Smartphone Guide: Clear Skies Ahead: Navigating Through the Gloom of Tech Oversaturation
Cloud: More Than Just a Storage Vault
In the modern world, the term "Cloud" is as common as smartphones. Simply put, it's a way of accessing our digital resources via the internet, with the underlying infrastructure staying hidden from our sight. In this tech-savvy land, the term "data cloud" is a familiar one.
Cloud's Convenient yet LimitlessStorage
Many perceive the Cloud as a vast data storage space. With a quick tap, your photos automatically back up to the Cloud. But beware, online storage providers do limit your space. Google offers 15GB for free, while Apple only a fragment of that at 5GB. Free storage might seem like a bargain, but what happens when your Cloud storage is maxed out? Say goodbye to that convenient backup and welcome the dreaded message: "Storage Full."
The Bite of Dependency
For just 5GB, you can store around 1000 photos, assuming an average size of 5MB per photo. But with newer devices taking larger photos, that number shorts down drastically. For 10MB per photo, you'd only have space for 500 photos. Eventually, you'll be forced to make a choice – either pay for more Cloud storage or manage your backups yourself. If convenience matters to you, be prepared to shell out a few euros a month for a subscription. After all, it's the companies and even the government that often fall into the trap of a provider controlling the prices.
Is My Data Truly Secure?
When it comes to security, there are a few concerns to consider. Major cloud service providers such as Google and Apple often claim to encrypt and securely store your data on their servers. While that's true, the encryption is not always end-to-end, meaning servers can still access your data. As a result, anyone with access to the server and the key can snoop on your data. Unfortunately, this means that if the provider is curious, they can peek into your data without you even knowing it. And if a hacker manages to breach the provider, your data is at risk.
Unveiling the Shadows in the Cloud
The Cloud isn't just a colossal storage medium; it's the backbone of most apps. Take navigation apps, for instance. Real-time data guiding us through traffic comes from the Cloud. Even our inbox is in the Cloud. When scanning privacy policies, it's alarming to see phrases like:
"This includes emails you write and receive, photos and videos you store, documents and tables you create, and comments you write."
Now you know: "Above the clouds, the sun always shines!" - unless it's beaming down on the provider's servers.
Seeking Guidance
There might still be questions about Cloud storage for tech enthusiasts. The DomNetz group is available to help. Join us every Tuesday from 10 - 12 am in the basement of the Haus am Dom on Willibrodiplatz 10 or drop by for individual support on Wednesdays from 3 - 4 pm. Unlock the secrets of the Cloud and secure your digital world.
"Swipe smart" wishes you - Andreas
- In this tech-savvy world, not only are smartphones common, but so is the Cloud, a storage solution that allows users to store photos and other digital resources via the internet, often using gadgets like smartphones.
- With the convenience of the Cloud comes the need for management, as online storage providers such as Google and Apple limit the space available, potentially resulting in users paying for additional storage to ensure their smartphone photos and other data remain safely backed up.
