***CLOSED*** Wednesday Morning Competition * Winner * wuyanxu * [Archive] - Aria Forums

Aria

22-09-10, 09:39

Morning everyone,

One of these pretty drives today i think:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/CD%2FDVD+Drives/External/USB/LG+GP08NU6B+8x+Slim+Portable+External+DVD%C2%B1RW+ Drive+-+Black+%28Retail%29+?productId=41184

Now a lot of people have been talking about the 'Cloud' here.. Give me one advantage and one disadvantage of Cloud computing!

Best answer picked at 2pm!

Snakedoc

22-09-10, 09:42

It is reliant on an Internet connection. Data stored elsewhere, no need for local installs.

coiler

22-09-10, 09:43

if its a cumulus nimbus cloud it usually rains.

Heavy.

Koolpc

22-09-10, 09:50

Cloud Computing is a term used to by many PC tech people of what it is like when you go to someones house to fix their PC and you have 25 people in the room smoking all different types of ciggies!! :D

Disadvantages are nicotine etc smells in your hair clothes for months!! :D

niceguyrichy

22-09-10, 09:53

advantage: well, because it's 'cloud' reliant, we in Scotland have a distinct advantage.

disadvantage: risk of vitamin D deficiency :(

wuyanxu

22-09-10, 09:55

for home NAS type of cloud storage (eg, local cloud) but also available through home broadband:
Adv: separate machine for storage, always on, easily setup RAID + backup without fearing main system change may mess it up.
Disadv: expensive, and have to be tech savvy to setup

for internet cloud computing: (eg. Dropbox)
Adv: accessible everywhere, automated backup provided by the cloud (dropbox even provides simplified version of subvision )
Disadv: privacy and security

skaface

22-09-10, 09:59

Cloud computing is a term originally coined by Amazon in 2006(?), when excess server capacity was sold as a service to businesses and customers. It has since become an increasingly standard option for business IT solutions.

Advantage: Lower starting costs as there is no need to buy servers, IT equipment etc up front. Instead, it can be bundled as an 'infrastructure-as-a-service' package and billed according to what you need/use rather than risk having redundant assets.

Disadvantage: Lack of geographic control. A government department may be able to access their servers remotely, but physically they may be located half way around the world. Current business culture lacks this sort of openness as businesses want to be able to have physical access to sites as and when required, spawning what I like to call 'fog computing'. It's like a cloud, except you can touch it.

SENTY

22-09-10, 09:59

the benefit is security, reliability and accessibility.

Cloud servers are far more reliable accessible from any PC with internet and there is almost 0% chance of it behind lost or deleted..
They usually are much more powerful and can crunch numbers better than anything you have at home.
you can use cheaper terminal computers that only need to run a thin client and you cant lose data if you lose a laptop.
you dont have responsibility for the security of your data.

the downsides are many for a business but none for a consumer.. The biggest downside to cloud computing is IP laws and privacy of your data. when you upload a doc to google you then give access to that document to all the google engineers and any government department that wants access to it, usually this isnt really a problem but if your business is in finance for example storing data off your own premises is not permitted. IF you want to get a physical backup of your data this is held back by internet bandwidth.

Changing or moving vendor is very very difficult when you use cloud based computing
I dont think the cost of cloud computing is cheaper. its good for us all to use google docs but bad for a big company to try use the cloud instead of having equipment of its own.

A Ginger Sheep

22-09-10, 10:01

adv: files can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection
disadv: files are not stored locally on a computer's hdd so if the computer does not have an internet connection the files can not be accessed.

SENTY

22-09-10, 10:02

The benefit is security, reliability and accessibility.

Cloud servers are far more reliable accessible from any PC with internet and there is almost 0% chance of it behind lost or deleted..
They usually are much more powerful and can crunch numbers better than anything you have at home.
you can use cheaper terminal computers that only need to run a thin client and you cant lose data if you lose a laptop.
you dont have responsibility for the security of your data.
If your a team spread out geographically then a single cloud computing location can be advantageous for people from all over the world to colaborate on a single cloud project.

the downsides are many for a business but none for a consumer.. The biggest downside to cloud computing is IP laws and privacy of your data. when you upload a doc to google you then give access to that document to all the google engineers and any government department that wants access to it, usually this isnt really a problem but if your business is in finance for example storing data off your own premises is not permitted. IF you want to get a physical backup of your data this is held back by internet bandwidth.

Changing or moving vendor is very very difficult when you use cloud based computing
I dont think the cost of cloud computing is cheaper. its good for us all to use google docs but bad for a big company to try use the cloud instead of having equipment of its own.

sibeer

22-09-10, 10:02

Advantage: A truely mobile desktop, no matter where you are you start with the same set of apps, files and settings you normally use.

Disadvantage: Performance is always limited by internet connection, server capabilities and number of connected users.

El Wayneo

22-09-10, 10:05

Less data is stored on vulnerable devices, such as flash drives and laptops, less likely to be lost or stolen.

You do not have control over the servers or security of said servers.

ZodiarK

22-09-10, 10:07

It covers a large area or building for a broad range of acessing the net, relies less on trunking and cabling, therefore less mess and money is used in implenting the cloud. Wireless internet can still drop a lot even these days would causes major problems.(stolen from snake as i got lazy)> Data stored elsewhere, no need for local installs.

Andrew Moore

22-09-10, 10:10

Advantage.. (internet based) log in ANYWHERE in the world to check up on your business and how everything is going.

Advantage.. (internal using network assited storage) One data centre, no reliance on using a set computer to carry out a task. Can use VPN/RDP to access anywhere in the world quickly and easily.

Disadvantage.. (internet based) Net drops out leaving the business in limbo as it is 100% reliant on this to run. As such, not as strong as built in software, servers and a good IT team.

Disadvantage.. (internal using network assisted storage) Server fails, time required for back ups to be restored to other servers or temp servers. System as a result has a down time which could be avoided with an online service.

The internal system isnt really "the cloud" as such but the ideas pretty much th same.. :)

Andy

Bigian88

22-09-10, 10:13

Advantage: Users can access files from any computer with an internet connection.

Disadvantage: Users files are not stored locally on drive which means, if the computer does'nt have an internet connection the files can not be accessed.

Peter

22-09-10, 10:14

Advantage: Very easily (and usually cheaply) scalable.
Disadvantage: Dependence on a 3rd party with handling of your data (no more in-house).

StuartyB33

22-09-10, 10:19

Advantage : cost cutting factor, store info from any computer with access to the World Wide Web

Disadvantage : need a constant connection to the internet to work on the files pull files down onto your pc or upload files.

if users dont save back ups of their files and the cloud servers go down no can work on their documents

BurningFeetMan

22-09-10, 10:19

Benefit. - same experience at every pc
Disadvantage - same experience at every pc

:)

BFM

scrivz69

22-09-10, 10:21

Advantage. gives people more mobility and they can access info and data from werever they are.

disadvantag. Network connectivity. if the network goes down for any reason, the company loses access to Cloud Computing applications, data and services.

zeameth

22-09-10, 10:36

the advantage of 'cloud' can be seen when looking at the 'Gaming' related aspects, the major point being that you dont need a hovering super computer with go faster stripes to play the games, just a decent internet connection. saves money and makes games far more accesable.

disadvantage is your are at the mercy of your internet connection, in most cases a 5mb line is recommended and with the appaling speeds in the uk for most people its not ideal.

gray.woodford

22-09-10, 10:39

Advantage:
Having everything stored in the cloud (on the internet) means you can access from anywhere, if you are a business you do not need a required office space you can be mobile. You do not have to worry about backups or data loss as this is done by the company hosting your data in the cloud. (how many people have had a disk fail and lost all the pictures they have taken ect?)
If your pc or laptop gets stolen they have not taken your data so that is safe and normally the issue when something gets stolen is not the machine but the data.

Disadvantages:
It is internet required!! This day and age where uk broadband fluctuates sooo much depending on your supplier or where you live or even outages of service!! You will have no access to your documents at all.
You would need a fairly good stable connection to make use of this (i have a wonderful 2mb and can not get any better connection so for me would be not worth doing). SO until ISP's can provide a better more reliable faster service across the country this is the main disadvantage now.
When that gets solved (one day it will) you then have to think about security of your data, the hosting company will have access to all of your data this could easily get abused.

Linbrikat

22-09-10, 10:52

Adv: answer files can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection.
disadv: files are not stored locally on a computer's hdd so if the computer dies not have an internet connection is does not work very well.

neilmol2009

22-09-10, 11:05

It's cheap small firms can pay a minimum rental for the use of technologies. The disadvantage is that it may not be totally secure.

(http://www.suite101.com/content/easy-understanding-of-cloud-computing-a222651#ixzz10FdroBxu)

redrooster303

22-09-10, 11:24

adv:you can access your data from anywhere with a pc and an internet connection.
disadv: you need an internet connection just to get to your data.

i read about the cloud gaming but in the article it said due to internet speeds it'll take a while to sort out properly.:)

Will

22-09-10, 11:26

ADVANTAGE: You don’t need a high-powered computer to run cloud computing’s web-based applications.

DISADVANTAGE: If the cloud loses your data, your screwed (yes it will happen)

Rhett

22-09-10, 11:29

Simple advantages like it saves cash as it's more cost effective, as licensing per employee large scale is cheaper than having physical servers, along with all the extra software. You save on space, don't have to deal with things like viruses and data is better backed up.

Of course there is one MAJOR disadvantage. It depends on your network's connectivity. A slow network will inevitably cause problems. Furthermore in some countries where 'load-sheddings are common, a laptop can still be used on battery if one has 'physical' software on it's HDD.

This disadvantage is the single major reason why 'cloud computing' will never be more than just another option, rather than the game changing thing companies like google hope it will become, atleast for the next 20-30 years, when network and electric infrastructures are at the required level worldwide.

lol I did ramble a bit up there.

legs21

22-09-10, 11:33

disadvantage of going with cloud computing is the lack of control over web applications.
advantage of cloud computing over regular web hosting. You don’t have to clean out log files or make sure that security work is done on the server

zakdel

22-09-10, 11:37

adv: Many different ideas can be shared with many different people from many different places. enabling a design process like none other.

dis: Having all those people access data from anywhere in the world can give you some annoying security issues if your servers arn't properly protected. And because lots of people are connected together, security issues - such as viruses - can spread to other people quickly.

Pullen

22-09-10, 11:39

Advantage: It is accessible everywhere and there is also automated backup provided by the cloud
Disadvantage: Privacy and security.

Oscar99

22-09-10, 11:41

Advantage: You can use your files / applications etc from anywhere & not locally on your machine

Disadvantage: Performance entirely depends on what your connection speed is.

Zaim

22-09-10, 11:42

Advantage- reduces costs

disadvantage-Doesn't work well with low-speed connections

Diaby Does Gallas

22-09-10, 11:55

Pro: You can access you files anywhere in the world without the need to actually take them with you.

Con: There is a possible security issue where by others could hack you 'cloud' and view all your files.

Tricktronic

22-09-10, 12:04

Advantages: i can access and store files on any computer were ever i might be as long as it has a decent internet connection. it is an easy way and normally free for starting off companies to be able to share documents and files with each other without having the costs of having a network installed straight away.

Disadvantages: files are not stored locally on a computers HDD so if the computer i am using does not have an internet conection i can not access any of my work files.also they could easly accessed by other people from out side the organisation.

MARKYMARK180

22-09-10, 12:04

Advantage: low cost at start up
Disadvantge: reliance on a (persistent) internet connection

maestro59

22-09-10, 12:15

Avantage: All your important files can be stored away from your computers, and you can access them from anywhere with just a computer and internet.

Disadvantage: Relies on an internet connection.

stephen0205

22-09-10, 12:20

you can access your stuff from a pc connected to the net. any pc connected to the net (with your details obv)

poorboys

22-09-10, 12:36

AD: You can use your files on any PC

Dis: Performance depends on connection speed

Broadsword1976

22-09-10, 12:38

The advantage of Cloud computing is fairly self evident.... freedom to access your docs, pics etc... from any internet capable PC.

Disadvantages: Security vulnerabilities (and once the zombie apocalypse hits you're going to hope you backed everything up elsewhere).

ali991

22-09-10, 12:44

Advantage: You can access it anywhere
Disadvantage: If the internet goes down you are doomed (plus you can't do any work which is actually an advantage)

BreadMurderer

22-09-10, 12:55

Cloud computing is great because you can store and access things any where in the World - very neat stuff.

Cloud computing isn't great because you will need access to the outside World, which in some cases isn't possible and therefore can have a detrimental effect.

KickButt

22-09-10, 13:01

you can access your data on any pc by logging into your cloud,
current upload speeds on a standard broadband connection means a long time to upload to the cloud if you have lots of data.

mikebs

22-09-10, 13:10

PRO:
single points of access for all consumers' computing needs.
CON:
You are trusting your entire business operation to someone else that you think is doing a good job of backing up your data and making sure it's secure and available.

jason

22-09-10, 13:17

no need to install expencive software on your pc / if you dont have Internet you cant access your work you may need.

ChrisJB

22-09-10, 13:22

tjcp

22-09-10, 13:28

Pros Data stored exteriorly therefore no need for backups and can be accessed anywhere

Cons Security and Speed of upload/download

rayf

22-09-10, 13:32

Advantage is that your data stored is stored elsewhere and all you need is a means of access no matter where you are.

Disadvantage is that everything is down and up loaded so access timing is a big factor.

Faz

22-09-10, 13:37

Advantage - Access anywhere, any time and data is always synced.

Disadvantage - high quantities of data can take a long time to update and download.

Skywalker

22-09-10, 13:37

When its "CLOUD"Y its cooler and thus we can overclock to the max :D

GentleGiant

22-09-10, 13:46

You have an automatic "Off site" file if disaster strikes your PC.

If you live in the UK and have to suffer BT quality phone lines, you cannot always get to your safely stored files.

CheekyMonkey

22-09-10, 13:46

Advantage: It means you can have a nice little rain dance
Disadvantage: You look a bit of a pratt

:)

power fuse0

22-09-10, 13:46

advantage: Files saved to a cloud database can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection
disadvantage: Computers without an internet connection can not access the files, so for example if it were a game like Valve's Left 4 Dead, you would not be able to see achievements if you did not have an internet connection

dtc

22-09-10, 13:47

Advantage: save cost

Disadvantage: need reliable internet connection

Correct? :)

Clunk

22-09-10, 13:49

A major advantage is the lower I.T. support cost to a business user - as all data and software is stored/maintained/supported remotely, a business can concern itself less with day to day software issues, storage upgrades, virus management, etc.

A disadvantage is that with everything being stored remotely, connection issues can have a far wider affect on a business than if data was stored locally on individual computers, where only one or two users may be affected by a problem.