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Cloud computing has been around for a while. You've heard of cloud storage services, cloud email, and online collaboration tools that rely on the cloud. But what if you could enjoy an actual desktop computing experience in the cloud?

A Shells Personal Cloud Computer can provide you with a virtual desktop that you can access anywhere, from almost any device. But do you need a computer with that amount of flexibility? Well, who doesn't?

Forget Upgrading Old Computers: Consider a PC in the Cloud

Being able to work anywhere is increasingly important. But sometimes, even with notebook computers and tablets, it isn't possible. Perhaps you have a document open on your PC that you need to update, but can't, because it hasn't synced to the cloud, or is locked for editing.

Maybe you want to join an online meeting, but don't have the files and notes you need.

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If all that information was stored in a computer in the cloud that you could simply connect to in an app or browser window, it wouldn't matter where you were. Those files and notes would be ready and waiting. And when you were in the office, you would connect to that cloud computer for work, rather than rely on the aging physical PC on your desk.

Of course, there may be a different reason for having access to your computer anywhere. Perhaps you use it to manage your business; maybe you use it to monitor security cameras. Whatever the purpose, having that role repeated on a computer in the cloud, accessible from almost anywhere, is a huge advantage.

Not only do you get a fast, modern computing environment for running the software on, it means you get to reclaim the space your own computer was taking up.

How to Create a Cloud Computer With Shells

After signing up for Shells, you can go ahead and create a cloud computer.

Highlight the Shell associated with your account (based on the pricing option you chose – see below) and click View. This will prompt the operating system (OS) selection screen. You'll notice that the majority of these are Linux-based OSs, although there is the option to run a Windows Server 2019-based environment (requiring an additional $9 per month license) and a beta Windows 10 Pro (Bring Your Own License) option.

However, you're likely to enjoy better stability from a non-beta operating system.

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The OS you choose will depend on your familiarity with the selection and your planned use. When you're ready, select the operating system you want to run on your Shell and click Save.

Install an Operating System on Your Cloud PC Desktop

With a Shells Personal Cloud Computer set up, you'll need to install your chosen OS. This is the slowest aspect of the process, but once done you'll have a cloud PC ready to access at any moment, on any connected device.

To do this, open Your Shells in your browser and click View.

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The cloud PC you created earlier will be there, the operating system ready to set up. Proceed through the installation stages, tailoring the system to your requirements, creating an account, etc., and wait while the installation completes.

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You'll know when the computer is ready to use. That recognizable login screen will be ready and waiting, and you can set about logging in and installing the apps you'll need to use.

Need to make some changes? The menu on the right hides settings to change screen resolution, audio settings, open a virtual keyboard, send text from your device clipboard, and alter the position of the menu.

Now you know all that, you're ready to go.

Access the Cloud Personal Computer via SSH

With some of the Linux distros available from Shells, SSH access is also available. To use this, check the IP address of the cloud machine and the port number, then open your command-line tool and enter using the format:

ssh username@ip_address -p port_number

When prompted, enter the password and you're ready to go. Note that Shells also support setting up SSH keys for password-less SSH access.

Who Would Use a Shells Cloud Computer?

There is a whole host of purposes for a cloud computer from Shells, but who might use them?

First and foremost, remote workers have the option of a remote system that doesn’t need switching off and can continue running important software, services, or compiling code when you’re away from the keyboard.

Then there are the advantages that cloud computing brings to learning. Shells can help schools and teachers roll out customized remote, cloud operating systems for students, running on systems far more powerful than the school budgets allow and helping to bridge the digital divide.

And of course, small businesses can punch above their weight with cloud computers far more powerful than their usual budget would allow.

Use Your Shells Cloud Computer on a Tablet

Want to access your cloud computer on the go? Shells is available as a mobile app for Android and iOS. To use the app, sign in with your Shells account, then in the menu tap Shells.

Simply tap your cloud computer to load it up. Suddenly, you have your cloud computer running on your phone! Mobile access is a little different from desktop because you probably won't have a keyboard and mouse attached. Like the desktop browser interface, there is a menu on the right that features a virtual keyboard and various other settings.

Meanwhile, if you don't wish to use a desktop browser to access your Shell, there is also an app for Windows (perfect for Windows tablets), macOS, and Linux desktop computers. You might even use a game console browser or Smart TV to use your cloud computer.

Fancy running Windows on an iPad? With Shells, the possibilities really are endless.

Buy Shells Personal Cloud Computer

A good quality computer running the latest hardware would set you back around $1000 new. A self-built computer represents some savings, but overall, it's an expensive endeavor.

With a Shells Personal Cloud Computer, you get to choose the number of processors, storage size, and the amount of memory your cloud PC will have. Three main packages are available, along with a Build Your Own option, each with a seven-day money-back guarantee:

Shells Basic

Available for just $8.95 a month, you can grab a personal cloud computer ideal for school and work. It features a single processor, 40GB of storage, 2GB of memory, and unlimited access.

Shells Plus

For the slightly higher $13.95 a month, you could have a virtual cloud computer for coding and development or event content editing. This option has two processors, 80GB of storage, and 4GB of memory, with unlimited access.

Shells Pro

For a cloud computer perfect for any situation, the Shells Pro plan is $24.95 a month and features four processors, 160GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM and is ready to be used as much as you need.

Build Your Own Shell

For $48 a month you can also build your own Shells cloud PC. This plan has a basic two processors, 80GB storage, and 4GB of RAM but these can be increased as required.

More Uses for a Cloud PC from Shells

There is far more to Shells than just a virtual PC desktop that helps you maintain productivity in almost any location. After all, it's a virtual computer hosted on virtual hardware that can be upgraded to handle almost any possibility – just like a physical PC.

Along with providing a modern Windows or Linux desktop experience, a Shells cloud PC will let you:

  • Host online games such as Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and more
  • Install Steam for use in server mode, to stream games to your computer
  • Create a development environment for programming apps, games, even websites
  • Use the cloud computer for BitTorrent downloads
  • Install Plex media server for streaming to other devices
  • …and pretty much anything else you can think of

Consequently, having a Shells Personal Cloud Computer won't just improve productivity and give you a PC you can use anywhere.