Task #7: Cloud Computing - Google Docs and Dropbox

Tasks Accomplished:
1. Watch Cloud Computing in Plain English video.
I remember this video from last time. I have discussed cloud computing a few times since I first learned about it. Nancy Trimm also mentioned it at the "Technology Training on Demand" class.
2. Read the 'differences' article. 
I didn't find this article too helpful. It actually confused me more. I guess I'll have to let the thoughts simmer for a few days and try and re-read the article again. Or discuss it more with my smarter, more tech savvy co-workers to get a better grasp of the differences. (It could be the distracting crying baby that I can hear as I do this Webolution task and it is after lunch!)
3. Watch the Dropbox video. 
I thought this video was helpful.
4. Watch the Google Docs video.
I also thought this video was helpful.
5. Blog about whether you would use Dropbox or Google Docs and/or suggest it to patrons. If you already use either one, tell us about it.
Nancy Trimm mentioned some helpful uses of Google Docs in her line of work, while traveling for the training sessions while also working on shared projects with other co-workers. Likewise I think on-line or traditional brick and mortar students could find these programs helpful on group projects. Also family members in different states who work on joint genealogy projects or who send family letters where multiple people can chime in to add their comments. I could see discussing these programs with patrons and letting them decide what might be most helpful for their needs. Alas, it made me think of people who use their garages to hold all their worldly belongings EXCEPT their cars. It made me also think of everyone who pay fees to store even more STUFF at storage garages, etc. (Which also made me think of George Carlins "STUFF" comedy routine, but I digress.) I always go kicking and screaming into the latest trends and likely won't hop on board this train even for the "free" amount of CLOUD storage they provide much less the extra storage they will be happy to sell me. I'm sure that Creative Memories "Memory Manager" or Shutterfly already are painlessly cloud computing for me with the photos I upload to their sites and share with family and friends from there!


Thanks again for trying to keep me up to date with the latest and greatest new trends!