What is the term for accessing software and services over the Internet instead of from a local computer?

The concept of accessing software and services over the Internet rather than from a local computer is defined as cloud computing. This approach enables users to utilize applications and storage remotely, which provides flexibility and convenience as it eliminates the need for physical hardware and offers the ability to scale resources easily. Cloud computing relies on a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet, allowing individuals and organizations to access and manage resources from virtually anywhere, as long as they have an Internet connection.

In contrast, virtual computing refers to the use of virtual machines hosted on physical hardware but still ties back to specific hardware resources. Distributed computing involves multiple interconnected computers working together to achieve a common goal, yet it doesn't specifically reflect the cloud-based access model. Local computing denotes software and services that run directly on the user's personal hardware, which clearly differs from the centralized, Internet-based framework characteristic of cloud computing. Thus, the definition of cloud computing aligns perfectly with accessing services over the Internet.