Where/what is this place? Starter Where/what is this place? This is Google’s data centre in Dublin – where users’ Gmail, Google Drive and Google Docs are all stored. Otherwise known as…? More data https://www.google.com/about/datacenters/inside/locations/index.html

Lesson Objectives Explore the concept of storing data in the ‘cloud’

Video – The Cloud https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzl4Wud_Bp0

MrFong’s Cloud Poster

What is “The Cloud”? – Key Points 'The Cloud' refers to servers in data centres around the world, where information and files are stored on servers and accessed by users connected to the internet. It allows users to store files on cloud servers located across the world. They access these files using the internet. So no, you are not directly connecting to clouds in the sky when you use cloud services! Instead of keeping files on a hard drive, USB stick or solid state drive, that you have to stay at, you can use any device that is online to access files from a cloud server.

What is a “Cloud Server”? When you connect to a cloud service, such as Apple Music, Spotify, Gmail, Snapchat or Instagram, you are actually connecting directly to these company’s cloud servers. This is where your photos, music, emails and snaps are stored! You can think of cloud servers as thousands of hard drives, which store all user data.

What can you store in “The Cloud”? You can store all types of data in the cloud, including: Documents Images Photographs/Movies

Common Cloud Services

Advantages of “The Cloud” Currently, cloud storage is a cost effective way of storing files. Many providers offer a number of GB free, before upgrading. Users can access their data on any device from anywhere in the world. Offers a form of backup for your files, so if your device breaks, files are backed up on the cloud server Provides a storage alternative to USB sticks and portable hard drives, which can be easily lost/damaged. Many cloud services allow us to “collaborate” - which means with other users work on the same document in real time.

Disadvantages of “The Cloud” Security issues – in 2016 iCloud was hacked which leaked personal information (and private photos!) of many A list celebrities. Would you want your private data hacked? Cost - If you want to store a lot of data, there can be a subscription cost associated. Requires an internet connection - you cannot access your files if you do not have an internet connection. Trust/Privacy - you have to trust the cloud company with your data an documents!

Activity - Microsoft Word Option Bucket 1 Option Bucket 2 Google Drive Spotify Office 365 Instagram Dropbox Snapchat 1. Classwork, The Cloud, Today’s Date 2. Explain what “The Cloud” is. 2. Research one service from each of the buckets of “Cloud Services”, answering the following questions: Explain what the service is used for. Explain how the service makes use of “the cloud”. Discuss the advantages of the service. Discuss the disadvantages of the service. Full sentences and paragraphs must be used. Illustrate your work with images. NO BULLET POINTS!

Example Work - Microsoft Word Correct header (title/date) Full sentences/paragraphs Use of images to illustrate work. Clear evidence of research

Include this information in your report. Extension Activity Can you find the location of the data centre of one of your chosen cloud based services? Is it on the other side of the world or closer to home. Include this information in your report.