# Cloud and Local Storage

- **Track:** Cambridge IGCSE™ Computer Science (0478 / 0984) (CAMBRIDGE IGCSE 0478)
- **Module:** Section 3: Hardware & Architecture
- **Estimated Duration:** 10 minutes
- **Access:** Open Theory (All-Access for Interactive IDE & Autotests)

---

## Theory & Conceptual Background

## 4. Cloud Storage

**Cloud storage** involves saving digital data on remote servers located in offsite commercial data centres (managed by cloud providers like Google Cloud, AWS, or Microsoft Azure), accessed over the internet.

### Advantages:

- **Universal Accessibility**: Access files from any device with an internet connection anywhere in the world.
- **Automated Backup & Redundancy**: Data is mirrored across multiple physical data centres, protecting against local fire, theft, or hardware failure.
- **Elastic Scalability**: Storage capacity can be increased instantly on demand without purchasing physical hardware.

### Disadvantages:

- **Requires Network Access**: Cannot access or download files if internet connection is down or slow.
- **Security & Privacy Risks**: Data is stored on third-party infrastructure and vulnerable to interception or unauthorized access if account credentials are breached.
- **Ongoing Subscription Costs**: Incurs recurring monthly or annual subscription fees over time.

## Worked decision and independent comparison

A travelling designer needs files on two devices. Cloud storage supports access and sharing, but upload bandwidth, account security, ongoing fees and provider availability matter. Keep a suitable backup/version history: synchronisation can also synchronise an accidental deletion.

A field team works where connectivity is unreliable. Compare local storage plus planned backups with a cloud-only workflow. State which need determines your choice and one risk that remains.

---

## Interactive Exercises & Autotest Specifications

### Exercise 1: Application: Storage decisions (Fill in blank, 30 XP)

**Instructions:**
Work out each answer before submitting. Can cloud files normally be accessed without any network connection unless cached: yes or no? Is a cloud copy stored on remote or local provider equipment? Does synchronising an accidental deletion automatically guarantee a recoverable backup: yes or no?


**Starter Code:**
```text
{"prompt":"Application: Storage decisions","template":"1. Can cloud files normally be accessed without any network connection unless cached: yes or no? [blank_1]\n2. Is a cloud copy stored on remote or local provider equipment? [blank_2]\n3. Does synchronising an accidental deletion automatically guarantee a recoverable backup: yes or no? [blank_3]","blanks":[{"id":"blank_1"},{"id":"blank_2"},{"id":"blank_3"}],"word_bank":["no","remote","yes","local","hybrid"]}
```