Virtual desktop aka online storage spaces - Anybody uses?
 

Hi

I believe that one of the IT trends at the moment is virtual desktops for running applications. You just need working PC with a browser and internet connection. Internet-cafes would be a good example of this.

My question is how safe is it when it comes to privacy?
Microsoft has something called Spaces or something and they give X amount of GBs of storage.

I assume all these services has some controlmechanisms to watch over illegal activities and files. But what are the chances of getting caught?
I'm talking about saving MP3 songs and cracked softwares etc.

If the company/service goes bankrupt, will you lose all your files?
Or do they warn all members, let's say a week ahead?

Chances of getting caught? Individually it is minuscule but don't underestimate enforcement. All it takes is someone to report you or something that draws attention to you. Happened to me on my Dreamhost account, with e-books of all things.

Why would you want to save cracked software in the cloud anyway, when everything is but a torrent download away? If it's too big, keep it in an external hard disk or burn it on DVD. Personally, I carry around a 16 gig USB flash disk that has all the portable applications I might conceivably need.

As for the company/service going bankrupt, it depends on the company of course. I doubt any one of them are planning on the procedures should they go out of business, much less say so. One week would be a rather short warning, however. As always, go with a reputable company.

Have you used such virtual desktop aka cloud computing?
Can I like install other softwares or just plain save files on the storage?