The Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Cloud Storage

Nowadays everyone is talking about free cloud storage and how cool it is. With free cloud storage, you dont need to carry your laptop with you anywhere you go to access your files and data. It allows internet users to save their data into central servers provided by websites which offer online space for free. More and more people are using free cloud storage instead of local storage (storing files using CDs, DVDs, USBs or external disk drives). So what are the advantages and disadvantages of free cloud storage?
Storing your file library using free cloud storage has many advantages. One of the most beneficial advantages of free cloud storage is guarding the stored files from any possible disaster like flooding, fire, theft, virus, etc with the possibility to recover them after the event from the users personal online locker. Another advantage is ease of access; rather than being locked down to a local storage device that may not even be portable, free cloud storage permits users to access their data wherever they are and whatever device they are using as long as there is internet. Storing files online makes it easier to share them with other users. Free cloud storage is flexible, convenient and free of any costs.
Free cloud storage can also have disadvantages. The availability of stored data depends on internet access; if we cannot connect to internet, we cannot access our backup as well. Transferring speed and performance may be lower than if data would be backed up on local external device. There are some security concerns regarding online storage: if security credentials (username, password, etc.) are weak or cloud host is damaged, the data can be violated. The user has less control over how and where his data is stored since it is stored by the host company. Some online storage providers offer free cloud storage only for a limited time.
Free cloud storage has great beneficial advantages as well as worrying disadvantages. Even though, it is becoming the new storage device in this digital era.