Cut through the hype, understand cloud services, and enhance your privacy and security!What, exactly, is the Cloud? What are cloud services, and how can you make smart decisions about which ones to use and how to set them up? Join award-winning author Joe Kissell as he pins down nebulous cloud concepts, helps you evaluate claims about cloud services, and points out how to enhance your privacy and security in the Cloud.You can read this approachable ebook quickly in your recliner, deck chair, or airplane seat, but you'll want to pull it out again next time you're considering signing up for yet another cloud-based product or service, whether it's data storage, syncing, or sharing; a productivity or entertainment app; or something else. Along with lists of popular, recommended, or interesting cloud-based services, Joe provides advice on desirable (and undesirable) features. And, if you'd like still more control over your data, there's a special chapter about setting up your own personal cloud.Teach This Book! Do you need to give a presentation concerning the Cloud? We'd like to help. This ebook includes links to a free PDF cheat sheet and a PDF-based slide deck that you can show on any computer or mobile device.Here's what you'll find inside Take Control of the Cloud:18 essential FAQs about the CloudWhat's special about modern-day, cloud-based data syncingWhy it's so hard to mingle calendars from different servicesHow using the Cloud can reduce your hardware costsPopular cloud apps and what they can do for youHow to run Windows or Linux in the CloudWhy Adobe Creative Cloud is a lame example of cloud computingWhat a VPS (virtual private server) is, and why you might want oneWho are the big players who want to grab your cloud dataHow to avoid the weak points when it comes to cloud securityWhy you should back up to and from the CloudHow to know if a particular cloud service is right for youBarriers and benefits to running your own personal cloudHow to choose hardware and software for a personal cloudFree download of a cheat sheet and training materials about the Cloud