This presentation gives a basic overview of cloud computing for the general computer user. It details some of the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud-based services to manage and backup data. In doing so, the presentation includes examples of syncing calendars across devices, backing up data to the Web, and using online office applications. This presentation was last given at the Bay Area Seniors Computer Club in October 2010.

1. Cloud computing
An introduction
Matthew “Buzzy” Nielsen
Assistant Director, North Bend Public Library
This presentation is licensed under a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution United
10/01/2010 States license. For more information, visit http://www.creativecommons.org

2. You've got a computer

3. And you can do stuff on them
Write documents
Edit photos
Manage your calendar

4. And normally that stuff
is stored on your computer

5. But what if you want to access
that info on a different computer?

6. Or a completely different device?
Mobile phone

7. Or have some friends
help you with them?
Photo source: "computer updating" by Per Ola Wiberg on Flickr

8. Enter Cloud Computing

9. Cloud computing:
Accessing computer services, files, or
information via the Internet or a network
rather than your individual computer.

10. The Internet is a network of
computers talking to each other

11. By relying on “The Cloud,” you
are relying on that network
Image source: Sam Johnson, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_computing.svg

12. Example of Cloud Computing:
Web-based office programs

13. Typing a letter, on your computer

14. Or on the Internet
http://docs.google.com
You can edit documents
similar to using a word
processor on your computer.

15. Your friends can also help out

16. Create spreadsheets and
presentations, too!
There's even some surprising
functionality, like separate worksheets

17. You can even edit photos!
http://picnik.com

19. Demonstration:
Editing a photo on picnik.com

20. Cloud Computing, pros & cons
Advantage #1:
Available from any computer with Web access
Disadvantage #1:
Dependent on internet access (usually)
Not dialup-friendly (usually)

21. Other Cloud-based office programs
OfficeLive (office applications)
http://officelive.com
Phixr (photo editor)
http://phixr.com
PhotoShop Express (photo editor)
http://www.photoshop.com/tools

22. Example of Cloud Computing:
Online document storage/backup

23. Backup important files to the Web
http://dropbox.com

24. And do so automatically!

25. Tell Dropbox what to backup

26. And back them up online

27. Even accessible on the go
Dropbox can be accessed on mobile
phones and any computer with Web access.

28. Demonstration:
Uploading a file to Dropbox

29. Cloud Computing, pros & cons
Advantage #2:
You can backup files and information to a more
reliable place than just your personal computer
Disadvantage #2:
You lose some degree of control, meaning that
the security of your files depends on the
security of the service you're using

30. Other Cloud-based backup programs
FilesAnywhere
http://filesanywhere.com
Mozy
http://mozy.com

31. Example of Cloud Computing:
Data managers

32. Calendaring across devices
Enter an event in the calendar
application on your home computer.
(Example here: Sunbird)

33. Calendaring across devices
It gets “synced” to an online service
(Example here: Google Calendar)

34. Calendaring across devices
And you can view it on other devices, like mobile phones
(Example here: Android calendaring app)

35. Demonstration:
Adding and syncing a contact

36. Lots of alternatives
http://apple.com/mobileme
MobileMe: A popular paid alternative for Macs

37. Many types of data can be synced

38. Cloud Computing, pros & cons
Advantage #3:
Portability – You can access your data across
multiple applications and devices
Disadvantage #3:
Privacy – Companies can monitor your information
for business-related purposes (e.g. advertising)

39. Other Cloud-based services:
Antivirus
Cloud antivirus pulls virus protection
files dynamically from the Web, rather
than storing them on your computer

40. The gist:
Cloud computing gives you an incredible amount
of flexibility of your information by sacrificing
some degree of control over it.

41. Questions?
View this presentation on slideshare:
http://www.slideshare.net/nbpl/cloud-computing-5333661
This presentation was made using open source software.
OpenOffice Chrome GIMP Android
Impress Web browser Image editor Mobilephone
Presentation program operating system