An introduction to cloud computing

By Rich Trenholm on 09 July 2009, 5:47pm

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Is it safe in the cloud?

The first possible issue is security. Companies with unscrupulous designs on your data are rare, but it's best to research Web sites and Web services and look for those recommended by trusted experts, such as Lifehacker or your humble Cravers.

Even if a service is reputable and trustworthy, technical issues can and probably will rear their head. Earlier this year, Google Docs suffered a glitch that shared some private documents. Services such as Spotify can be a target for hackers after your user details.

Cloud safety

Fortunately, a smidgeon of common sense and some simple computing good practice can minimise the effects of such security lapses. Avoid putting your really confidential data in the cloud, and if you do, such as when banking online, avoid using shared public computers like those in Internet cafes, schools and libraries. Don't be too free with your real-world contact details either, and avoid using the same password for everything, even if you only change one letter for each different login.

Cloudy intervals

The second major issue with cloud computing is the potential loss of access. A company holding your data could leave you without access for a period of time, perhaps due to a server hitch. Twitter is notorious for occasional downtime, resulting in the notorious 'Fail Whale' symbol when the site is in trouble. Even worse, you could lose your data entirely.

Not a cloud in sight

In the very, very worst case scenario, you could look to your cloud data and find yourself staring at a cloudless blue sky. Great news if you're off for a picnic, terrible news if the company looking after your stuff has folded completely. This happened last year to the Linkup and the blogging platform JournalSpace. You'll probably be safe with a really big company, such as Google, but then customers of Northern Rock, Woolworths, UBS and the entire population of Iceland probably thought that too.

Even when a company is still solid, it may simply choose to shut up shop on a particular service. Google recently announced it was closing down its note-taking Google Notebook service. But the Internet is endlessly adaptable, and in no time at all the similar service Evernote had announced a tool to import your data from Google Notebook.

Cloud

Layers of cloud

Again, however, a little common sense and general good practice can save the day. The fact is, if you're not backing up your stuff, you really should be. If you're not convinced, just open iTunes, if you have it, and start scrolling through your library. Keep scrolling... keep scrolling... keep scrolling... just think how long it'd take you to rip all those CDs again, if you even have them still -- not to mention the ones you've borrowed or the MP3s you've bought. Imagine if you woke up tomorrow and they were all gone. Still, at least you can get music again: lose those photos from your birthday or wedding or that time you drove a tractor in Sweden wearing a kimono and they're gone for good.

A combination of physical backup with cloud-based backup to an online service is the bare minimum if you want to avoid nasty data-related surprises. The cloud backup will sort you out if your external hard drive fails or your house burns down, while the hard drive has your back should the online service blow a server or run out of money and close down.

Send in the cloud

So that's the basics of cloud computing. If you're already on cloud nine, doing everything on the Web -- or if you wouldn't entrust your data to the cloud if your life depended on it -- let us know in the comments. We've kicked off a series of cloud computing guides here at CNET UK, so keep these basic tips in mind and come along with us to delve deeper into the cloud.