What is Cloud Storage?

The moment you hear clouds, you begin to wonder. Are my files stored in the clouds, how is that possible? Are they Safe? Can Hackers attack it? Well, take your time and read this post.

What is Cloud In Computing?

When we use the term cloud, it just means internet. The internet has many forms but we’re going to focus on one – a cloud storage or internet storage. Cloud storage or internet storage means, storing and accessing data from a high computer system called Server, using the Internet.

Note: When you store data or run programs from a hard drive, that’s called a local storage computing. Everything you need is physically close to you, which means accessing your data is fast and easy. But for cloud storage, it is like storing your files on another computer far away from you. Due to the distance, you can’t just use Pen-drives or any storage media, you need the internet.

And for cloud storages, your files are not just stored on these ordinary computers, it is stored on something called a server – a very powerful computer system with incredible amounts of storage.

In order to access a cloud storage Server to store your files online, You need the following:

1. Choose a Cloud Storage Host.
2. Get Internet Access.
3. Create an account with your cloud storage host.
4. Download a Syncing Software to upload your files or use Remote uploading.

Cloud Storage Hosts.

There are a lot of cloud storage hosts. Every host has an amount of storage that it gives for free. If you want a higher storage, then you need to buy. The popular and highly secured ones are: Google drive, OneDrive, MEGA, Pcloud, Dropbox etc…

• Google Drive gives you free 15GB of Online Storage
• OneDrive gives you free 5GB of online storage.
• MEGA cloud storage gives you free 20GB of online storage.

Let’s pause here and try using one of these storages. We are going to use MEGA.

Creating Account and Uploading Files

Upon all the cloud storages, let’s say I choose MEGA. As said earlier, I need internet access before I can create the account. After getting internet access, I will visit the host site. If you choose mega, their website is https://mega.nz. Go there, find Create a new account or sign up. (Learn how to create a MEGA Account here)

Create an account using some details like your name, email address, password, etc. After Creating and confirming the account, you will be given an online space on their server. Where you can upload and save your files for later use.You can use this procedure on other hosts even if you didn’t choose MEGA.

Syncing and Uploading Files

There are three ways to upload your files to your chosen cloud storage host.

1. Using the host’s software to upload your local files. Either On your computer, Android phone or iPhone.
2. Using a browser to upload your local files. Any kind of browser that supports uploads.
3. Using URL remote uploaders.

Internet Storage Security!

Now, Let’s talk about Security. Many people don’t trust cloud storages. As long as it involves internet access, they believe their files are exposed on the internet. But that’s a very wrong idea.

It is true that there are hackers, especially when it comes to the internet. But remember, your own phone or computer can be hacked in some other ways, even without internet. So it is not a matter of Local storages or Internet storage. It is a matter of Security.

Every cloud storage host knows there are attackers, they know their clients will upload their personal files which they may not want to share with anybody. They value privacy, so they don’t lose their security, just as you have protected your own computer or smartphone. So don’t worry about your internet storage.

Therefore, choosing a reliable service provider becomes essential. A good cloud storage service allows the users to maintain their own encryption keys, rather than letting the cloud storage provider retain their information.

There are Highly secured Cloud storages. MEGA is one of them. Google Drive and OneDrive is also another. There is no way the host will expose your files – NO. They work on their responsibilities. So the only way your files are exposed is by sharing your Login details with others.

Benefits of Cloud Storages.

• You can Access your files anywhere in the world at anytime only if you have internet access.
• You can restore your files even if you lose your computer, hard drive or any other local storage.
• You can share your files to your friends (only if you want to).
• Some cloud storages has built in chats and calls service where you can communicate with other cloud storage users.
• ETC. There are many benefits depending on the Host you choose.

Disadvantages of Cloud Storages.

• Dependency On Internet: The biggest disadvantage of cloud technology is its dependency on internet availability. Even today, the internet isn’t available in many remote areas of the world. Or even if you get connectivity, poor upload and download speeds may also hinder access to your cloud storage.
  
• Bandwidth: Many cloud storage services have a particular bandwidth allowance depending on what service you choose. It may cost you more if an organization exceeds the specified allowance. Therefore, this factor should be considered by a firm when looking at a cloud storage supplier.

Let’s end here. Go ahead and try cloud storages. Save your files before they gets lost. Don’t worry, your files are not stored in the clouds, they are just on another highly secured powerful computer (called Server), with mind blowing capacity.