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You hear the term “Cloud Computing” everywhere today.  “To The Cloud!” A mother exclaims on an HP commercial as she tries to get a family picture that doesn’t have figurines up a sons nose.  On television, on the radio, and just about everywhere you turn on the Internet, it pops up.  But, do you truly understand what it is?  Do you even know if you are using it?

More than likely, you are using cloud computing in one way or another.  If you happen to be a Cozi user, you are doing cloud computing.  In the most basic form, cloud computing is being able to access information from ‘the cloud’ from every networked device you own.  If you have a web-based email program (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc) you are already in the cloud!

Where Did The Term Cloud Come From?

The entire idea of cloud computing seems like a technical brainstorm of some genius IT person.  But, really, the term Cloud comes from flow charts.  Yup, I said flow charts.  When flow charts are used in the design process of applications and other IT solutions, the cloud symbol is typically utilized to represent the Internet.  Every device connected to the Internet (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone) have access to the cloud.  Simple, huh?

Benefits Of Cloud Computing

1. Computer Crash – Information in the cloud is not going to disappear when you have a computer crash.  Most of the time, information saved locally can be recovered, but not always –and not without spending a lot of money.
2. Access – Being able to access information, no matter where you are or what device you happen to have with you.  Now, THAT is being connected.  Going back to Cozi, I love being able to update my Outlook calendar with appointments and have it automatically sync with my Cozi calendar that I can access from my iPhone and iPad.
3. Convenience – I remember when I got my first flash drive at work.  The convenience of carrying my support tools on it wherever I went in the building was the best.  Now, with cloud computing, there is no need to carry those flash drives around.

Cloud Computing And Your Security

Although, having your information in the cloud is convenient and there is very little risk of losing information, you need to ensure you are securing your personal information as much as you possibly can.  The one, best way to ensure this is by choosing good passwords.

• Passwords – make sure your passwords are strong.  Diversify your passwords as well, don’t use the same one for every application and website.  A good, strong password will have the following characteristics:
  • be at least 6 characters long
  • include uppercase AND lowercase AND numbers AND special characters
  • NOT be your child’s name, Not be your pets name, Not be your birthday, anniversary, or child’s birthday

iPhone and iPad Apps In The Cloud

Below is a list of some of the apps that I use that utilizes cloud computing:

• Cozi – family calendar, to do lists, shopping lists
• DropBox – file storage
• Evernote – note taking app, records pictures, text, and sounds.
• PowerDoc –access my Google Documents
• Instagram – my new favorite photo sharing app.