30 Days With the Cloud

03.11.2011

I'm back. I didn't take the month of October off from writing altogether, but I did take a break from the 30 Days series. Now it's November and I am ready to embark on another 30-day journey. This time, I am going to spend the 30 days in the cloud.

I love my Windows 7 PC, and I am attached to having my software locally installed. I like knowing that my software is right here where I need it, and that I am not dependent on a reliable Internet connection just to access my own information or get anything done. I don't like the fact that a server outage somewhere on the other side I know that way of computing is quickly becoming outdated, though.

I also realize there are many potential benefits to using cloud-based products. As much as I appreciate having my software and data stored locally, there is an advantage to having access to my tools and data from virtually anywhere as long as I have a Web-enabled device and an Internet connection. If my PC crashes, or gets dropped in a pool or something, all I need to do is buy or borrow another PC and I'll be in business as if nothing happened.

As much as is possible, I will rely on Web-based tools. I can use the cloud for like word processing and spreadsheets, keeping track of my finances, scheduling and tracking my calendar and time, storing my data--including my music library, or just using a cloud-based music service in lieu of my library. There isn't much I can't do from the cloud these days.

Part of the journey will be devoted to trying out different tools and services of a given type and choosing the one I prefer. Then, the rest of the 30 days will be devoted to just using the cloud services I choose, and chronicling my experience--what works, what doesn't, tips, tricks, pitfalls, and shortcuts.