Changes

Much media attention has been given recently to the concept of cloud computing. This essentially refers to the storage of data, or performing of tasks using remote servers hosted by third party organizations. Within the Ubuntu ecosystem, cloud services are provided by the Ubuntu One service.

The primary purpose of Ubuntu One is to provide cloud based synchronization and backup storage for files, contacts, bookmarks and music for your Ubuntu systems. In addition, the Ubuntu One Mobile subscription-based service enables users to stream stored music to a variety of mobile devices including Android phones and iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

The goal of this chapter is to outline the steps necessary to synchronize files, folder, contacts and bookmarks using the free Ubuntu One basic account.

Ubuntu One may be accessed from the Ubuntu 11.04 Unity desktop environment by clicking on the Ubuntu One item in the launcher as illustrated in the following figure: