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TUCSON - Companies like Google and Microsoft have brought Cloud Computing from the business world to the consumer world, our tech contributor Quincey Hobbs is here to share some of the ways that we can expect to see Cloud Computing in our everyday lives.

• For those that may not be familiar with the term, can you explain what is Cloud Computing?

Some people consider cloud computing to simply be the ability to access information online, but it is more specific than that. The information that commercial cloud computing refers to is your information. Information and files that were once only stored on your computer or a computer that you had access to.

• Where are some of areas that Cloud Computing is emerging?

The Cloud Computing model has been around for some time, but it is now gaining prominence because of its affordability and flexibility to customers or users. When you perform online banking or set your dvr online for your direct TV account, you are using cloud computing. Microsoft and Google have used cloud computing for years for everything from their respective email services (Gmail, Hotmail, and Windows Live) to other applications like Google Docs, and now Microsoft is looking in to offering a cloud based version of Microsoft Office which was once only installed on a desktop or laptop.
Cloud Computing is really beginning to impact the everyday lives of people by the introduction of new services like Apples' iCloud. This service removes the need for an iPod, iPhone, or iPad user to sync their device by cable in order to transfer file from their iTunes account to a device. Also, there are services like cloudme.com that offer online desktops that allow you to have a virtual desktop that is accessible anywhere with an internet connection.

• How secure is Cloud Computing?

Security is on a lot of peoples mind at the moment because of the recent news about various personal accounts that have been hacked. Security is consistent whether you are cloud computing or using a traditional device like a desktop or laptop. The security is normally prohibitive from the service provider's side of things. The weakest point in most cases is the user side. What this means is that as long as you have a strong password, consisting of 8 or more characters and you don't share it with anyone, you have strengthened the security on your end.

Websites
www.cloudme.com
http://mail.google.com
www.hotmail.com
www.apple.com/iCloud