Cloud Computing – (n) refers to a type of computing that relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications. – webopedia.com
The “shared computing resources” referred to in the above definition is typically the internet, although, it could be hosted on a business network. So, to cut through the confusion, a “cloud” application is a hosted program you use through your web browser instead of one that is installed on your computer. You get all the benefits of the particular application without losing any hard drive space!
Years ago something like cloud computing would have been unimaginable. But, with broadband speeds continuing to rise, it is now possible to do word processing, spreadsheet creation, and even photo editing without installing an expensive program on your computer.
Google, for example, has something they’ve dubbed Google Docs. It’s a set of office related programs for both spreadsheets and word processing. If you visit http://docs.google.com and sign up for an account then you’ll be able to access the application free of charge. The layout is a bit different than traditional office programs; however, all the typical options (File, Edit, Insert, Font Type, Etc.) are there. Someone well versed in Microsoft Office should have no trouble adapting to Google Docs.
One of the neatest aspects of Google Docs is the fact that all the content you’ve created is hosted online. So, if you start a document while at work, and, you think of something you need to add to it after leaving for the day, then you can visit the website on your home computer, login, open the document, and edit away. The major negative aspect of it, as with most of the other free office programs, is the absence of a grammar checker.
Adobe recently launched a beta version (beta means it’s almost ready for prime time, but not quite yet) of Photoshop Express. It gives you some of the basic features available in Adobe Photoshop CS, which is the company’s graphic design and photo editing program. Visit http://www.photoshop.com/express, sign up for an account, and you’ll be able to upload photos and do things such as taking out red eye, cropping, color editing, and several other things. You can also create photo albums to share with friends and family. Adobe was kind enough to give you 2 gigabytes of space to host your photos which will allow you to upload plenty of snapshots. This is VERY easy to use no matter what your experience with image editing. In my brief time with the application I’ve yet to find a way to resize an image, which, hopefully, will be added prior to the program coming out of beta. Other than that negative point, using it has been a great experience.
Those who find Photoshop Express a bit too daunting to use should check out Picasa Online, another Google cloud application. It is a basic image editor and organizer that shares some of the same features found in Photoshop Express. It can be accessed by visiting http://picasa.google.com.
These are just a few of the many cloud computing applications available for use. As I run across ones that I find useful then I’ll let you know through future updates. If you try any of these three out, or if you have suggestions on others that you’ve found, please comment and let me know.
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