How does cloud computing benefit users?

The correct choice highlights a key advantage of cloud computing: enabling scalable resource management over the internet. This means that users can access and allocate resources dynamically, depending on their needs, rather than being limited to the capacity of their local systems. For instance, businesses can quickly scale up their server capacity during peak times and scale down when demand decreases, optimizing costs and efficiency.

Scalability in cloud computing is crucial as it allows organizations to respond to changing demands without significant upfront investments in physical infrastructure. Users can also leverage features such as load balancing, automatic scaling, and resource allocation based on real-time usage, which enhances performance and resource utilization.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary benefits of cloud computing. Permanent storage solutions can be part of cloud offerings but aren't exclusively provided; local installations of applications contradict the essence of cloud-based services, which aim to reduce the need for local resources; high-performance computing may not always eliminate the need for updates as software and security patches are still vital for optimal operation. Thus, the ability to efficiently manage resources through the internet is what distinctly sets cloud computing apart and represents its fundamental advantage.