If there's a bustle in your hedgerow...

Even if you've just started tagging along, I probably don't need to tell you that my head's often in the clouds. What you may not know is that most of what I do on an internet device, i.e., a PC, tablet, or smartphone, is also up there...in the cloud. The "cloud" is geek-speak for that internet structure where both software and information are remotely stored, processed, securely managed, and retrieved.

The information I'm describing includes software, documents, photos, video clips, music and the system administration to make it all sing like a mid-70s Coke commercial  The primary differences between local and cloud management include important things like remote access, eliminated upgrade costs, and permanent data protection. By interfacing with the cloud through Google, your information is available at any time through any Web-enabled device from any location that delivering WiFi and there's no charge. Need to print a document? Use cloud printing to print from your Chromebook, smartphone, tablet, or PC to any web-connected printer.

The net effect is that you:

• can keep your head in the clouds (where it belongs).
• can access information from anywhere at anytime through multiple devices.
• no longer require updates to new PCs, operating systems, software, or anti-virus protection..
• don't spend $$$ more for unnecessary hardware.
• leave system administration responsibilities to the pros.

If there's any more silver lining required, let it be this: It works. I've been doing it for nearly two years. You can, too. Peace.

Up next: Using the new Chromebook