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This lesson compares cloud storage and local storage, covering their advantages, disadvantages, and appropriate use cases. This is part of OCR J277 Section 1.2.2.
Local storage refers to any storage device that is physically connected to or inside the computer being used. Examples include:
With local storage, the data is stored on a device that the user has physical access to. No internet connection is needed to read or write data.
Cloud storage refers to storing data on remote servers accessed over the internet. The data is not stored on the user's device — instead, it is stored in a data centre managed by a cloud provider.
| Service | Provider |
|---|---|
| Google Drive | |
| OneDrive | Microsoft |
| iCloud | Apple |
| Dropbox | Dropbox |
| Amazon S3 | Amazon Web Services |
When you save a file to cloud storage, it is uploaded over the internet to the provider's data centre. When you need the file, it is downloaded back to your device.
| Feature | Local Storage | Cloud Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Internet required? | No | Yes |
| Access from anywhere? | Only from the device the storage is connected to | From any device with internet access |
| Physical damage risk | Yes — device can be lost, stolen, or damaged | No — data is stored remotely in multiple locations |
| Storage capacity | Limited by the physical device | Can scale up easily (pay for more space) |
| Speed | Fast — direct connection to the computer | Depends on internet speed; can be slow for large files |
| Cost | One-off purchase | Often subscription-based (monthly/yearly fee) |
| Privacy | Data stays on your device; you control access | Data is stored by a third party; potential privacy concerns |
| Backup | User must manage backups manually | Cloud providers typically replicate data across multiple servers |
| Collaboration | Difficult — files must be shared via email or physical media | Easy — multiple users can access and edit shared files |
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