How does cloud storage differ from local storage?

How does cloud storage differ from local storage?

• A. Local storage stores files on the device.
• B. Cloud storage stores files on remote servers accessible via internet; local storage is on the device.
• C. Local storage uses the internet to access files.
• D. Cloud storage cannot be accessed online.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is where the data sits and how you reach it. Cloud storage moves your files to remote servers managed by a provider, and you access them over the internet from any device with a connection. Local storage keeps your files on the device itself—on its built-in hard drive or SSD (or on attached drives). So cloud storage is about remote, internet-based access, while local storage is about data stored directly on your device. To add practical context, using cloud storage means you can open and share files from multiple devices and keep them backed up on servers the provider maintains. However, you generally need internet access to see the current versions, unless the app has cached copies. Local storage doesn’t require internet once you have the file and can be faster for quick access, but it doesn’t automatically sync across devices unless you use a separate syncing setup. The other statements either describe local storage without addressing the difference, or incorrectly claim that cloud storage can’t be accessed online, which isn’t true.

The main idea here is where the data sits and how you reach it. Cloud storage moves your files to remote servers managed by a provider, and you access them over the internet from any device with a connection. Local storage keeps your files on the device itself—on its built-in hard drive or SSD (or on attached drives). So cloud storage is about remote, internet-based access, while local storage is about data stored directly on your device.

To add practical context, using cloud storage means you can open and share files from multiple devices and keep them backed up on servers the provider maintains. However, you generally need internet access to see the current versions, unless the app has cached copies. Local storage doesn’t require internet once you have the file and can be faster for quick access, but it doesn’t automatically sync across devices unless you use a separate syncing setup.

The other statements either describe local storage without addressing the difference, or incorrectly claim that cloud storage can’t be accessed online, which isn’t true.