Data is increasingly being stored 'in the cloud'. State two advantages of using cloud storage instead of local storage.
How to approach this question
Think about the benefits of having your files on a remote server managed by a company like Google or Microsoft, compared to just having them on your own computer's hard drive. Consider access, sharing, and safety.
Full Answer
Cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet, which offers several advantages over storing data locally on a device's hard drive.
1. **Universal Accessibility:** Data stored in the cloud can be accessed from any device (laptop, phone, tablet) that has an internet connection, regardless of geographical location. This provides much greater flexibility than local storage, where files are tied to a single physical machine.
2. **Enhanced Collaboration and Sharing:** Cloud storage services make it very simple to share files or entire folders with other people. They often include features for real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to view and edit the same document simultaneously, which is very difficult to achieve with local storage.
Common mistakes
✗ Stating "it's cheaper" without qualification (it can be more expensive in the long run).
✗ Stating "it's more secure" without qualification (it can be a target for large-scale attacks).
✗ Vague answers like "it's better" or "it's online".
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