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You might of heard of something called cloud computing, but not known what it meant.  If so, then this guide is for you.

Cloud computing is, basically moving things that you do on a computer to the Internet, so it can be accessed from any computer.  There are many more arguments for cloud computing, including the following:

• People won’t need powerful computers, since they only need to be able to run a browser.  This brings communication and education to people who wouldn’t be able to afford a high-end computer.
• Collaboration is much easier, since people don’t have to send actual files to each other, they can just give them access to the files.
• Security increases, because you don’t have to update your programs, the server can do all of that automatically.

If you’re convinced, then let’s get started!

Step 1: E-Mail

If you use Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, Hotmail, etc. then you would probably be able to read your e-mail with the official online client.  Just go to what’s after the at sign in your e-mail address.  If, however, you use an e-mail provided by your workplace, school, or Internet provider, then you would have to use this alternative method:

1. Click here to sign up for a google account.
2. Go to gmail.com and, if necessary,  log in.
3. Click “Settings” at the top of the page.
4. Click on the section labeled “Accounts and Import”.
5. Now, select the button that says, “Send mail from another address”.
6. Follow the instructions to add your address.
7. Go back to the settings page and the accounts and import.
8. Click “make default” next to the address you just added.
9. Next, scroll down and click the button that says, “Add POP3 email account”.
10. Follow the instructions to add your account, you may need to check what values to use by looking at the settings in your default e-mail client.
11. You’re done!  You can now read your e-mail online.

Step 2: Documents

For this, I highly recommend Google Docs.  If you don’t already have google account, you can get one by clicking the “Get Started” button.  Google Docs lets you upload, save, edit, create, view, and share documents.

Step 3: Music

For listening music online, Lala is a good choice.  You can get an account with them and upload all of your music.  Also you can buy songs to listen to online for only 10¢.  Every song can be listened to for free once, before you have to buy it to hear it again.

Step 4: Games

If you ever wasted a few minustes with Solitare, then you know how addicting those types of games can be!  Luckily, there’s a website dedicated to single player card games:

worldofsolitaire.com

Besides that, there are tons of online games of every genre. I recommend you check out Newgrounds for more games than anyone could ever play.

Step 5: Going All the Way

If you tryed all of these things and love cloud computing, then you should check out Jolicloud or GoodOS.  They’re operating systems designed to operate entirely in the cloud.  The first is specifically for netbooks, and the second for other computers, but each will work on both types.

For more information about cloud computing, the Wikipedia page here has some good material.