What is the Cloud?

WhateCloud? the The cloud is the internet-in other words, a network of servers. Today, we do all kinds of things "in the cloud." If you've ever checked your email online, you've used the cloud! o Gmail You can • Yahoo! Mail use the • Google Docs cloud o Facebook • Evernote with: • Dropbox o Mozy What can you do in the cloud? - Check your email from any computer in the world that has an internet connection (your emails are stored on servers, which are connected to the internet). When you use the cloud, your I computer communicates with I a network of servers. Some ofI the servers are specialized for storage, while others use their computing power to run applications. > Collaborate online with Googlle 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 time. - Store files in the cloud with Dropbox, so you won't have to worry about bringing them with you. As long as you have access to the internet, your files are just a few clicks away. An application that runs in the cloud is called a web app. Unlike desktop apps, web apps don't need to be installed- you just need a web browser. Google Docs is an example of a web app. > 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 LearnFree.org