the cloud (2012)
DESCRIPTION
What is "The Cloud"? Get the basics on using "The Cloud" to store files; share and collaborate; backup your computer; and manage multiple online storage accounts. This manual serves as part of a workshop that introduces participants to "The Cloud".TRANSCRIPT
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The Cloud
Newsletter
Forecast: Cloudy!!!
Yes, that's a good thing!
What is "The Cloud"?
According to WikiPedia, it's:A file hosting service, cloud storage service, online
file storage provider, or cyberlocker is an Internethosting service specifically designed to host userfiles. It allows users to upload files that could then beaccessed over the internet from a different computer,tablet, smart phone or other networked device, by thesame user or possibly by other users, after apassword or other authentication is provided.Typically, the services allow HTTP access, andsometimes FTP access. Related services arecontentdisplaying hosting services (i.e. video, image,audio/music), virtual storage, and remote backup.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_hosting_service
Why the importance?
Jump/Flash Drives get lost, boken, stolen, orthey may simply just fail. Storing information in"the cloud" allows you to access your informationfrom any device that connects to the Internetsuch as: Desktop, Laptop, Netbook, Tablet,SmartPhone, or any portable media device.
With technology trends moving towards cloudbasedcomputing and online virtual storage capabilities, more andmore companies are offering online storage services.
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"The Cloud" also serves as a backup device.This is also a good way to backup an existingtablet, netbook, laptop, etc.
Other benefits include the ability to "share"files or folders with others. This may be used tocollaborate on a project; swap family photos;disseminate information to a class or boardmembers.
As a side note: I wouldn't advise placingpersonal information into "The Cloud" forsecuruty reasons and peace of mind.
While on the topic of security, these servicesoffer solid security as is. You must first create anaccount by registering at the site andestablishing a USERNAME and PASSWORD.This is key if you wish to gain access to yourinformation.
Since many companies are now offering"cloud" services, they understand that security,accessability, continuous backups are critical tomainstream users. For those who desireadditional features [for a fee], there is also techsupport, greater storage capacity, and in somecases, the ability to manage multiple storageaccounts.
For more information on how to create a solid password,please read this NY Times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/08/technology/personaltech/howtodevisepasswordsthatdrivehackersaway.html?smid=lishare
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How does this work?
After you create an account, will may need tocheck your email in order to verify the account.This is another form of security.
Once you're in, create your profile. This isnow your space, so you can make modificationsto the account settings. Next, you can createFolders, much the same way you would on yourcomputers desktop. Then, search your harddrive for content to upload.
Some sites, such as Dropbox.com, ask you todownload a small app to your computer. Thisapp (short for "application"), allows you to have ashortcut folder on your computer. Meaning, youcan save files directly to this new folder and itemswill automatically upload to your account. Itemscan be uploaded and shared regardless of theplatform you are using.
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What is the size of my storageaccount?
Dropbox.com offers you 2GB of onlinestorage. All you need is to sign up to open a freeaccount. For addition storage capacity, in the5GB range, there are other options, such as: theGoogle Drive, Ubuntu One, OpenDrive, andAmazon's own Cloud Drive. While SkyDrivefrom Microsoft offers 7GB. For those who needeven more storage, there is 4Shared.com which provide you with 15GB of online storage.
Early subscribers to Microsoft's SkyDrivewhere able to acquire 25GB of online storage. Asstated above, current subscribers can only get7GB.
Are there other types of onlinestorage available?
Yes. There are online services for musicians,such as SoundCloud (http://soundcloud.com/) where a musician or DJ can upload their musicfiles, share them, and monitor the number oflisteners that have come by. There is a FREEversion, but the feebased version has additionalfeatures.
There are also online storage for artists, suchas MyFolio (http://www.myfolio.com/) whereartists can store and share their artwork as wellas collaborate with other artists.
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Now ‐
For this workshop, we'll create an account at4Shared.com since they offer 15GB of freeonline storage, let's take advantage of this.
On your way to creating this account bear inmind that there are somethings to watch out for.For example, you will be asked to download andinstall the "4Shared.com Toolbar" pleasedecline. In my experience, the toolbar hassome features that should be disabled, butunfortunately, I was not able to get the "ToolbarOptions" to work at all.
You'll also be asked whether you want todownload and install "4Sync". This is a goodidea to do if you have multiple devices such as,Laptops, Tablets, SmartPhones, etc. By'syncing' all of your devices, you will always haveaccess to your information.
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How to store and share files!
After you establish your account, begin byuploading files: documents, powerpoints,spreadsheets, music/audio files, video clips,graphics/photos, etc.
Select the file you wish to share.
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Type in the name(s) of the people you want toshare with and press ENTER when done.
The receipient(s) will reveive a notificationthat something has been sent to them. Once thisnotification is clicked, they can see what the itemis and if they choose to, click the item, then thedownload process will begin.
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Once the download is complete, it will appear inyour list of files. Click the file to preview.
Click the DOWNLOAD button to store the fileonto your computer.
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How do you manage multipleaccounts?
If you're like me, who has multiple onlinestorage accounts and do not enjoy having tologin into every account to see where things arelocated, then try ZeroPC [www.zeropc.com].The user interface allows you to easily accessyour accounts all at once. All this for FREE.
There is also a subscription option to ZeroPC,where you can then add additional accounts toyour online storage arsenal, which in turn wouldsignificantly increase your storage sizecapabilities. I use the subscription version whichallows me to add additional Dropbox and4Shared accounts. This interface can also beaccessed from your desktop, laptop, notebook ornetbook, and tablet.Note: I have not tried a SmartPhone yet.
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One Location ‐ Accessed One Time ‐
With the FREE version, you can have all ofthese accounts at your finger tips with just onelogin.
You can view your accounts at a glance.
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At a glance, you'll be able to view the status ofyour virtual storage drives.
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The ZeroPC Interface on your computer.
The interface as it looks on a tablet.
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A view of additional features
The Cloud
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Notes:
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Eddie Vegaphone: xxxxxxxxxxemail: [email protected]:http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/edwin.vega/