introduction to the Cloud

The cloud is platform independent.  This means that any app or service will work with any device, whether it be PC, Apple, tablets, Android and more.  Some devices are designed to be used on the cloud.  They do not have a lot of computing power or storage, but enough to access the Internet and the files you have online. 

Programs and software live on the cloud, so no discs are needed.  No updating of software, no worrying about if program will work on your special type of device.  Also, most important, information when you need it!

The cloud allows you to access movies, shop, listen to music and more.  In some cases, you can download the information to your device.  In others, you will stream (such as listening to music online).

Data is stored on the cloud sites with a username & password.  Practice safe cloud surfing with updated browsers, a good antivirus program, and not clicking on pop ups or strange links.

Mobile devices are great with the cloud.  You install the app (found in the App store), and then click on the app to connect.  Again, the data stays on the cloud.  You only see a link to the information. When you click on the link, the information will download, but will not be saved to your device unless prompted. 

Storage for data:  Data is comprised of code.  It is a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that our devices can translate into something that makes sense to us.  That includes pictures, music and movies to name a few.  When we request this data to be sent to our devices, our devices look at the data to determine which program will interpret the data.  It could be a music player, or a web browser, depending on how the data is written.  Your devices might have a different way of viewing this data (it might look different on your iPhone than on your Windows 10 computer), but that is because the program that reads the data (music player, web browser) is different.  The data is the same for all.

Storage place for businesses’ data:  Most all businesses have a cloud presence.  They have the data of the business on their cloud, and allows access within the business as well as among those customers who are on that business.  Business data can include general information about the company (inventory), information about their employees  and information about you.   You are able to access that data when needed (check your bank account, visit the website to learn more about the products) or to send your data to that cloud, such as when you upload a picture of your check to the bank.  If you have data in that business, you will be able to access it.  The business will also be able to access it, with various levels of accessibility.  Human resources might have access to sensitive information about you, but the clerk at the retail shop will not have the same information.

Stored on a server: The data is stored on a particular type of computer known as a server.  This server handles data, storing it, maintaining it, sending it and organizing it.  Servers require quite a bit of processing power, and need to be kept in a cool environment.  Servers are located throughout the world, often times in remote areas.  Data is also kept on multiple servers, so that if there was a problem with one server, the data would remain intact.

And yes, there are many clouds with data, but they are on the ground, and not up in the sky like the fluffy white things.

Clouds have many features in common:

First, data.  The data on the servers are contained in files and folders on the servers.  They are organized in a way that they can easily be retrieved. It also allows for easy exchange, which makes it possible to send a photo from your phone to another.  If you want to visualize how your data looks on a company’s server, consider the files and folders on your computer.  It is the same process of files and folders.  The data itself would be a file (a music file, a file of your checking account), and that file would be in a folder (the group which recorded that music, a folder at your bank for your accounts).  In addition, there might be more folders (all music, every account you own).  It is the file that determines what program to open when your device receives the file, such as a music program or your bank website. 

The data is set up so that it is recognized by any platform.  This means that you can access your data from any of your devices, whether that be a phone, tablet or computer.  And it doesn’t matter if your device is Apple, Windows or Android.  Your data is still compatible, although it may use different programs to view.  All of your devices can hear that music or see that account information, but they might use a different music player or web browser to view. 

The cloud includes web based programs and software, which eliminates the need to purchase software to install on your device.  Web based programs and software are readily updated, saving you time and energy and keeping it safe.  It also insures that you are using the latest version, and that version will work with the device you are using.  Many programs which in the past were loaded onto your device (such as Microsoft Office) are now online, allowing immediate updating and ability to use with all devices. 

The cloud is great for entertainment.  You can purchase a book on Amazon, which is stored on their cloud.  When you purchase it, a copy of that file is put on your account on the Amazon cloud, which is then accessible by you on any device at any time.  You can download that file then to your device and read it at your will.  You can even open that book on one device, and then open another device.  As long as you are connected to the cloud (online), your progress will sync to your present spot in the book.  Not only books, but you can also purchase and store other types of entertainment like movies, music and podcasts. 

It is also wonderful for mobile devices.  With limited storage, it is easy to access these files from your phones or tablets, allowing you to share photos of the grandkids or read your email while sitting in an appointment.

You know that you are on a cloud if you have a username and password for that account.

·         To store files and images (Google, iCloud, Dropbox, Evernote)

·         To share files and collaborate with others (WordPress, Google Drive, Dropbox)

·         As a remote backup to your computer, includes encryption (Carbonite, iDrive)

·         To replace a computer program (Quicken replaced by Mint.com, Photoshop replaced by Pixlr for image editing)

·         To watch TV and movies.  You can stream for on the moment viewing, or in some cases download to your device for later.  (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, Cable)

·         For music and podcasts (Pandora, iHeartRadio, Stitcher)

·         To remember things (calendars, notes, books, contact information, directions, etc.)

·         For necessity, convenience or speed (AAA, banks, wallet, shopping, medical)

·         To catch up with everyone (email, texts, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat)

 There are four things you can do with data on the cloud

• Download it:  An example is that book on Amazon.  If you want to be able to read it without being connected to the Internet, you will download it first.  When you download it, you will no longer need to be connected to the Internet, but you will be using storage space on your device.  You can download many files if you want to view or use them offline (podcasts, videos, music).  Keep in mind, though, that downloading them will take up space  on your device.  On some devices, such as your computer, this may not be a problem, but mobile devices have limited storage.  In that case, you would download them, and then delete them when you have finished using them.

• Upload it:  In some cases, you will take data from your device and send it to the cloud.  An example of this is when you want to add a picture to your Facebook account.  You would open Facebook, and then upload the picture from your device.  It stays on your device, but it is also on the cloud.  If you like, you can then delete it from your device, saving space when needed. 

• View it:  An example is your email.  When you open your email, you are not downloading all those emails to your device.  Instead, you are viewing them while you are on the cloud.  When your session is over, the emails are no longer on your device.  However, there is a way to view your email while offline.  This option would be found in your settings.

• Stream it:  One of the wonderful ways to use Data.  You can rent a movie on Netflix, and then stream it to your TV.  Streaming involves your Internet speed.  You need adequate speed in order to get all of that data to your TV in one piece.  If your Internet speed is not sufficient, you will experience something known as buffering, which can be compared to a traffic jam on your Internet service.  But streaming does not require any storage on your devices. 

Websites

What is the Internet and WWW?  The Internet is the largest computer network in the world.  When we are connected, we are online, assessed via web browser

What is a web browser?  A web browser is a software application that allows users to access, retrieve, and view content on the internet. Some examples are Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and Brave.

What is an URL?  An URL, (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a specific web page or file on the internet. It's the way to identify and locate a particular resource on the web. You can think of it like a physical address for a house or building, but for a resource on the internet. We will look at an URL later in the lesson.

What is a domain name?  A domain name is a name used to identify a website.  Websites are stored on the server by IP address.  A domain name makes it easier for users to find a website. A user will type in the domain name, which will then be sent to a domain name server (DNS) which will change this domain name into an IP address.

Data travels on the Cloud

There is a process where the data travels on the cloud:

1. Sending data:  Putting into a digital envelope (called “data”)

2. Addresses:  Digital envelope sent to the receiving URL

3. Traveling:  Data travels via physical cables carried in the form of light (fiber-optic cables) or electrical (copper cables).  It also uses wireless signals which use radio waves.  It may also travel through satellites orbiting the earth.

4. Routers:  Data interacts with routers which keep it going in the right direction

5. Destination:  When data reaches destination, computer opens the digital envelope and responds to the contents (play movie, read email, open website)

6. Two-way communication:  Data can be sent or received

The URL

An URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a website and is used to help the server locate your file.  They are important because they simplify the process for you when you want to find a website.

An URL makes it possible to find a website without knowing the IP address.  Some information about IP addresses:

• Computers are identified by their IP address.  In fact, it is not only computers but any device that is connected to the cloud.  This includes printers, routers, smart home devices and more.  IP addresses are like GPS locations for devices connected to the Internet.  They are generally assigned by an ISP, and it is the responsibility of the ISP to assign your IP addresses.

• You can find your IP address by going to:  https://www.showmyip.com/. 

• There are two versions of IP addresses.  There are IPv4 (the older version) which are numeric and have their binary parts separated by dots (.).   Then there are the IPv6 (newer version) which are alphanumeric and separated by columns (:) The newer technology (IPv6) has improved security and compatibility.  Networks can use either of them to find your IP address.

• Having to use IP addresses to find websites can be pretty confusing.  For example, you can access amazon.com by going to amazon.com or by going to 2600:9000:2111::10:c392:4ac0:93a1.  So, domain names were created to make the process easier.

• IP addresses can be changed by changing your network or resetting the router, by using a VPN (virtual private network) which will mask the IP address, or by using the TOR browser, which creates a new IP address each time you use it.  A final way to change it is to contact your ISP to change the address. 

• An IP address can be static (always the same) or dynamic (changes each time). 

The IP address does not reveal an exact location but can include country and state at least.

An URL uses the domain name, along with detailed information to send a user to a web page.

There are many components of the URL.  It can include:

• domain name

• type of website

• folders within the website

• folders within the cloud

• instructions to the server about who is requesting

Here is an example of how an URL is broken down:

https://www.wildwoodgrilling.com/category/recipes/plank-recipes/

https:// (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), indicates an action of “get” or “post”.  The “s” indicates an extra layer of protection, which encrypts your data.  It is often implied in a web address.

www. (World Wide Web), the network of connected computers which connect via http or https.  The majority of websites are on the world wide web, and like https, it is often implied in a web address.

wildwoodgrilling.com (domain name): The domain name comes before the first forward slash (/) in a web address.   The first part (wildwoodgrilling) is the name of the site and the .com indicates that it is a commercial site.  When downloading from the Internet, make sure that you are downloading from the correct domain name.  If it does not come directly before the first forward slash, it is not the domain. 

Category (a folder in the domain’s website): This is a folder within the domain which contains a number of categories.

Recipes (a folder in the category folder on the domain’s website): A folder inside the category folder.  There may be other folders in this category folder. 

plank-recipes (the actual page of the URL): This will take you to plank-recipes, which is the focus of this particular URL.

IP Addresses

IP addresses help data to find your device.  Here are some facts about IP addresses:

• All connected devices (phones, computers, smart home devices, virtual assistants) are identified by the IP address.  Find your device:    https://www.showmyip.com/. 

• Two versions of IP addresses: IPv4 (the older version and the IPv6, newer version with increased security). Networks can use either of them to find your IP address.

• IP addresses can be changed by changing your network or resetting the router, using a VPN (virtual private network) or  using the TOR browser

• An IP address can be static (always the same) or dynamic (changes each time).  

• The IP address does not reveal an exact location but can include country and state at least

Example IPv4: 68.107.109.46  

Example IPv6:2001:0db8:1234:0000:0000:f350:2256:f3dd/64

One of the biggest challenges are usernames and passwords.  People are often confused on what is being asked.  For example, when logging into YouTube, do you set up a new password? (no, you will be using your Google username and password).  When signing up for Dropbox, do you set up a new password?  (yes, this service is not related to any other, so would require a new username and password.)  So the confusion may occur with knowing whether you already have an account on that cloud, or if you are starting with a fresh account.  Often, you will go to a site to sign up only to be told that you already have an account on that business.  The process of recovering your password will begin.  It is a process all of us have experienced, and is always a challenge.

Getting things off the cloud can be challenging.  If you google yourself and see sensitive information, you know that somehow you have something on a cloud which is threatening your privacy.  You need to figure out how to find that source and delete it so that your information is not exposed.

One common question that I am frequently asked is what cloud am I on?  And that is a real challenge, given the multitude of websites, businesses, social networks, etc.   Can you find a list of them or anything? When you consider the number of clouds there are, it is mind boggling to consider how many you may have signed up for.

And then keeping it safe.  What can you do to make sure that your data is safe on that particular cloud?

How can we address these challenges?

One of the best ways to manage your data is to use a password manager.  There are options for this (web browsers, companies which are password managers, keeping a list next to your computer).  In my opinion, the password manager companies are the best option, providing a list of every cloud that you have saved your password on.  These password managers can also tell you if your password is being used in other accounts, and will offer to create a really good password if you ask.  They are the best way to determine what clouds you are on, and whether your passwords are secure.  There are other things you can do with a password manager besides passwords.  You can save notes in a secure place, store sensitive files, automatically fill in forms, and even check to see if your accounts have been breached.  Your biggest challenge with a password manager is remembering  your password to the password manager!

You can delete data from a cloud.  You will need your username and password to do so.  An example is Facebook.  If you want to close it out, and delete all your data, there is a place within the program to do this.  You can even download all of your data before deleting it, so you won’t lose all of those pictures that you put on your page. You might have to do some research to find your information on the cloud.  I googled myself and  found some personal information on the cloud once, and realized it was from a site where my resume had been sent.  I was able to get to that site and remove the resume.

When signing up for an app, you will be asked permissions.  These may include camera, location, microphone, hard drive or many others.  Make it a habit of looking at these permissions, and checking them frequently (as they can change).  Also, when you are shown these permissions, consider if they are really necessary.  An example of this is if an app is requesting access to your network.  This is necessary if you are using a communicating app (such as Zoom) or any type of downloading app.  However, it can also open you up to more ads, which will be placed in your program.  And of course, it increases the risk of malicious apps which can then connect using your network to download malware.   Be wary of permissions which do not make sense.

And it goes without saying that a good antivirus program and strong password will go far in creating a safe environment for your data on cloud. 

Closer look at the Apple Cloud

iCloud is the backup service for all Apple devices.  It stores the device backups, contacts, photos and other media.  It helps sync those files across the Apple Devices.  To find iCloud and iCloud Drive information, go to:  Settings> Apple ID bar (at the top of the page)>iCloud.  You can see how much storage you currently are using, and you can then manage the storage by tapping on “manage storage” and tapping on any of the apps listed.  For most of them, you can choose to disable and delete the app to erase data.

iCloud comes with 5 GB storage, but more can be purchased. The iCloud backup only stores information and settings on your device.  it does not include information stored on the iCloud, such as contacts, calendars, bookmarks, mail, notes, voice memos, iCloud photos, health data, call history and files stored on iCloud Drive.  You can enable these in settings for iCloud.

Also stored on the Apple cloud are productivity files that you have created through pages, numbers and Keynote.  There are Apple services that provide movies and entertainment, music, podcasts and books.  Your Apple Pay information is stored on the cloud, and it has Siri as your personal assistant.  The Apple TV is a product you can purchase to stream media from your device to your computer. 

Those who have iPads/iPhones and/or Mac computers would find it most helpful.  You might take advantage of Apple Pay.  If you own or rent movies or books on Apple services, iCloud is most useful.

Closer look at the Microsoft Cloud

The Microsoft cloud is called OneDrive.  The username would have a domain as live.com, Hotmail.com or outlook.com.   It is found on your Windows 10 device, although it can be installed as an app on other devices.  It provides quick access to Microsoft tools like Word, PowerPoint and Excel, using the 9 square icon.  The Microsoft cloud only offers movies at this time (no books), and does not offer a digital money service.  Cortana is the virtual assistant.

You have 5 GB of storage for your Microsoft OneDrive account (and can purchase additional storage).  One Drive is most useful if you use Microsoft office and want access to these files from any device.

Closer look at the Google Cloud

The Google cloud is called Google Drive.  Your Google account username would end in gmail.com.  Having a gmail account allows you access to all of the Google services.  It has its own productivity set of tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).  It has a generous supply of movies, music and books, all that can be rented or bought through Google Play.  It offers a digital money service (Google Pay), and has a personal assistant (Hey Google).  It has its own streaming device (Chromecast) which can be used if you want to stream media and you do not have a smart TV. 

It comes with 15 GB of storage per account.  It is most useful if you tend to take advantage to all of the services offered by Google (YouTube, Maps, Google Photos, Google sites).  It works seamlessly between services, meaning that data from one source (gmail for example) would be used to enhance another source (calendar). 

Amazon:  It is a store.  It is a place to rent media.  It is a music streaming service.  And the personal assistant (Alexa) has access to everything you have.  It keeps track of all of this in one spot, the Amazon cloud.  It can be free, but paying a monthly or yearly free can get you things like enhanced music and entertainment options, free shipping and more.  Truly one of the best deals around. 

Storing documents and photos:  Besides the big 3, there are services just for storing documents.  These services are great if you are collaborating with others, and want an easy way to share.  Putting a document on these services creates a link which can then be shared with others (like the big 3 cloud services).  Two examples are Dropbox and Evernote.

Continuous backup:  If you want your device backed up automatically to the cloud, there are services which offer this.  For a yearly fee, they will automatically scan your device for changes in your hard drive, and will transfer these data changes back to the cloud.  If anything were to happen to your device or hard drive, you could quickly restore it.  Some examples are iDrive, Backblaze and Carbonite.

Compare the basics of four clouds

Briefly show and demonstrate the basics of the the three major clouds:  Apple, Google, Microsoft .  Demonstrate storage, productivity tools and native apps.

Demonstrate real time collaboration using Google Drive

• When a document is on the cloud and is being edited, it is automatically saved.  So, if you and another are working on the same document on the same cloud, you will not only see their name and picture in the service, but you will also see the changes that they are doing to the document.

• With most documents, it is possible to go back in time to restore a document to a former version.

• As an example, we can each edit one form for ideas.  Let's brainstorm on how we use the cloud.

 Find out how much storage you have on iCloud and Google Drive:

   For iCloud, go to a device and enter iCloud.com, your username and account.  Or from your phone, click iCloud>Manage storage.

   For Google, Go to your Google Drive account.  Look on the left navigation under storage.

Demonstrate how to set up Google Photos to upload photos automatically:

From your mobile device: Download the Google Photos app and sign in.  Follow the prompts to start uploading pictures.  Choose High Quality as the upload size (reduced file size). 

From your computer: Go to photos.google.com and click on settings (next to the 9 squares).  Note other sharing possibilities (partner, suggestions, grouping similar faces, etc.)

Demonstrate and discuss how to delete Google photos from device and/or the cloud

Here are some ways to delete Google photos from your device and/or the cloud

• Delete from Google photos app (both cloud and device are deleted)

• Delete from a different gallery (like iPhone photos from iPhone or the gallery from your Android).  The copy will be kept on Google Photos

• Free up space:  Open Google photos app.  Click on your picture (or 3 lines) and select “free up space”.  Confirm.  If you are using an iPhone, you need to go to the recently deleted folder of Apple Photos to permanently delete.

• Use “Delete device copy” feature:  For a single photo, tap on photo, click on 3 dots and select move to trash.  For multiple photos, select those you want to delete, tap on the 3 dots and select Move to trash

Demonstrate how to delete photos from iCloud and/or phone

• If iCloud photos is turned on, deleting from device will remove from the iCloud

• To delete from device and not the iCloud, go to Settings>iCloud>Photos and turn off iCloud photos and Photo stream.  Delete from device.  When done, turn back on.  Pictures will remain on cloud.

 Demonstrate cloud-based services like Calendar and reminder

 Note that you can make a change on one device and see on the other

Apple based services will use the app on your Apple device (iPad/iPhone, Mac).   To add a non-Apple service to a calendar or reminder, you would add the account in SETTINGS.  This is important if you are sharing between Apple, Windows and Android. 

If you like your non-Apple service better (Google calendar for example), you would download the app to use.  You can download onto an iPhone or Android.