Software, services and data storage running on the Internet instead of on your computer, phone or other devise. Your data/info stored and processed within multiple, massive data systems worldwide, for which you may pay a fee.
Benefits
Convenience: your data is accessible from any device with internet and it's easier to share. Speed: downloading data and running software is faster Reduced loss: automatic back up of all data the slack.
Recommendation: encrypt all data before uploading to "the Cloud"
Cautions
On the internet = hackable.
Pop up ads are increasing.
It is virtually impossible to completely delete your info/data.
You may not legally own or control your own data/info.
"The Cloud" is not mysterious. It is a business of giant corporations for making vast amounts of money.
FACTOID: All the Cloud businesses together in US are using ~ 2% of the nation's electricity.
If they were their own country, they would be the 5th largest user of electricity in the world.
The Internet is a marvelous source of information on almost any topic. Plus it is a great way to keep connected with our friends and family or up to date with our favorite sports team.
It's a great tool. And like any tool, we need to learn to use it safely. Here are a few tips for parents to help their children have only happy, fun and safe experiences on the internet.
  • It's time to be sure you are computer savvy! Learn to use the internet well, and also keep up with the latest security software and safety advice. Plus learn the current lingo used in relation with the internet.
  • The computer(s) used by your children are best kept in a common, "public" area of your home. It brings the whole family into the effort to keep each one safe. With the computers in an area that others habitually use or at least pass through regularly, it's much easier to know:
    • how much time individuals are spending online;
    • what they are viewing and doing online; and
    • how they are feeling or reacting to their online experience.
  • Set up the parental controls on your computer(s) - and on all cell phones also. While it is often important to have easy contact between parents and children any time, it isn't necessary that the young people's phones have all types of web access.
  • Be sure that all in your family understand that there is no such thing as "private" on the internet. It's best not to generally give out any personal information online. Entering personal or privileged information, i.e. banking and credit card information, should only be shared with secured and highly reliable websites.
  • On a regular basis, check the Internet history log to see what sites have been visited on all your computers.
  • Always be a model of appropriate, polite behavior when using the internet yourself.
  • Check into the cause of any odd behavior when using the internet, like
    • diverting the monitor if you walk into the room or
    • going online secretly when everyone else is asleep.

Make sure that internet use is a common, casual, open-forum conversation in your home.