. There’s no risk of losing documents if your computer is damaged or stolen, collaboration with others is easier, and since many cloud services are free, it can save you money.
Of course, there are also disadvantages to cloud computing. Chiefly among them is that a stable Internet connection is required and is not always available. Another concern is trusting the service provider to respect your privacy, guard the security your information, and continue providing the service for as long as you need it. For me, the advantages of cloud computing outweigh the negative aspects but not everyone’s requirements and expectations will be the same; do a little research before signing up for a web based service and search for reviews or testimonials first.
Some of my most used web apps:
- Google Docs – Google’s office suite competitor
- Dropbox – online file storage
- Google Reader – manage online subscriptions to blogs, newspapers, and magazines
- Pixlr – image editing
- Prezi – alternative to PowerPoint and Keynote presentation software
If you’d like to explore and experiment a life in the cloud, the site alternativeTo is a great way to find web applications. Just search for a program, such as “photoshop” and choose ‘online’ in the ‘filter by platform’ menu to discover free cloud based photo editors such as Pixlr, Picnik, and Phoenix. You can also visit Google’s Chrome Web Store and browse web apps by category or search by keyword. They integrate into the Chrome browser but you can use any modern browser with the services found on the site.
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