"Cloud" Computing Classes to be Offered at Davie Education Center

By Kathy Kepley
Davidson County Community College

March 22, 2011

Access to computer services offered on the Internet “cloud” will be explained during a seminar to be offered in April and May at the Davie Education Center of Davidson County Community College.

“Cloud Computing” What is It and Why Should I Care?” will address this new generation of computing in which services and storage are available through shared resources, software and information provided to computer users on-demand via the web. These classes, geared toward small business owners and home computer users, will be held April 21, 1-2:30 p.m. and May 5, 5-6:30 p.m.

The definition of “cloud” computing will be explored, with emphasis on using online applications and online storage. Sharing and collaborating will be addressed. Participants will learn how using these third-party providers may impact future computer needs and purchases.

Small business owners will receive information on how using Internet-based computing can reduce costs associated with computer investment, staffing and consulting needs and backing up data.

Internet cloud services are often connected, meaning users can share information between multiple systems and with other users. Examples of cloud computing to be discussed in the classes include Google documents, Picasa photos, Gmail, Google Calendar, Facebook and LastPass.com.

For additional information, contact Scott Gantt at 336-998-3220 or rsgantt@davidsonccc.edu.