What is Cloud Computing?

With the recent popularity surge of netbooks and UMPCs, you may have heard the phrase "cloud computing" used in the news, blogs, and other websites. What does this really mean?

To start, you have to understand that the cloud refers to the Internet (it's a metaphor more than anything, but most people have a very difficult time grasping the concept of cyberspace). Next, some basics on software as a service (SaaS) and Web 2.0

Is this getting too complex? Let's make it more simple. Cloud Computing can allow a user to pick up any type of computer (netbook, notebook, tablet, UMPC, desktop, etc.) that has Internet access. Through the Internet, the user can then access specific applications and stay very productive. The computer can be just about anything. Hence, the beauty of the netbook starts to really shine. You don't have to reinstall all your software on every single device if you rely on Cloud Computing since your software lives on a cloud.

Microsoft Office Live Workspace is one such example. Google Docs is another. Have you tried working on the cloud?

Syncing Outlook on different computers

FolderShare is still FREE (but also still a beta service that is part of Microsoft Live). However, FoderShare is a great way to synchronize your Outlook PST files on different computers. This is great if you happen to do some work at home, on the road, and at work (of course).

I have my Outlook PST files synchronized on my workstation at work, my laptop, my UMPC Samsung Q1 Ultra, and my OQO model 02 miniature - no micro - no nano PC. So, that means I have access to my important files all the time. Thanks FolderShare!