Why you should be using the cloud for storing files and photos

The cloud is the easiest way to get the security of off-site backup for your important files. In the event that your device crashes (or you spill coffee on it), you’ll still be able to access everything you need.

The cloud is an abbreviated term for 'cloud computing’, which refers to the idea of using other computers connected to the internet for things like storing data and running programs.

Check out our list of all the most important things you need to know about the cloud before you send your files up into it.

How to use cloud storage


Cloud storage is actually very simple and easy to use. All you need to begin is to register and set up an account, and then you’re ready to start saving your files via the internet using a unique username and password. Your login details ensure that your data remains safe, secure and inaccessible to anyone else, so make sure to pick something that’s hard to guess for anyone else but easy for you to remember.

You also have the opportunity to put certain permissions in place for other people, making it easy to share files with friends, family and colleagues.

Uses for the cloud

You can store anything digital on the cloud, from files and documents to videos and pictures. Whether you want to use your storage for treasured family photographs or to make your work easier to access on the go, the cloud will provide you with convenience at all times.

When you sign up to cloud storage, you’re able to pick the amount of space you need for your data. This means that if you start with a small amount, you’re able to increase the storage when you need more space, ensuring that it never gets full.

Is the cloud safer than your computer or an external drive?

Computer crashing is the most common cause of lost and damaged files, and it’s usually very hard to recover what you’ve lost. External hard drives are a safer bet, but they still run the risk of breaking or failing, and are also easy to misplace.

With the cloud it’s impossible to lose your data through computer errors, as all of your files are online and will still be there if your device breaks down.

The pros and cons of using cloud storage


Storing your data in the cloud comes with many advantages, from the ability to access your data whenever and wherever you want, to not having to shell out for expensive external storage devices. The ability to increase your storage space whenever you need it also makes cloud storage modular and flexible.

One con of cloud storage is that you need the internet to access your files, so if you’re someone who can live your life without the world wide web, you’ll be better off sticking to hard drives.

If you’re interested in using the cloud to store files, we recommend checking out Dropbox.