← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Comparing cloud storage with local storage

Cloud storage is accessed over the internet from anywhere, but relies on a network and provider. Local storage is on your device: quicker and fully under your control, but less portable.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 3.3 Data Storage — Module 29

Understanding Comparing cloud storage with local storage in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: Cloud files are stored remotely, so access and speed depend on the internet connection. If the connection is lost, the files cannot be reached. With local storage the owner is responsible for keeping the data safe, for example by copying it to a backup drive, because no provider does it for them. Cloud storage can be accessed by anyone you give permission to, wherever they are. An internal drive is fixed inside one machine. Remote access from anywhere is an advantage of cloud storage, not local storage. Local storage is on your own device.

Common mistakes: Local storage is on the device, so it still works with no internet. local_access should be TRUE. Only cloud access is lost offline. Cloud storage suits someone who travels, because the files can be reached from any device. The test should be travel = TRUE, not FALSE.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 325–341) and word search (Modules 325–354).

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Learning

Duo

Which type of storage lets you open your files from any device with an internet connection?

Cloud storageLocal storage

Matches

cloud_storage.open(file) # works with no internet

↓

Cloud storage cannot be opened without a network connection. Files are held on remote servers and need the internet to be reached.

Applying

Meanings

Term

cloud storage vs local storage

Meaning

Cloud storage is accessed over the internet from anywhere, but relies on a network and provider. Local storage is on your device: quicker and fully under your control, but less portable.

Practice

NeedAnywhere ← TRUE

Testing

Gaps

IF internetConnected = THEN

Check Answer

Spots

2 cloud_access ← FALSE

3 local_access ← FALSE

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Quick Questions

1. Which type of storage lets you open your files from any device with an internet connection?

A. Cloud storage ✓

B. Local storage

Cloud files are held on remote servers, so you can reach them from anywhere online. Local storage stays on the device or drive it is kept on.

2. You are on a train with no internet signal and need to open a saved essay. Which storage lets you open it?

A. Local storage on your laptop ✓

B. Cloud storage with no offline copy

Cloud storage relies on a network connection. Local storage works without the internet.

3. Which type of storage usually gives faster access to large files, such as a 4K video?

A. Cloud storage

B. Local storage (e.g. an SSD in your computer) ✓

Local storage does not depend on internet speed. Cloud files must travel over the network, so large files can be slow to open or upload.

4. Who is responsible for looking after the physical servers that hold your cloud files?

A. You, the user

B. The cloud storage provider ✓

The provider owns, maintains, secures and backs up the servers. With local storage, you are responsible for your own hardware.

5. Which option is likely to cost more over time as your storage needs grow?

A. Cloud storage, because of ongoing subscription fees ✓

B. Local storage, because you must pay a monthly fee

Cloud storage often charges a regular fee that rises with the space you use. Local storage is usually a one-off purchase, such as buying a hard drive.

Match the Pairs

cloud storage → Data kept on remote servers run by a provider and accessed over the internet from any device with a connection

local storage → Data kept on a device you own, such as an internal HDD, SSD or USB drive, and usable without a network

Cloud storage relies on the network, so with no internet connection your files cannot be reached → if internet == OFF then cloud_files = UNAVAILABLE

With local storage you control security and backups yourself, instead of relying on a provider → backup <- COPY files TO external_drive

cloud_storage.open(file) # works with no internet → Cloud storage cannot be opened without a network connection. Files are held on remote servers and need the internet to be reached.

local_storage.open(file) # from any device, anywhere → Local storage is on one device, so it is less portable. Files can only be reached from other devices if you carry the drive or copy the files.

Key Term

cloud storage vs local storage

Cloud storage is accessed over the internet from anywhere, but relies on a network and provider. Local storage is on your device: quicker and fully under your control, but less portable.

Fill in the Blanks

1. IF internetConnected = FALSE THEN storage ← "local" ENDIF

Hint: Type the Boolean value that means there is no network connection, so cloud storage cannot be reached.

2. IF anywhereAccess = TRUE THEN storage ← "cloud" ENDIF

Hint: Type the keyword that starts the block of code to run when the IF condition is true.

3. monthlyFee ← 5 yearlyCost ← monthlyFee * 12 OUTPUT yearlyCost

Hint: Type the operator that multiplies the monthly cloud fee over 12 months to show the cost over time.

4. IF storage = "cloud" THEN OUTPUT "Provider manages security" ENDIF

Hint: Type the pseudocode keyword that displays a message to the user.

5. IF networkSpeed < 5 THEN storage ← "local" ENDIF

Hint: Type the comparison operator meaning 'less than', so a slow network makes the student choose faster local storage.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A IF internet = FALSE THEN

B cloud_access ← FALSE

C local_access ← FALSE

D ENDIF

Line C — Local storage is on the device, so it still works with no internet. local_access should be TRUE. Only cloud access is lost offline.

Question 2

A travel ← TRUE

B IF travel = FALSE THEN

C storage ← "cloud"

D ELSE

E storage ← "local"

F ENDIF

Line B — Cloud storage suits someone who travels, because the files can be reached from any device. The test should be travel = TRUE, not FALSE.

Question 3

A cloud ← 5 + 36

B local ← 100

C IF cloud > local THEN

D OUTPUT "Local is cheaper"

E ENDIF

Line A — Cloud storage usually has a monthly fee, so the cost over time is the fee multiplied by the number of months: 5 * 36. Adding gives the wrong total.

Question 4

A IF storage = "cloud" THEN

B control ← "user"

C ELSE

D control ← "user"

E ENDIF

Line B — With cloud storage the provider owns and manages the servers, so the provider has control and security of the data. The user has control only with local storage.

Question 5

A IF network = "slow" THEN

B cloud_speed ← "slow"

C local_speed ← "slow"

D ENDIF

Line C — Local storage does not use the network, so a slow connection does not affect it. local_speed should stay "fast". Only cloud speed depends on the network.

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