Skip to main content

Cloud essentials: understanding the basics of cloud computing

Cloud-Computing
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although no longer quite the buzzword that it was back in 2011, it’s clear that the cloud is here to stay, even though some still find cloud storage hard to trust. As demand grows for faster, higher-resolution videos and games – especially on smaller and smaller devices – our dependence on cloud storage and cloud computing will only increase. But what does “the cloud” actually mean to you? It can be unnerving to rely on cloud technology without fully understanding how it works, so read on for a more substantial grasp of what’s happening.

Meaning of the cloud

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first thing to understand is that “the cloud” is simply a metaphor for various data networks, generally located somewhere far away and accessed via the internet. Despite what the name suggests, it has nothing to do with the stratosphere – and no, stormy weather can’t interfere with cloud computing, at least not unless there’s a major power outage.

As a metaphor, “the cloud” simply denotes vast, distant clusters that we may not be able to interact with physically, yet which still affect us. In cloud computing, the clusters of servers, fiber-optic cables, and software engineers may be far away, but we can still interact with them by sending information back and forth. Another good analogy is the way households pull electricity from the electricity grid. Without ever visiting a power plant or connecting a power line themselves, families are able to benefit from a massive, shared network that provides them with a much-needed service.

Types of cloud computing services

If this definition of the cloud sounds huge and all-encompassing, that’s because it is. There are a wide variety of possible cloud computing services. The three types most likely to be useful to consumers and businesses are Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Software as a Service.

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

This is the foundation, or “base layer,” of cloud computing, and includes physical infrastructure such as servers, storage disks, and facilities. Organizations benefit from pay-as-you-go, on-demand storage and web hosting, which can be easily scaled bigger or smaller as need fluctuates.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

This “middle layer” of cloud computing provides the operating system from which applications run. Here, the service operator provides a programming language and web server, which allows application developers to create and run their software solutions.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS)

Finally, at the “top layer,” we find software applications specifically developed for the internet. Here, consumers generally pay a monthly or yearly fee in order to use a certain software in the cloud (as opposed to traditional software, which requires a single, up-front cost for perpetual use). Because pricing is pay-per-user, organizations can quickly add or remove users without having to accordingly scale their associated platform and infrastructure. This on-demand approach allows for rapid, efficient adjustments in staffing. Examples include Salesforce, Google Apps (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs), and Microsoft Office 365.

Types of cloud storage services

Cloud storage online backup
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course, for the average computer user, some of the most important SaaS offerings are cloud storage services. These allow file hosting, file sharing, and remote data backup. Basically, after signing up for a cloud storage service, you get a certain amount of free storage space (usually 2–5 GB) for hosting whatever data you would like, along with the option to pay for an upgrade to access more storage space. Just like with other SaaS software, you can increase or decrease your use of the service very quickly, without having to interact with any of the related computing infrastructure.

We have previously discussed some of the best cloud storage services in detail, but for convenience, here’s a comparison chart of  common hosting services on the market (listed alphabetically) and what they have to offer.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now that we’ve covered the basic essentials for understanding the cloud, how do you enjoy using cloud technology in your home or business life? Do you have a tried-and-true cloud storage service, or are you still fluctuating between several? Let us know in the comments.

Editors' Recommendations

Mika Turim-Nygren
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mika Turim-Nygren writes about technology, travel, and culture. She is a PhD student in American literature at the University…
Time for a second monitor? Get up to 25% off top computer monitor deals at Dell
A woman using a 38-inch ultrawide Dell monitor.

You probably spent a lot of time choosing or building your computer, and who wouldn’t? Especially if you’re a gamer, content creator, developer, or you work with AI. You want something suitably powerful to handle those tasks with ease. But while doing so, you might have forgotten to choose a top computer monitor. A model that includes high-resolution support, high frame rates, and an overall excellent design. Maybe you reused an old monitor. Or, perhaps you’d like to upgrade to a multi-monitor setup?  Thanks to top computer monitor deals at Dell, you can do precisely that. Expect to save up to 25% more on top deals with phenomenal options. Dell UltraSharp monitors, curved gaming monitors, and even portable monitors are all on sale. Head over to Dell to shop before these deals are gone, or keep reading to see some of our top sales picks.

 
Why you should shop Dell's top computer monitor sale
Whether you're looking to replace an old monitor, upgrade to a curved or high-resolution option, or need a new monitor for your laptop or computer, there are plenty of options in this Dell sale. How about an incredible ?

Read more
Does the Vision Pro require a computer or phone?
Apple Vision Pro being worn by a person while using a keyboard.

The Vision Pro is an exciting new headset that Apple calls a spatial computer, but you might be wondering if the computing really happens on this compact device or if it needs to connect to a computer or a phone for processing. That's a fair question to ask since many AR and VR devices require a separate device for power and computing.
The Vision Pro and the Apple ecosystem
You can still FaceTime friends, family, and co-workers in the Vision Pro. Apple / Apple

So, how does the Apple Vision Pro work, and what's needed to use it as a spatial computer? The good news is this $3,500 device is complete right out of the box. You don't need to buy an iPhone or a Mac to use it. It has an M2 processor inside, uses hand gestures for controls, and the entire operating system is self-contained.

Read more
Spatial computing went public this year, but the true test is ahead
Apple Vision Pro's spatial computing could make it easier to work from home.

2023 was the year the world at large was introduced to the term spatial computing. Even though Apple didn't invent the term, its use of it while announcing the Vision Pro instead of "mixed-reality" or "augmented reality" was notable.

In short, a spatial computer is a new type of device with a wearable display, the ability to sense the surrounding area, and a user interface based on the wearer's hands, eyes, and voice instead of a traditional screen. But Apple is hardly alone in its pursuit. 2023 saw some huge releases from major players in the game, pushing this technology to places it's never been before, but it will only get bigger in 2024.
Spatial computing in 2023
As we approach the end of 2023, let's review several devices that almost qualify as spatial computers but fall short of replacing your laptop or revolutionizing computing. AR and VR headsets that include hand-tracking and some form of computer vision are intriguing but ultimately aren't practical enough for most people. AR glasses and smart glasses are much more inviting due to their relatively small and light form but lack complete spatial computing features.
AR headsets
A rendering of virtual graphics seen in a Microsoft HoloLens. Microsoft / Microsoft

Read more