← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Advantages of cloud storage

Saving data on a provider's remote servers so you can reach files from any device online, add space easily, get backups done for you and share files, without buying your own hardware.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 3.3 Data Storage — Module 27

Understanding Advantages of cloud storage in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The provider makes copies of the data on its own servers, so the user does not have to run backups themselves. A link gives others access to the stored file, so there is no need to email large attachments or copy files to a USB drive. Cloud storage is reached over the internet, so any device with a connection can access the files. Without internet, the files cannot normally be reached. Because the data is not kept only on the laptop, the user can log in on a different device and carry on working. Not needing to buy and maintain your own storage hardware is a key advantage of cloud storage.

Common mistakes: The closing bracket is missing. Any device with internet can open cloud files, and the call must end with ): open("cloud/notes.txt"). The comparison is the wrong way round. Extra space should be added when used storage is nearly at the limit, so it should be used > limit - 10.

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Learning
Duo
A student saves their homework in cloud storage. Which statement is an advantage?
They can open the file from any device that has an internet connectionThey can open the file on any device even with no internet connection
Matches
Cloud storage works with no internet, anywhere
↓
Cloud storage needs an internet connection to reach the data. It cannot be used offline, so this is not an advantage.
Applying
Meanings
Term
cloud storage
Meaning
Saving data on a provider's remote servers so you can reach files from any device online, add space easily, get backups done for you and share files, without buying your own hardware.
Practice
OUTPUT "Access files from any device"
Testing
Gaps
.upload("notes.docx")
Check Answer
Spots
3if online:
4 open("cloud/notes.txt"

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Quick Questions

1. A student saves their homework in cloud storage. Which statement is an advantage?
A. They can open the file from any device that has an internet connection ✓
B. They can open the file on any device even with no internet connection
Cloud storage is reached over the internet, so any device with a connection can access the files. Without internet, the files cannot normally be reached.
2. Which describes how cloud storage helps when a user runs out of space?
A. The user can easily pay for more storage space from the provider ✓
B. The user must buy and install a new hard disk drive
Increasing storage space is easy with cloud storage. The provider adds capacity, so the user does not need to buy new hardware.
3. Who is usually responsible for making backup copies of data stored in the cloud?
A. The user, using their own backup drive
B. The cloud storage provider ✓
Providers usually keep backup copies of data on their servers, so the user does not have to do it themselves.
4. Which is an advantage of cloud storage for a group project?
A. Files can be shared easily by sending a link or giving access ✓
B. Files can only be shared by copying them onto a USB drive
Cloud storage makes sharing simple: the owner gives other people access to a file or folder, and everyone can open the same copy.
5. Which statement about buying hardware is true for cloud storage?
A. Users must buy a large SSD before they can use it
B. Users do not need to buy or maintain their own storage devices ✓
The data is held on the provider's remote servers, so the user avoids the cost of buying and maintaining their own storage hardware.

Match the Pairs

Upload report.docx to cloud, open on phone → Access files from any device with an internet connection
Plan: 100 GB -> 1 TB → Storage space can be increased easily without buying new hardware
The provider looks after backups, so files are safe if the user's laptop breaks → backup = provider.copy(files)
Files can be shared with other people easily by sending them a link → share(file, link, friend)
Cloud storage works with no internet, anywhere → Cloud storage needs an internet connection to reach the data. It cannot be used offline, so this is not an advantage.
Cloud advantage: user buys and fixes servers → The provider owns and maintains the servers and storage hardware. The user does not have to buy or maintain them.

Key Term

cloud storage
Saving data on a provider's remote servers so you can reach files from any device online, add space easily, get backups done for you and share files, without buying your own hardware.

Fill in the Blanks

1. cloud.upload("notes.docx")
Hint: Type the name of the remote storage service that receives the uploaded file.
2. IF internet = TRUE THEN OPEN("notes.docx") ENDIF
Hint: Type the Boolean value that must be true for any device to reach cloud files.
3. space ← 50 space ← space + 100
Hint: Type the operator that adds extra cloud storage space to the existing amount.
4. provider.backup(files)
Hint: Type who looks after making backup copies of your files in the cloud, so you do not have to.
5. cloud.share("notes.docx", "Sam")
Hint: Type the method name that gives another person access to your file.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A device = "phone"
B online = True
C if online:
D open("cloud/notes.txt"
Line D — The closing bracket is missing. Any device with internet can open cloud files, and the call must end with ): open("cloud/notes.txt").
Question 2
A used = 95
B limit = 100
C if used < limit - 10:
D buy_more_space()
Line C — The comparison is the wrong way round. Extra space should be added when used storage is nearly at the limit, so it should be used > limit - 10.
Question 3
A files = ["a.doc", "b.jpg"]
B friend = "sam@mail.com"
C share(files friend)
D print("Link sent")
Line C — A comma is missing between the two arguments. Easy file sharing needs share(files, friend).
Question 4
A backup_by = "user"
B disk_fails = True
C if disk_fails:
D restore_from(backup_by)
Line A — With cloud storage the provider handles the backups, not the user. It should be backup_by = "provider".
Question 5
A def upload(file)
B cloud.save(file)
C return "Saved online"
Line A — A function definition must end with a colon. It should be def upload(file):.

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