Windows 8 Bible

Understanding the Cloud

Computer users have been limited in the way in which they can access files on disparate systems. Traditionally, users store their files on a local hard drive (such as the C: drive) or on a network drive at work. To use those files on a different computer, that computer must have a network connection to that user’s network drive, or the user must transfer files using a removable drive such as a floppy drive, flash drive, or similar.

With cloud technology, the user just has to have access to the Internet in order to work on files. Microsoft SkyDrive is Microsoft’s cloud-based technology that provides access to users’ files from any location at any time. The advantage with cloud technologies is that you are not limited to a company network location or to a removable drive strategy. Storing files in the cloud also provides a more flexible way for users to share files with other users. You no longer have to rely on the network administrator in your organization to establish shares for your teams, colleagues, or other persons whom you might want to share files with.

Note

As with most systems, there are some disadvantages to working with cloud-based systems. For one, you must have an Internet connection to access files. Second, your company may have guidelines against storing files in a cloud-based system because of confidentiality and/or file security regulations. Finally, your files may be subject to terms and conditions imposed by the cloud company that ...