Those of us in the IT world are generally in favor of all the latest developments in the computer technology field. For instance, the explosion of the Internet from a handful of local bulletin boards to a global network was universally accepted by geeks the world over. We were equally impressed with HTML, Java, scalable servers, and the new tablet computer. But one emerging technology has some of us a little nervous. The technology I’m referring to is cloud computing.
In the simplest possible terms, cloud computing is Internet computing. In other words, the typical desktop PC is a self-contained unit with its own GUI, applications, drivers, and so forth. But with cloud computing the PC is really non-existent. The box on the user’s desk is nothing more than a modem which connects to an internet mainframe where all function takes place.
Perhaps you’ve heard the hype regarding Google’s attempt to create its own operating system called Chrome OS. If you’re confused between Chrome OS and Google’s Chrome web browser, don’t worry; that’s the intent. Chrome OS, and its open source twin, Chromium OS, are both cloud-based operating systems. They consist of a modified Chrome web browser which connects you to a cloud. The cloud is where all your applications reside and work. Your email, media player, office suite, and productivity software are all in the cloud.