Cloud Computing
29% of Americans think that cloud computing has to do with an actual cloud.
Let's change that.
(Source of definition: Google Dictionary)
Cloud computing is simply a mechanism that allows one to perform operations on a remotely connected computer. To understand this in more depth, let's go back to what a computer does.
A typical computer has a Central Processing Unit, or CPU. Essentially, this piece of hardware controls the rest of the computer, and allows it to carry out its basic functions, from basic arithmetic operations to controlling the operating system. Each computer has a different CPU, and CPUs come in a wide variety of capabilities. More powerful computers have more powerful CPUs, and can carry out the same number of operations in a shorter amount of time; however, a more powerful CPU also translates to a more expensive, and less portable computer.
A solution has been developed to combine the benefits of portability and power, known as cloud computing. Cloud computing essentially establishes a network between two computers; one of them is powerful, but not portable (Computer A), while the other is portable, but not powerful (Computer B). The user interfaces with the Computer A, meaning that he/she carries that computer around, and uses its keyboard/mouse/touch screen. Then, instead of carrying out the instructions the user told it to do in its own CPU, Computer A then communicates with Computer B (the cloud), telling it to do those same instructions in its CPU, which could be done faster and more efficiently in Computer B. Computer B carries out these instructions, and tells Computer A the answer, which can use in further operations or display to the user. This process of communication between the two computers is known as cloud computing, and requires a connection (or a network) between the two computers, such that these two computers can communicate. Although cloud computing is generally used for efficiency, there is no hard and fast rule dictating exactly why cloud computing is used.
Here's a helpful analogy. Alex is a really smart student, but he's too fat to even get up and go to school (powerful computer). On the other hand, Jake is not smart, but is an athlete, and runs to school each day (portable computer). During the class's math test, Jake video calls Alex for help (even though he's not supposed to and no one should ever do that). Jake tells Alex all the problems provided by the teacher on the test. Alex solves them, and tells the answer to Jake, who in turn tells the answer to the teacher. The teacher in this case represents the user, Alex represents the powerful computer, and Jake represents the portable computer.
Let's change that.
Cloud computing is simply a mechanism that allows one to perform operations on a remotely connected computer. To understand this in more depth, let's go back to what a computer does.
A typical computer has a Central Processing Unit, or CPU. Essentially, this piece of hardware controls the rest of the computer, and allows it to carry out its basic functions, from basic arithmetic operations to controlling the operating system. Each computer has a different CPU, and CPUs come in a wide variety of capabilities. More powerful computers have more powerful CPUs, and can carry out the same number of operations in a shorter amount of time; however, a more powerful CPU also translates to a more expensive, and less portable computer.
A solution has been developed to combine the benefits of portability and power, known as cloud computing. Cloud computing essentially establishes a network between two computers; one of them is powerful, but not portable (Computer A), while the other is portable, but not powerful (Computer B). The user interfaces with the Computer A, meaning that he/she carries that computer around, and uses its keyboard/mouse/touch screen. Then, instead of carrying out the instructions the user told it to do in its own CPU, Computer A then communicates with Computer B (the cloud), telling it to do those same instructions in its CPU, which could be done faster and more efficiently in Computer B. Computer B carries out these instructions, and tells Computer A the answer, which can use in further operations or display to the user. This process of communication between the two computers is known as cloud computing, and requires a connection (or a network) between the two computers, such that these two computers can communicate. Although cloud computing is generally used for efficiency, there is no hard and fast rule dictating exactly why cloud computing is used.
Here's a helpful analogy. Alex is a really smart student, but he's too fat to even get up and go to school (powerful computer). On the other hand, Jake is not smart, but is an athlete, and runs to school each day (portable computer). During the class's math test, Jake video calls Alex for help (even though he's not supposed to and no one should ever do that). Jake tells Alex all the problems provided by the teacher on the test. Alex solves them, and tells the answer to Jake, who in turn tells the answer to the teacher. The teacher in this case represents the user, Alex represents the powerful computer, and Jake represents the portable computer.
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