Tag: cloud storage
Where Is Mobile App Data Stored?
Are your apps stored on a sim card? A microSD card? Internal storage? On the cloud? We answer this question below.
Note: This is an expanded/enhanced article of “Are Apps Stored on my SIM card?” If you prefer to read the original article, click here.
To make a long story short, the data that makes an app: video, audio, and music files, documents, downloaded content, and user accounts can be stored in a number of locations. It depends on the app itself, the amount of storage the app requires, how often the app updates, and the settings on your mobile device to where the app and subsequent files are stored. In this article, we will clarify where app data for a mobile device is stored.
This article goes through the following and describes whether app data is stored there and how:
MicroSD Cards
A MicroSD Card is a type of removable flash memory card that is used for storing data, pictures, music, and video. They are used in many devices including smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, and video cameras.
MicroSD Cards are tiny, usually about 15mmx11mm X 1mm, which is about the size of a thumbnail. When used, they are placed directly inside the device, usually in a slot labeled “microSD”. The microSD card can then be easily removed and replaced if needed.
A microSD card stores data in the form of binary code, and a single microSD card can vary greatly in storage capacity, from 2GB to over 1TB. As technology continues to improve, this storage capacity is likely to increase as well.
MicroSD cards can store app data including game data, downloaded content, and user accounts. Most devices with microSD cards are able to automatically detect and save app info to the microSD card, but, in some cases depending on the device, you have to enable this feature. Additionally, some apps require that you manually select the microSD card as the location to save app info.
It’s worth noting that not all smart phones are equipped with ports for microSD cards, Some of the newer models of iPhones as well as some flagship Android models no longer have microSD ports. Instead, they have larger internal storage and rely on cloud storage to back up data should it become necessary.
A MicroSD Card
SIM Cards
A SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) is about the same size as a microSD card and is also placed inside of a mobile device, usually by the smartphone dealer when the phone is taken in to be activated. Due to these similarities, many are under the misconception that the SIM card can also save app information and, should the card be removed, they would lose that information.
A sim card does not store app data or any type of personal information. It does store the user’s phone number, network authorization data, and text messages. It allows users to switch their service provider by transferring their information to a new SIM card. It also allows users to transmit data and send voice calls and receive calls from other people through their phone.
Another common misconception about SIM cards is that a cell phone will not work if a SIM card is not in place. This is not true. Without a SIM card, you will not be able to place calls or send messages, but a phone can still pick up a wi-fi signal and most of its other features will still function.
A SIM Card
Internal storage
If you are downloading an app on your phone, the most likely place for the app info to go is to the phone’s internal memory. Generally, when you download an app, it will be stored in a specific folder on the device itself.
This folder is usually referred to as the “Applications” folder. Once the app is installed, you can access it by opening that folder and tapping on the icon of the app. From there, you can change many of the app’s settings as well as disable it or uninstall it.
As of this writing, the standard amount of internal storage for an iPhone or Android is 128GB with up to 1TB available. With that amount of storage now available on mobile devices and even more expected in the near future, some devices have chosen to forego the microSD card slot.
If a phone now risks running low on internal storage, such items as pictures and videos can be transferred to cloud storage. Cloud storage is considered by many to be much more reliable than microSD cards or older methods of portable memory.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is a component of cloud computing and is the practice of storing data in a remote, online location instead of a physical storage device. Cloud storage works by transferring data from a user’s computer or smart device to a remote server, usually via the internet. This keeps data safe from many computer breaches since the data is not stored on a device.
The data is then stored in a server which is owned and maintained by a cloud storage provider. The data is securely backed up on the server and users can access it from any device with an internet connection. Google offers Google Drive, which is is one option for free cloud storage and cloud backup.
SaaS business software is typically stored on the cloud. This gives users great computing ability without taking up any internal storage on their computer or devices. Such SaaS software frequently offers exceptional collaboration tools for teams to use. In addition, users can access the software and their information from anywhere, making it extremely convenient. Some business software such as Google Drive and Microsoft Office 365 allow you to store files on the cloud and also download them to your device when needed.
Generally, apps that require more storage space such as large file sharing or audio/video streaming apps will be stored more on the cloud than other types of apps. Additionally, apps that require frequent updates such as messaging, social media, and gaming apps will also be stored on the cloud to ensure that users are able to access the latest version of the app without as many crashes or downtimes.
Apps that require more computing power and require complex calculations also tend to be stored on the cloud to ensure that users have access to the highest level of computing power available.
Apps that are stored on the cloud tend to be much more scalable. Being on the cloud allows an app to handle large amounts of data and traffic and tackle sudden spikes in user demand.
Matraex is a premier app and software development company located in southwest Idaho. Our mission is to answer business and consumer questions regarding app and software development so they can make the best decisions for their circumstances.
We hope that you will look through our content for answers. We would also love the chance to answer your questions directly. Feel free to contact us, call us at (208) 344-1115, or leave a question on our Google Business Profile. We look forward to hearing from you.
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What Is Cloud Computing?
You often hear of “the cloud” or “cloud computing”, but what, exactly, is it? In short, the cloud is a network of remote services hosted on the internet that are used to store, manage, and process data in place of local servers or personal computers. Read this article to learn more about cloud computing.
Questions that are answered in this article include the following:
What is cloud computing used for?
Cloud computing is used for many things, and its uses are increasing all of the time. It is currently being used for data storage, web hosting, software development, and analytics. It can also be used to provide services like streaming media, backing up information, and gaming.
What are some popular programs and apps that use cloud computing?
Popular programs and apps that use cloud computing include the following:Google Drive – Google Drive allows you to share and synchronize files with other users or across devices. It has over a billion users and includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Classroom.
Dropbox – Dropbox is a popular file storage system that allows you to back up your information and share it easily.
Microsoft 365 – Microsoft 365 includes all of the popular Office products including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. It allows you to create, save, and share material easily and from anywhere.
Amazon Web Services – Amazon Web Services provides web hosting, content distribution and delivery, database solutions that are scalable according to business size, and software to assist business owners.
Zoom – Zoom allows businesses to collaborate in real time with video meetings, team chat, a virtual whiteboard, and webinars.
This is only a small sample of websites and apps that are taking advantage of this technology. The value and amount of services that are being offered through cloud computing is increasing exponentially and is expected to continue to do so into the near future.
What are some advantages of cloud computing?
With cloud computing, documents and other material are often saved automatically. When you choose the automatic save option, you no longer have to worry about closing a document without saving and losing everything or a power outage wiping out your work. Cloud computing also allows you to work on multiple devices. When you log in to your online account, your information is there regardless of where you are or the device you’re using. Cloud computing allows for easy sharing, gives you access to large apps and software that may be too big to fit on your personal computer’s harddrive, and allows you to play some video games seamlessly. Should you have to vacate the game unexpectedly, the cloud often saves your progress and allows you to continue where you left off.
What are some disadvantages of cloud computing?
The biggest issue with cloud computing regards security. Cloud computing involves storing data on remote servers, which leaves the information vulnerable to cyber attacks. There’s also privacy concerns because some of the info stored on the cloud is sensitive and that info can sometimes be accessed by the cloud provider. In addition, cloud computing requires internet connectivity to work, and if the cloud provider has service issues, you can lose access to your information. It is also difficult to switch from one cloud provider to another because of the complexities involved.
Cloud computing is expected to continue to grow in use and in the many ways it can be used in future years. For all intents and purposes, in addition to artificial intelligence, it is the future of computing.
Matraex is a premier app and software development company located in Boise, Idaho. If you have any questions involving computers, apps, or software development that you would like answers to, Matraex would like to help you get those answers. Contact us or call us at (208) 344-1115 and let us know. You can also direct message us online or leave a question on our Google business page. We look forward to answering all of your questions.
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