Why is a windows8 logo in that picture?  Cloud computing/storage isn’t bound to windows only.
You can disable clouding/SkyDrive (storage) and some folks don’t even use it need it.
But before we go into detail it would be wise to actually look up and understand and know how the cloud works.

If you choose to store Data on a server that you don’t know- that includes location laws and Eula then its obvious that  you should read up on the topic a bit more?
However if you know the Network, or the server and you can use it to have access to your data from wherever you can expand/extend your computing power instantly without investing intop D-servers-  it’s a definitely a big bonus.
However if you have a company and you store data (important Data) on a unknown cloud be careful since that data can be sold and stored in other country’s with different laws. 
Like every other thing in reality and VR nothing is unbreakable so your data can be safe but has a chance to be stolen n sold.


To the part of Skynet: I wouldn´t be worried about the cloud.
In our modern time there is no big need to steal personal information you only have to check social media + there is NSA.
Cameras everywhere around you, online buying history Banking details and more that are that get stored on a daily basis.
Basically everyone is an open book, phones with GPS could possibly track your location, contacts read out of it, + those of friends could be monitored as well, the amount of money you have gained and spent for things everything even what programs or movies you watch.
So should I be worried about the cloud?

Yay! Thanx for starting off the discussion Rollocollor

Yes, but they all SAY alot don´t they... The tech is there and my experience with life in general is -If it can be abused it already Is being abused.

On a non connected HD in a fireproof safe....Sounds good.... unless it was "Uploaded" first

I use some cloud storage, but never for anything sensitive. Skins, walls, etc. Nothing I am worried about. 

You´re all missing the point. 

-I doesen´t matter if you "Use" it or not if the tech is being abused

All your Info might already be in the Cloud as far as tech goes.

There's too many variables here.  Cloud storage, cloud services, cloud etc.

I'll take the advantages of it over the disadvantages.  I can access my data from any device, wherever I'm at.  Don't have to worry about local storage options, or having a way to get to that data if needed.

Like it or not, that's the way the future computing will be.

 That's just it!  If you can access 'your' data from the Cloud, so can others.  Okay, you can say that you don't put any sensitive/personal data there, but what if the people who chose to abuse the Cloud can access the uploading PC from the Cloud... and that PC holds sensitive/personal information? 

It's all well and good to say that's not possible, but not all that long ago it was thought accessing PCs remotely wasn't possible.  Thing is, some bright spark came up with a way... and now that system is abused by multitudes of proliferators of malware. 

I'm not saying the technology is bad.  In fact it is brilliant, but like all things good, there are those who will abuse it to their own ends and turn it into something you need to be cautious of.

After losing a drive with photos, documents and skin backups, I have considered Cloud storage as an extra backup source, it's just that I've been otherwise occupied and haven't really looked into it properly as yet.... whether or not I trust it.  By that I mean whether my data is safe from loss or corruption.  If local storage drives can die or become unviable, then what about those data banks of the Cloud?  Are they sufficiently backed up or does the system fail if a major part fails bigtime?

These are questions I need to answer before I upload anything... and then there are the concerns of data and identity theft.  While that's possible down here on Terra Firma, does placing data on the cloud open more avenues to my personal stuff?  Like somebody once said to me, the greater your electronic/digital footprint becomes the more susceptible you are to digitally bad things happening.

I agree with neone6 and benmanns, it pays to be a little paranoid, otherwise you become too accepting and trusting of things, and that could lead to undesirable consequences if one is not vigilant. True, not all things are bad/going to bite you in the bum, but maintaining some paranoia might just keep out the one heading your way that is.