The definition of cloud computing varies greatly according to who you talk to. Some people define it as being a host of virtual servers available over the internet while others claim it to be anything done outside of your computer’s firewall.
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Why did cloud computing come into existence?
Cloud computing was brought about by the need for increasing storage space and providing new facilities to consumers of new technology without having to spend money on building structures to house those developments – the companies providing large applications, spam filters, online document editors, online storage, MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game) servers and other online applications are all part of “The Cloud”.
Like services provided by humans, the ‘cloud’ is not something material that users can see or touch, yet we do pay for some of the uses. It can be seen as anything that is provided/hosted over the internet (information, software, resources).
A relatively new idea in the cloud computing field is that of online gaming. Nowadays online gaming requires a user to download the game client onto their computer – the specifications which ask for high-end computers. The idea behind gaming in the cloud is that the ‘console’ acts as a hub to connect the user to the game’s servers. The user’s input will then go directly to the servers and be streamed back to the monitor. This will allow users to play using computers that are less capable.
The main advantages of cloud computing are the reduced storage space, access to data from anywhere in the world (providing you have an internet connection and access rights), and – supposedly – reduced costs.
Security issues and Data Loss
The disadvantages of cloud computing are the security and data loss issues attached to it – if banking and business transactions, research and development ideas are all taking place online, unauthorized people will be able to access the information shared. To keep ahead of those, newer and newer data security systems need to be developed to keep up with newer and newer ways of hacking and accessing sensitive data. Even if everything is secure what if a server goes down or crashes or is attacked by a virus? The whole system would go down and possible data loss may occur – other machines connected to the server via the cloud will also be affected by programmed viruses.
“Every breached security system was once thought infallible”
Digital Waste
Another issue is the large amount of digital waste online. People are continuously updating and uploading pictures, videos, articles, etc. Most of the time after this is done, the uploaded items are forgotten about. Accumulation of data takes place – old videos of pet dogs, shared online SMSes, etc. This is very much like a landfill – just an electronic one. Like any other thing, responsible usage of the cloud should take place to provide a better environment for all.
