Cloudy today with a chance of no clouds tomorrow!

You may be hearing a lot about this 'cloud' thing; cloud services this and cloud services that. So, what is this 'cloud?' The 'cloud' is the Internet. Using cloud services is another way of saying, "I lease software or space from some company (service provider) on the Internet."
With software cloud services, you do not possess the program (software); you rent or lease it from the service provider. Each time you need the program it is delivered or run from a provider's location on the Internet. The program is not resident on your computer.
Cloud services for backup means that you are leasing space for your data on the service provider's hard drives. Your data is backed-up and safe— somewhere. You do not have it but somebody does and they are supposedly keeping it safe for you. It's just like those big storage facilities you see along the road from time to time. When your attic and basement is full, "Use Lock & Pay Storage Centers." We'll keep it safe and secure; we promise.
Whether or not to use cloud services can be a complex decision. There are just as many good reasons as bad. It all depends on your specific needs. Weigh your decision carefully and always seek independent advice.