Advantages and Disadvantages of Backing Up to the Cloud

We live in an era where technology is everywhere. It is on our television, in our social circle and in our important papers; from bills to wills and pictures and contacts.

The cloud is the latest addition to how technology is helping us become organized. It is a virtual place that keeps files and important documents, a location where these files are accessed from anywhere you have an Internet connection. While this is a great feature for many reasons, it also has some negative elements as well. The question becomes, when is convenience worth the price?

What Can Be Stored in the Cloud?

The cloud can store any type of file that is on your computer, phone or tablet. Scanned and saved photographs, music playlists, bills and wills. Other files the cloud handles are work documents that employees and employers can share with each other as well as homework for kids. The cloud gives you access to all of your files from the computer or mobile device. With the cloud, you do not worry about leaving your presentation at home or forgetting to turn in your important research paper. The cloud keeps these documents for you, so you can grab them when and where you need them.

Why Back Up to the Cloud?

We have all been in that moment where the computer crashes or your phone takes a swim taking all of your important files, pictures and music down with it. You know the computer or phone can be replaced easily but how are you supposed to get the files back? With the cloud, the baby pictures you thought you lost forever are saved, as well as the phone numbers and email addresses of all of your contacts not to mention that report that is due tomorrow and the wills of you and your spouse. If your files are backed up to the cloud, they are safe and sound in your virtual storage device.

When you switch phones, you can back up all of the files, contacts, photos and apps on the cloud. When you get your new device, you simply access the files on the cloud and they magically appear on your new phone.

How to Get the Cloud

There are many companies that offer storage on the cloud. Microsoft started the idea of the cloud with One Drive. Google came along shortly after with Google Docs. Now, Verizon is in on it with their own cloud storage for their customers. Most of these programs allow for a maximum amount of storage free of charge, after which, they charge for each Gig. With most of these programs, you can share certain documents with people who you choose.

Internet Access Required

Many places offer free Wi-Fi but if you are in a location that has no Internet and no cell service, (yes, these places do exist, although few and far between) you will not be able to access your files stored on the cloud. This is one downside to the theory of a virtual storage for your files. You have to be connected to access your files; so when they say access your files anywhere, they actually mean, access your files anywhere, if you have Internet.

Security Concerns

The cloud has been touted as the best invention since the Internet but how secure can it really be? Some are concerned that when you store your important papers with vital financial or identifying information, you open yourself up for trouble. With anything that is dependent on the Internet, there are going to be breaches, but most companies offer some kind of guarantee in case that happens. If you are concerned about breaches in the cloud, do not put any social security numbers, personal information or financial information on the cloud.

The cloud is a great avenue to keep your important documents and files safe. They are not exposed to a computer crashing or mobile device breaking. If the house catches on fire or you get robbed, the files will be safe and sound in their virtual world. There are very few downsides to storing your documents on the cloud although these are serious negatives. Nobody wants to see their files become compromised by a hacker and everybody wants to access files anywhere. The question remains, when is convenience worth the risk?

Dominick Rivoli is the owner of A1 Rivoli, top office equipment and computer service and repair specialists for the Long Island, NY Nassau, and Western Suffolk areas.