What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a way of using the internet to store, manage, and process data instead of doing it on your own computer’s hard drive. Think of it like renting space in a huge, powerful computer that you can access from anywhere, rather than buying and maintaining all the hardware yourself.

Let's break it down

  • Servers: Big computers in data centers that run the applications and store the data.
  • Internet connection: The link that lets you talk to those servers from your phone, laptop, or tablet.
  • Services: Different things you can do in the cloud, such as storing files (storage), running programs (computing), or using databases (data management).
  • Providers: Companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud that own and operate the servers.

Why does it matter?

  • Cost‑effective: You pay only for what you use, so you don’t need to buy expensive hardware.
  • Scalable: Need more power? Just click a button and get more resources instantly.
  • Accessible: Work from any device, anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Reliability: Data is backed up across many servers, reducing the risk of loss.

Where is it used?

  • Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify) store and deliver movies and music.
  • Online collaboration tools (Google Docs, Microsoft 365) let multiple people edit the same file in real time.
  • Mobile apps use cloud back‑ends for login, data sync, and notifications.
  • Businesses run entire websites, e‑commerce platforms, and data analytics in the cloud.

Good things about it

  • Low upfront costs and predictable monthly billing.
  • Easy to grow or shrink resources as needs change.
  • Automatic updates and security patches handled by the provider.
  • Global reach: users worldwide get fast access because data is stored in many locations.

Not-so-good things

  • Dependence on a stable internet connection; without it, you can’t access your data.
  • Ongoing subscription fees can add up over time.
  • Trusting a third‑party with your data raises privacy and security concerns.
  • Potential for vendor lock‑in, making it hard to switch providers later.