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Intro to the Cloud�Lesson 1 – Google Docs

By

Brndan Treacy

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What is the Cloud

In simple terms…

Cloud computing means that all your applications, settings, files and folders are accessible from any PC, Tablet or Smartphone with a web browser.�In more technical jargon…

Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other mobile devices on-demand…

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Cloud Based Service Examples

Gmail or hotmail
Google Docs and Office365
Online storage services like Dropbox, Skydrive or iCloud
Music Streaming Services like Spotify, or itunes
Video Streaming Services like YouTube and NetFlix

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Computer Set-up

Low-end Desktop Computer or Laptop
Tablet Computer like Ipad, Samsung Galaxy Tab or Archos
Smartphone
Wireless Network in the Home for connecting Laptop, Tablet and Smartphone

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Cost of Using Web Apps

Skydrive, Google Docs free to Home Users
Web Apps with minimal storage and features are free
More advanced versions for a monthly/yearly fee
Software now available as a service.

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Benefits of Using the Cloud

Improved work life balance
Collaborate on Projects in realtime
Share Links to docs, photos, notes etc
Secure storage of personal files
Cloud Storage accessible from mobile devices

1. You are able to carry on with work where you left off in at Home, Cafe or while waiting to meet someone off plane, train due to full syncronisation of files on skydrive, google drive or dropbox.

2. It makes it easy to collaborate on projects with a team of people or with family with a document, slideshow etc in realtime and exchange instant messages while working

3. Share links with social or business network to exchange articles of interest.

4. Extra level of security for personal files in the event of PC Crashing as master copy stored in cloud. In the case of dropbox older version of files are kept so if you save an incorrect version, you can restore an older one.

Not Used

Web Apps are being continually improved due to browser developments and in some cases in the business world are full scale implementation of original PC version

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Benefits of Using the Cloud cont...

Full Synchronisation of files on many devices
Web App data accessible from Smartphone App
Basic Desktop or Laptop Computer adequate
Web App always latest version

It is possible to access Cloud based applications and storage from many devices so increases productivity. It takes a while to get used to it, but there are fail-safes; conflicting copies of files from different machines are clearly labelled (if, for example, you work on a document on two different devices, one of which isn't connected to the web, so unable to sync). Dropbox keeps snapshots of every file change over the last 30 days, so can retrospectively restore files, too.
Smartphone Apps work in tandem with Web App so data accessible while out and about or during holidays or business trips.
PC does not need to be top end model as a Web Browser is low on computer processing power. So older computers can function quite well with cloud based services
Unlike PC based programs, you are always running the latest version of web app although many Web Apps for home users are still under development

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Drawbacks of Using the Cloud

Data stored in Mystery Locations around the world.
High level of trust in company that provide Cloud Services
US Authorities scan data going to Cloud Storage Services

Some may say that there are no down sides to cloud computing, but users should not depend too heavily on these services. Moreover, an online service is more prone to cyber threats than your PC. Having said that, however, most would agree that with cloud computing, the good outweighs the bad.

Data stored in the cloud is essentially stored at some mystery location, usually several mystery locations around the world so important to have backups of all essential data. In the case of Dropbox, all of that data is encrypted and kept on Amazon's Simple Storage Service in multiple data centres across the US.

Jan 31 2013 – Intellegience Surveillance Act allows US authorities to spy on cloud data. This includes

services such as Amazon Cloud Drive, Apple iCloud and Google Drive.

The fibre-optic cable that carries the data is split and a miniature supercomputer scans all the data in real-time with any material of possible interest being instantly copied to the NSA [National Security Agency]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21263321

So Individuals should still be sensitive to the nature of the data they are storing in the cloud.

The risk of cloud computing is that the users must place a high level of trust into the online software vendors who developed the apps, that they will not disrupt the service.

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Cloud Precautions

Web App should have export or download facility
Backup exported data to portable drive
Recovery plan required when Cloud Services unavailable

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Class Activity

1. Register with Google Drive and access handout and samples.

2. Set-up a Budget with Google Spreadsheets

3. Produce a Daily travel Itinerary using Google Docs

4. Produce a Trip Packing List using Google Docs

5. Access the above files on Tablet or Smartphone using Google Drive App.