Final answer:
Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to store and access data and applications over the internet instead of on a local computer. It provides flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for businesses and individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cloud computing is different from currently available technologies in all of the following aspects except for cheaper, faster, and better-quality data transmission. Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to store and access data and applications over the internet instead of on a local computer. It provides flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for businesses and individuals.
The other aspects mentioned in the given information, such as conference technologies, word processors, collaboration platforms, personal computing, and controversies over the size of firms, are all related to different technologies and concepts but are not directly related to cloud computing.