The Benefits of Cloud Computing

There’s an awful lot of discussion about the benefits of cloud computing – and not a whole lot about what it is, exactly. So how can you know if cloud computing technology is something that will actually be useful to you, if the very definition of cloud computing is as nebulous as its namesake?

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What is the cloud” or “How does cloud computing work,” then this is your lucky day. The following information was compiled to help readers understand the most basic elements of Microsoft cloud computing, and the advantages of taking to the Cloud.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing technology is one you’re already familiar with if you use Gmail, Yahoo or AOL for your email. The cloud is a term used to describe the online networks where you work and play. In other words, the cloud is the place that holds all of your stuff – things like calendars, pictures, music – so that you can access it at any time. If you use social networking sites, you’ve already discovered the benefits of cloud computing for personal pleasure.

How Does Cloud Computing Work?

Actually, it’s pretty simple. A computer user subscribes to a cloud-based storage company, and then “sends” the information to that company. So instead of saving anything on your own personal computer, you’d save it on the online network run by the storage company.  (One the benefits of cloud computing is that your own computer stays uncluttered, because all of your information is stored somewhere else.) Then, when you wish to retrieve that information – as in, you wanted to listen to your music or look at pictures, or you needed a particular spreadsheet or document – you’d either A) have the information sent to you from the storage company, or B) access the information on the network yourself.

Are there economic benefits of cloud computing?

Absolutely. The economic benefits of cloud computing are especially clear for business owners, because it can almost completely eliminate the cost of software. Owners who use computers not only have to purchase the actual physical machines, but also the software programs that run on those computers. With cloud computing technology, an owner can use the network to run applications that normally have to be purchased.  This can save an owner thousands of dollars, while allowing for additional choices in terms of providers.

What Can Cloud Computing Technology Do for Me?

In a word?EVERYTHING. The basic tenet of Microsoft cloud computing is that multiple networks are faster, stronger and better protected than the average computer. And one of the great benefits of cloud computing is automatic backup. Cloud computing technology ensures much larger areas for data storage, so anything you save on the cloud will be saved in multiple spaces, guaranteeing that you’ll always have it around.

So does that mean you should never save anything on your physical computer? No – important things should be saved whenever and wherever they can. But now you can keep them safe and access them wherever you are. It’s kind of like taking your computer with you wherever you go, without the hassle of actually lugging around the desk top.

Microsoft cloud computing has revolutionized the way we think about data storage, the way we treat our information – the way we work and play online. When people ask “How does cloud computing work for me,” they’re usually not thinking about the massive changes it’s caused in both the public and private sector. Some of the benefits of cloud computing are so subtle that we don’t even notice them – like improving the efficiency of IT responsiveness while lowering the cost. So whether you’re a business owner or a college student, there’s an application through Microsoft cloud computing that will save you time and money every time you use it.

Do You Have Enough Power Surge Protection?

It’s officially hurricane season, and that means it’s time to face the inevitable power surge. Protection is important to keep your things from fizzling out, but the power strip you bought might not be enough.  So if you have a computer, data backup should be the first thing on your mind this storm season.

We’ve compiled a list of ways of how to back up a computer so that you’re protected during the season. To avoid dealing with computer problems after a power outage, why not give one of these a chance?

Buy a DVD/CD Burner: Copy EVERYTHING. Really – everything. Power surge protection strips might help you in a small storm, but in a serious weather event, like a hurricane or a tornado, huge amounts of electricity can come coursing down those wires. It’s far less expensive to take care of your computer data backup at home than it is to replace a motherboard – or an entire computer.

External Hard Drives: The price of external hard drives has really come down over the last few years, making this an inexpensive way to create additional power surge protection. How, you ask? Because an external hard drive usually comes equipped with computer data backup software pre-packaged inside of it. That means it automatically backs up everything you do, as long as you remember to turn it on.

Get Online: If you want to know how to back up your computer for free, however, then it’s time get online. Many web-based companies offer free computer data backup through cloud computing or applications. What does that mean, exactly? It means that all of your “stuff” – your pictures, your spreadsheets, your music, your documents, etc – can be saved not just on your specific computer, but on a network that allows to you access them from anywhere in the world. It’s the ultimate in power surge protection, because the data isn’t only on your computer.

Reliable Computer Data Backup Solutions

All of these power surge protection ideas are great, but there are some other preventative methods you really should take first.  They’ll help you minimize computer problems after a power outage by lowering the level of damage that a storm may cause in the first place.

1. Keep your computer in a cool, dry place that’s relatively free of dust.
2. Develop your computer data backup plan and stick to it every day.
3. Buy a power surge protection strip, and keep only your computer on it.
4. Protect your computer from static electricity, which can cause erasures.
5. Update your virus protection – stat.

Even small storms can fry your computer, so knowing how to back up your computer is a must. But by taking preventative measures now, you can avoid long-term, serious computer problems after a power outage. If you’ve not yet begun using a computer data backup system, then it’s definitely time to start. A little bit of prevention can save you hours of aggravation – and hundreds of dollars in repairs.

If you’re not sure which kind of protection you need, it’s a good idea to call a professional. Local computer technicians will not only understand how surge protection works – they’ll also know what kinds of weather events are most common in your area. That means they’ll be more familiar with how computers react to certain types of storms, and can recommend methods of how to back up the computer that are more likely to work. They may even offer data storage, which will take care of two birds with one stone.