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Cloud Storage

FoundationHigherAQA

Learn Cloud Storage for GCSE Computer Science with this free worksheet and full mark scheme — Foundation and Higher exam-style questions with worked answers for AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525). Cloud storage keeps data on remote servers accessed over the internet.

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These worksheets and mark schemes are original, written for Virtus Academy and checked against the current AQA specification. Every worksheet comes with a full mark scheme.

Foundation

WorksheetFoundation · PDFMark SchemeFoundation · PDF

Higher

WorksheetHigher · PDFMark SchemeHigher · PDF

Topic overview

Cloud storage means storing data on remote servers accessed over the internet, rather than on local devices.

The advantages are practical. Files can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and from any device. Storage can be increased without buying hardware. Backups and maintenance are handled by the provider. Files can be shared and collaborated on easily.

The disadvantages are equally practical. An internet connection is required, so files are unavailable offline or if the connection fails. Data is held by a third party, raising security and privacy concerns. Ongoing subscription costs may exceed the one-off cost of local storage over time, and access depends on the provider continuing to operate.

Revision notes

Advantages

Access from anywhere with an internet connection, and from any device.

Capacity can be increased without buying hardware. Backups and maintenance are the provider's responsibility. Files are easy to share and collaborate on.

Disadvantages

An internet connection is required, so files are unavailable offline or during an outage.

Data is held by a third party, raising security and privacy concerns. Ongoing subscription costs may exceed a one-off purchase over time.

Making a judgement

The right choice depends on the situation.

A team working across several locations benefits from cloud access and sharing. An organisation with highly sensitive data or unreliable connectivity may prefer local storage despite the maintenance burden.

Key points

  • Cloud storage uses remote servers.
  • It is accessed over the internet.
  • Files are available from any device anywhere.
  • The provider handles backups and maintenance.
  • An internet connection is required.
  • Data is held by a third party.

Worked examples

Example 1

State two advantages of cloud storage. [2 marks]

Working

Files can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, on any devicegive the first advantage
Backups and maintenance are handled by the provider rather than the usergive the second advantage

Example 2

Explain one security concern with cloud storage. [2 marks]

Working

The data is held by a third party on servers the user does not controlstate the concern
so its security depends on the provider's measures, and a breach at the provider exposes the user's dataexplain the risk

Example 3

Explain why a business with an unreliable internet connection might avoid cloud storage. [2 marks]

Working

Cloud storage requires an internet connection to access filesstate the requirement
so during an outage the business would be unable to reach its data at allexplain the consequence

Common mistakes

  • Giving only advantages.

    Evaluation questions want both sides.

  • Saying cloud storage is always cheaper.

    Ongoing subscriptions may exceed a one-off purchase over time.

  • Forgetting the internet requirement.

    It is the most practical limitation.

  • Ignoring third-party control of data.

    It is the central security concern.

Exam tips

  • Give both advantages and disadvantages.
  • Name the internet requirement as a key limitation.
  • Link security concerns to third-party control.
  • Judge the choice against the situation described.

Key terms

Cloud storage
Storing data on remote servers accessed over the internet.
Third party
An organisation other than the user holding their data.
Subscription
An ongoing payment for a service.
Collaboration
Multiple users working on shared files.

Related topics

Written and reviewed against the current AQA specification. Spotted an error? Let us know.