We tend to think of Google Apps as the go-to source for freebie cloud computing services, but the truth is, Google isn't the only, or even the best, cloud service. I've found two sites offering Cloud Computing for the average user for free. They call it a computer in a browser or a WebOS. They are not suitable for replacing your enterprise desktops but they are great for moving files from your home computer to your work computer or for students to have their school and personal files with them no matter where they go. The sites are called iCloud and G.ho.st and they offer online storage and applications that run in a proprietary operating system. It feels almost like remote desktop. You can personalize your desktop by changing your wallpaper and if you use the browser you can bookmark sites and do most anything real browsers have to offer.
The file storage is the best part. iCloud offers 3GB of file storage while G.ho.st offers 15GB. G.ho.st also offers an extra 5GB of storage for each person you refer (remember, you were referred by coltmercer@g.ho.st). The storage is supposed to be safe. iCloud boasts daily backups while G.ho.st uses Amazon's file servers for storage, which is most likely why they offer more disk space. G.ho.st also has some added features because of Amazon's file storage including WebDAV which allows you to access your files using Windows Explorer. There is also an application that you can install on Windows and Macs to automatically synchronize files on your desktop with G.ho.st.
Both also provide an open office suite for creating and editing Microsoft Office compatible files. It appears that iCloud does not have a spread sheet editor but G.ho.st does. The G.ho.st version of Excel is Zoho Sheets which does not recognize Excel 2007 files or files that are password protected. They both allow editing of Word and Power Point files however.
Other applications allow more than just office files editing. You have Instant Messengers, Widgets, an Internet Browser, Photo Editing and more. There is also a development kit to create your own. You can access your personal email account from their Email app and you get a free g.ho.st email address as well with 10GB of storage. Since the service has allowed me to stop emailing myself files back and forth from work, it may not be as helpful to me.
Both are pushing the Social aspect as well. You can have "Buddies" to IM and share files with. You can IM using any of the popular IM services also. I created two accounts and shared some photos. You can create slide shows and do some basic photo editing from the G.ho.st WebOS.
I found iCloud to be a bit too limiting for my taste. Not enough storage and the only browser it has been fully tested for is Internet Explorer. It does work in Firefox but it is still in the Alpha phase. I was able to make the Firefox version crash pretty easily. G.ho.st works on all browsers I have tested so far. There is even a mobile version you can access from phones. I found it more useful to upload photos taken from my phone to G.ho.st than emailing them to myself. The greatest feature I have found so far is that although the proxy servers at work will not allow me access to my Twitter or Gmail, they did allow me to access G.ho.st.
Colt Mercer is a Network Engineer for one of the largest corporate networks in the world. In his role he is exposed to a great deal of current and emerging technologies. His experience in the technology field makes his insight both valid and intriguing.
You can e-mail colt at coltmercer@gmail.com.
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Thanks for the Review
Thanks for the review on G.ho.st & iCloud. I did not know that there was a storage service out there that provided that much space for free. There are many things I need access to when away from my personal computer so this is a great solution.
Webdav....?
I could not find any webdav in Ghost, but on icloud, what is the url to Ghost webdav?
Also, do you have a link to the application for automatically synchronizing files, I would love to have that :-)
Webdav....?
The WebDAV feature requires some development knowledge. You should be able to find some WebDAV clients in the Apps directory.
The Sync feature can be found at Go->All Programs->G.ho.st Applications->sync
Accessing G.ho.st directory through M$ Explorer
There is documentation once you sign up that explains how to access the g.ho.st files system through explorer.
Through Windows, select RUN and type in "ftp://ftp.g.ho.st/" when prompted, input your username & pass. it will then display through Internet Explorer. From IE, go to View=>Open FTP Site in Windows Explorer-and there you have it!
There is no need to be signed into the G.ho.st OS to access these files-that part is nice.
(your 'username' is also another email address (________@g.ho.st)that you can use...guess that can be good or bad)
G.ho.st does offer a installable utility that will sync selected windows folders and/or files.
Yhe OS os a little slow, but not bad for free!
Good article, this seems to
Good article, this seems to be the solution for people who send emails to themselves everytime they want to store any data thats online while they are not at there PC. I wasnt aware of anyone providing the solution for FREE with that amount of free space.Doing presentations at work has got more easier and simple now.
getdropbox.com
Seems a tad over complicated just for online file storage... think I'll stick with Dropbox.
Errors Registering at G.ho.st
When I first clicked on sign up link, it took me to sing in (instead of sign up) page.
Getting ambiguous "Unknown errors in registration process" now. No wonder it is free.
You have to reset your
You have to reset your registration data and enter all info required again along with the correct verification code. Most likely you didn't get the verify code correct and had to do again but the data entered (such as passcode) has to be reentered for it to go through.
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