Easy2 marksStructured
Computer systemsGeneralstoragecloud storage

AQA GCSE · Question 09.1 · Computer systems

Data is increasingly being stored 'in the cloud'. State two advantages of using cloud storage instead of local storage.

How to approach this question

Think about the benefits of having your files on a remote server managed by a company like Google or Microsoft, compared to just having them on your own computer's hard drive. Consider access, sharing, and safety.

Full Answer

1. **Accessibility:** Files can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, anywhere in the world. 2. **Collaboration:** It is easier for multiple users to share and work on the same files simultaneously.
Cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet, which offers several advantages over storing data locally on a device's hard drive. 1. **Universal Accessibility:** Data stored in the cloud can be accessed from any device (laptop, phone, tablet) that has an internet connection, regardless of geographical location. This provides much greater flexibility than local storage, where files are tied to a single physical machine. 2. **Enhanced Collaboration and Sharing:** Cloud storage services make it very simple to share files or entire folders with other people. They often include features for real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to view and edit the same document simultaneously, which is very difficult to achieve with local storage.

Common mistakes

✗ Stating "it's cheaper" without qualification (it can be more expensive in the long run). ✗ Stating "it's more secure" without qualification (it can be a target for large-scale attacks). ✗ Vague answers like "it's better" or "it's online".

Practice the full AQA GCSE Computer Science Paper 2

46 questions · hints · full answers · grading

More questions from this exam