What is “The Cloud”?

You may have heard people talking about the cloud. Saying things like: “My photos are in the cloud.” But what does that mean? Where is the cloud? What does it do? And do I need it?

So what is it?

The term “cloud” means a place, separate from your computer, that holds a copy of your data. Every large technology company, like Amazon, Apple and Google, offer a “cloud” service. This means that you can rent storage space at one of their facilities to store a copy of all of your data. This prevents data loss if something were to happen to your physical computer or phone such as your computer crashing or your phone getting run over. As soon as something happens to your phone or computer, you can get a new one and restore all of your data from the cloud.

Who owns the Cloud?

When you use the cloud, you are really renting space from one of the big technology companies. You get to choose which one to trust with your files:

• Apple iCloud – for iPhones and iPads

• Google Photos / Google Drive – good for if you use Gmail

• OneDrive – from Microsoft, often used with Windows computers

• Dropbox – works with all kinds of devices

Why Does the Cloud Cost Money?

Think of the cloud like a safe deposit box at the bank. You pay the bank a small fee to keep your valuables safe. The cloud works the same way—you pay the company a small fee to keep your photos and files safe and available anytime you need them. Most services give you a little space for free, but if you need more, you pay a monthly fee.

Should You Use It?

Yes—you should! The cloud is a safe and simple way to protect your memories, much like renting a safe deposit box. For just a small cost, you gain peace of mind knowing your important photos and documents are secure and easy to reach.