What is cloud computing? Let me first give a working definition that even a layman can understand: First, users' data is primarily stored on network servers rather than local devices. This is where the term "cloud" comes from. Second, data in the "cloud" can be accessed via various terminal devices: computers such as PCs/MACs, mobile devices like iPhones, Android devices, BlackBerrys, Symbian phones. Third, any data created or modified by the user on any device will instantly synchronize across all terminal devices. This is definitely not all there is to cloud computing, but it is currently the most valuable aspect for me. "Cloud computing" is not entirely fitting; kite computing might be a better name. Data is in the cloud, yet still tethered by a string. In a perfect world, cloud computing is a good thing. Convenience goes without saying, and even data security is higher than when ordinary users store data on their own hard drives. Your system may crash, your computer may fail, and Google's servers may also fail, but the probability is much lower compared to your own computer, not to mention multiple backups. Will Google look at your data? It’s possible. Will Google use your data for malicious purposes? It cannot be ruled out. But if your data is on your own hard drive, someone could still scan it and use it for malicious purposes. There are no absolutes in life, only relatives. As long as Google is relatively better than others, that's enough. If you feel that Google manages your data more securely than you can yourself, then cloud computing is suitable for you. I am a layman, just a long-term user. Not counting those I've used and abandoned, here is an incomplete list of various cloud computing services I am currently using: Gmail, Google Documents, Google Reader, Google Calendar, Picasa, Facebook, Twitter, Evernote, Dropbox. This list says it all. Out of nine services, six cannot be accessed in China, one is occasionally interfered with, and only two function normally. To use the services on this list, I must bypass the Great Firewall. This is the first joke. Since the Great Firewall isolates world-class cloud computing services, why has domestic cloud computing become the latest IT buzzword? The reverse side of this question is, why are there no domestic cloud computing services on my list? Because I have no confidence in the data security of domestic cloud computing services. Will domestic cloud computing service providers scan your data? Will they use your data for malicious purposes? The answer is deafening: They certainly will! They certainly will! This is the second joke. The essence of cloud computing is centralized data storage, with countless user data stored in large server farms around the world. Large server farms require certain technical standards but are not high-tech; they require substantial capital, create few jobs, produce noise, consume a lot of electricity, and generate heat. Google builds server farms in sparsely populated areas in the U.S. with lower electricity prices. To reduce temperature and corresponding energy consumption, Google is considering placing server farms underwater. Large server farms do not align with the scientific development concept, nor do they fit non-scientific development concepts. They are an unavoidable cost of cloud computing services, akin to the unattractive backside of a peacock displaying its feathers. Wherever large server farms land, local governments should impose heavy taxes reasonably. Now, however, local governments spare no effort to attract cloud computing centers. This is the third joke. Finally, let me end not with a joke, but with a dark prophecy. In the past, police had to break down doors to check if a couple was watching pornographic content. After the advent of cloud computing, all data in the world will be within our grasp, making such efforts unnecessary. Conclusion: In a country where the reach of the Great Firewall is limitless and user data is powerless against misuse by businesses and public authorities, cloud computing is a joke.