Next General Meeting:
Meeting Preview—Cloud Storage Devices/Services
Date: Tuesday, February 5, 7 p.m.
Location: Robilotti Conference Center, Danbury Hospital
Directions

We constantly depend on our computers to save the hundreds of hours of accumulated work we produce each year.  But are those files truly safe from loss or damage? It begs the question; are you better served having your files stored off-site instead of saved at your home or workplace? From the terrorist events of 9/11, to Mother Nature’s recent fury along the east coast in the form of Super Storm Sandy, there are many examples of how your computer data and local backups may be at severe risk of loss.  With this in mind, you may want to revise your storage strategy to include options of saving your files literally off-site on remote servers, often referred to as “cloud” storage.

To help us through the “fog” of various storage options in “the cloud”, DACS member and presenter Drew Kwashnak will explain what cloud storage actually is, and how it works.  Drew works in the computer industry and is a lifelong technology enthusiast. Since getting his own Google Chromebook, which relies heavily on cloud based applications and storage; he has developed a unique perspective and insight into the growing trend of cloud services.

Drew will take a broad look at the many cloud service providers and the various features they include. Individuals and smaller businesses can enjoy cloud storage solutions with little or no money out of pocket. Major computer players such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Ubuntu (Linux) offer cloud storage services that integrate seamlessly with their own systems. In fact, computer users may at times not know whether they are accessing files from their local computers, or directly from the cloud. Besides the major operating system makers, dozens of independent providers (such as Dropbox, SugarSync, SpiderOak, Wualla, Amazon and more) push the boundaries of what cloud storage capabilities are, and the ways in which they can be utilized.

After discussing cloud storage services, Drew will walk the audience through an installation and use of one of the popular storage solutions. This will allow everyone to better understand how to use cloud storage to their benefit.  In addition, Drew will demonstrate his daily use of cloud services as an example of how to integrate cloud storage into one’s routine.

Following the presentation, Drew will touch base on alternative data sync services that help manage offsite backup solutions. Afterwards, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about cloud storage benefits and shortcomings. As always, the DACS General Meeting is open to anyone, so be sure to invite your friends and colleagues.  From the computer novice to the seasoned PC veteran, everyone can benefit by learning how to start or improve their computer storage strategy.

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DACS meetings are usually held at the Danbury Hospital auditorium. (Click here for directions and parking information.)

Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with registration and casual networking. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. with a question and answer period (Ask DACS), followed by announcements and a short break. The featured evening presentation begins at 8:00. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.

DACS General Meetings are free and open to the public. Members and prior attendees are encouraged to extend invitations to anyone interested in this topic.

Danbury Area Computer Society (DACS) is a registered nonprofit and has been serving the region since 1990.