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Use Web Applications - Cloud College (Part 1)

9/13/2013 5:18:43 PM

Follow our 10 tips and become a cloud expert    

Key points    

·         The ‘cloud’ is a jargon term for online applications and services

·         Many are free, but there may be charges for some features

·         The cloud can be used to protect important files

·         A few simple precautions can reduce security risks

You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about ‘the cloud’. It is a term that simply refers to the use of the internet to provide a service that would otherwise need software or hardware installed on a home computer.

Webmail service Gmail (www.gmail.com) is a familiar example of a cloud based service, as is the popular photo-sharing website, Flickr (www.flickr.com).

Some cloud services are free, while others cost money but all are here to stay. Understanding what the cloud has to offer can save lots of time and money. In this project, we’ll explain everything you need to know in just 10 easy-to-follow steps.

1.    Get equipped

A cloud service needs one or more internet-connected devices, such as a computer, smartphone or tablet. The speed of the device is not usually important but for some services the internet connection speed is critical. For example, those who upload lots of videos will want a fast connection.

ADSL and 3G services are generally limited to upload speeds of around 1 or 2Mbits/sec, whereas some fiber-optic services, offer upload speeds of up to 19Mbits/sec. The difference when uploading a 1GB video file could be dramatic – a few minutes versus several hours. Speeds can be checked using a free online.

Upload speed is important for some cloud-based features and services

Upload speed is important for some cloud-based features and services

Some cloud services, such as Dropbox can use a lot of data so an unlimited broadband package is a sensible choice. For capped broadband services, a utility, such as Tbbmeter from Think Broadband (www.thinkbroadband.com), can help keep an eye on data usage. Cloud services may need add-ons (such as Flash or Java) that are not available for some browsers or devices.

2.    Easy ways to get started

Cloud services can be grouped into broad categories: file storage and synchronization, file sharing, music and video streaming, collaborating with others, and applications.

A good starting point is to try a free multipurpose service using a Google or Microsoft account. Microsoft gives users Skydrive (7GB of file storage, synchronization and sharing), Office Web Apps (word-processing and spreadsheet applications, and collaboration – http://office.microsoft.com) and Outlook.com (the new name for Hotmail, offering webmail, contacts and calendar). Google offers Gmail (webmail, contacts and calendar), Drive (7GB of file storage, synchronization and sharing, collaboration and office apps – http://drive.google.com) and the Picasa photo-sharing service (http://picasaweb.google.com).

To get a Microsoft account, visit www.live.com and click ‘Sign up now’, or for Google go to www.google.com, click Sign in then Sign up.

3.    Check what you have

Those who already have a Google or Microsoft account may have a head start, but several other products also include free cloud services. For example, anyone with an Amazon (www..com) account automatically receives a 5GB Cloud Drive for storing files and documents, plus the Amazon Cloud Player, which allows users to upload up to 250 music tracks and play them from any web browser.

Broadband subscribers may get free online storage, along with an automatic backup tool for Windows. Antivirus suites from Bitdefender (www.bitdefender.com), Bullguard (www.bullguard.com), McAfee (www.mcafee.com) and Trend Micro (www.trendmicro.com) also include various amounts of free cloud backup and storage.

Amazon provides a free Cloud Player for account holders

Amazon provides a free Cloud Player for account holders

4.    Back up files to the cloud

Backing up important files to the cloud is a great way of insuring against data loss. Broadband is usually too slow for backing up an entire computer but regularly uploading the latest versions of personal files and folders should not be a problem.

Most such services charge a subscription, but there are free services. Idrive (www.idrive.com), for instance, offers a free 5GB plan and uses a Windows application that can automatically back up selected files or folders. However, it is limited to one PC, so those with multiple PCs might consider Mimedia (www.mimedia.com), as this has no such restriction and has 7GB of free storage. A bonus is that it has a built-in media player, allowing users to stream audio and video from any browser, and there are also free apps for iOS and Android devices.

Idrive automatically backs up files whenever they are changed

IDrive automatically backs up files whenever they are changed

Cloud services use many high-tech safeguards to store files securely. But regardless of how good these are, they are meaningless if someone gains access to your account.

Using cloud services from a public computer, such as those in a local library or internet cafe, should be avoided if possible, as usernames and passwords could be stored or stolen by malicious software. If using such a computer, at least ensure that any ‘remember me on this PC’ boxes are not ticked, and log out completely before leaving (one trick is to try logging in again to see if the details have been remembered).

It is a good idea to change the password for cloud services regularly, and always use passwords of the maximum length allowed by the service. Finally, keep security software up to date on all computers and devices to minimize the risk of account details being compromised by Trojans or key-loggers.

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