Computer Applications Unit D Remote Desktop, Cloud Storage, Dropbox

Remote Desktop Software that allows a personal computer to be run remotely. (The same concept can be done with a server.) Some software allows for full control over the user’s session-this is known as remote administration.

Overview Remote access to a computer can only be done over the internet or a network. Typically used by businesses and manufacturers for technical troubleshooting of consumers’ problems. There are multiple types of software (freeware, open source, proprietary) that can do remote access.

How it works (in a nutshell) Operates as a client/server implementation. The controlling computer receives and displays a copy of the screen from the controlled computer. Software on the controlling computer transmits data to the controlled computer. The controlled computer then performs the desired task.

Cloud Storage Cloud storage is a networked storage that stores data in large virtualized pools. Information is usually held on servers by hosting companies, who then sell or lease storage capacity to consumers. Safety of your data depends on the hosting company and the application of which you are using.

Differences Than Physical Architecture In the cloud, files and folders behave under a certain set of guidelines. Have many distributed resources, but act as a single unit High fault tolerance through redundancy and distribution of data to prevent loss. Highly durable with the creation of versioned copies. Operates under eventual consistency for all data replicas-meaning all copies will receive the last version if no changes are made.

Advantages Just like in cloud computing, there are many advantages. Only pay for what you use Storage maintenance costs are offloaded to the responsibility of the service provider Provides immediate access to a broad range of resources and applications hosted in the infrastructure

Of course there are concerns… With your data spread out in multiple copies everywhere, it increases what is known as the attack surface area. Aka more areas where data can be compromised. Supplier stability-Will the company hosting your stuff always be around? (Ex. Megaupload) Accessibility-Performance is likely to be lower than on something that is locally operated on your computer. Costs-The cloud storage model works great for businesses who have volumes of information, but for the average user, they could invest in alternatives such as external drives.

Dropbox A specific file-hosting service, or a cloud storage application. Dropbox allows user to create a special folder on their computer that then syncs with that same folder on any other computer. Files placed in the folder are also accessible on the web.

More About… A Freemium model (where the software is free, but you have to pay for more features/space). Dropbox increased their storage space in order to compete against Google Drive and Microsoft’s Skydrive. Google Drive and Skydrive are also file hosting services, allowing users to upload and store files in the cloud.