The cloud for beginners

In short: “The cloud” means: your files sit on servers on the internet instead of only on your device. You reach them from any device after signing in.

In more detail: Services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud or Dropbox synchronise a folder. Changes on one device appear on all others. Handy, but you entrust your data to a provider.

In Depth

• Advantages: Access from anywhere, easy sharing by link, protection if a device is lost.
• Disadvantages: Needs internet, the provider can see data, limited free storage.
• Sharing: Create a link and decide who may view or edit.
• Security: Strong password and two-factor sign-in.
• Sensitive documents: Encrypt first, or choose a provider with end-to-end encryption.
• Storage full: Tidy up or upgrade the plan.

See also: Backups for beginners, Everyday privacy: basic rules