Depends from the service that each cloud service prvider offers. For example backup-easy offers cloud backup service and their datacenters are used to store the customers data. Backup easy is the no1 online backup using the best technology of cloud for disaster Recovery Asigra.
Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user. The term is generally used to describe data centers available to many users over the Internet.
I found three Cloud Computing magazines you might be interested in. They are; Alltop - Top Cloud Computing News, Cloud Computing Journal and TMC's Cloud Computing Magazine. I hope that you find these choices helpful.
I do not think that Linux is the only host for cloud computing. AT&T and HP are hosts for cloud computing also. You can get free cloud computing at intel.com.
Cloud computing is the sharing of information and software between businesses. At intel.com/cloud computing you will be able to find how to get free cloud computing. Also Bluepointdata.com and synaptic.com are places to start your search for free cloud computing.
There is a good explanation of cloud computing at http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031. I think you can learn most of what you need to know there.
Any computer website that has cloud computing on it should be able to keep you updated with news about cloud computing technology. I recommend Microsoft.
Cloud computing is better then normal grid computing as its cheaper to buy, use and maintain. Cloud computing can offer web hosting also which grid computing can not.
There is no normal cloud computing platform. Cloud computing is a new computer operating system that is becoming popular.
You can either go to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing or searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-computing for a full definition of what cloud computing is.
Cloud computing papers are papers that give the basic definition of cloud computing and explain it. Cloud computing is just a way that involves connectivity to the internet.
Cloud computing or grid computing depends on the task at hand. If you want to focus on a single enormous task, then go with grid computing. Cloud computing is more for multitasking.
http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031 Info World can solve a lot of the questions you have regarding Cloud Computing. It offers several links and PDF files that go in depth on the subject of Cloud Computing.