Cloud computing, in simple terms, is programs that can store information and data through the internet instead of through hard drives. There are several different cloud-based applications that most people are familiar with. Off the top of your head, you might think of iCloud or Google drive. Two others, which I personally use in my daily life and that I think others might recognize as well, are Microsoft 365/One Drive and Slack.
Microsoft One Drive/365 is an excellent subscription-based service cloud-based program. They have grown into quite the suite with programs that can be used easily at work and home for personal use. It is a very efficient resource that makes productivity and consistent workflow simple. Within the subscription, you can access all their amazing features, chat in Teams (similar to Slack in this case,) and share and collaborate with others in one all-encompassing suite. Microsoft can be accessed from all devices and has great protection and backup services as well. You can create documents, slides, spreads, and more within this platform. Messaging in Teams is an added plus, and there are several other features and options too.
Slack is a great communication tool that is also considered a cloud-based program because it is a platform that connects people from different devices and allows members to collaborate, share, and work easily and efficiently through messaging. Slack is also considered to be a great, laid-back, and informal way to “email” without needing to elaborate and share things in a tricky way through email. Not only that, but they also make it easy to stay productive by integrating other programs and resources such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Twitter, and Foursquare. A lot can be done with just the free platform, but advanced features and integration options also open up with the paid options. There is even a plug-in that connects email and calendars to make life even easier for the user. You can share lists, collaborate, allow desktop notifications, and more.
Overall, Slack makes protection a priority, but it is not the same saving/sharing/protected and backed-up platform that Microsoft is. They both serve amazing purposes, but they are different. These two services share the similarity of being cloud-based programs and continue to be excellent resources that students, families, offices, and businesses use on a daily basis.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-cloud-computing#fbid=CDQGL8QmD3y
https://mashable.com/archive/cloud-computing-guide
https://slack.com/help/articles/115004071768-What-is-Slack-
https://www.howtogeek.com/669400/what-is-microsoft-365/
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/online-cloud-storage