Take a Ride on a Cloud By Dave Watkins
Many RVers have questions about “The Cloud”: What is the cloud? Should I use it? If so, for what purposes? The cloud is an environment where applications, documents, photos and more are available anytime and anywhere via the Internet, and can be accessed on multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets. The files reside on servers in some remote data center, which may be in the U.S. or another country. (Most likely, you will not have any idea where the data is stored.) Storing data in the cloud can be an alternative or backup to storing your documents, photos and other data on your computer or on an external drive of some sort. Why is it called “The Cloud”? In the ’90s, when computer pros were asked to explain how the Internet worked, they would often draw several computers linked via a cloud symbol, with the cloud representing the Internet. The cloud symbol has since evolved to become a metaphor for the whole Internet. Many RVers travel with their data stored on a desktop or laptop computer, and/or on external drives in their RV. While this often works without a hitch, if a catastrophe ever happens to the RV or storage device, all of that data could be lost forever. The cloud environment provides a safety net, serving as a backup so that lost data can be restored if necessary. How secure is the data stored in the cloud? There is no easy answer to that, as hackers occasionally sneak past even the most stringent security measures. If you are concerned about data security, you can save non-private files to the cloud and backup your personal files offline.
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betterRVing.com | Fall 2013 | 888.626.7800