build your own cloud
NetworkChuck・52 minutes read
Replace Dropbox and Google Drive with self-hosted solutions like File Cloud and Nextcloud for better security control. File Cloud is highlighted for enterprise use, while Next Cloud caters to open-source enthusiasts with unlimited users and various integrations.
Insights
- Self-hosted cloud solutions like File Cloud and Nextcloud offer control and security benefits, with File Cloud catering to enterprise users and Windows compatibility, while Nextcloud provides open-source flexibility and extensive integrations.
- Setting up File Cloud on AWS involves creating an EC2 instance, connecting to Amazon S3 storage, and configuring IAM users, emphasizing the importance of key pairs for login and encryption for data security.
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Recent questions
How can I replace Dropbox and Google Drive?
The text discusses the benefits of replacing Dropbox and Google Drive with a self-hosted cloud solution for increased control and security. Two free options presented are File Cloud and Nextcloud, each targeting different audiences. Practical details on deploying either option are provided, including hardware requirements like spare laptops or virtual machines. File Cloud is highlighted for its enterprise focus and compatibility with Windows systems, offering features like remote access, secure file sharing, and data governance. Nextcloud, an open-source solution, can be installed on Linux-based systems using Docker, providing features like Nextcloud Office and Talk, along with various integrations. Consider File Cloud for business-level security and enterprise features, while Nextcloud is recommended for open-source enthusiasts seeking customization options.
How do I set up File Cloud on AWS?
Setting up File Cloud on AWS involves creating an account, launching an EC2 instance, and selecting the File Cloud AMI. The process includes navigating the AWS console, selecting the appropriate region, and launching the File Cloud instance. It is encouraged to explore AWS's free tier for minimal cost setup. Detailed steps for setting up File Cloud on AWS are provided, emphasizing simplicity and potential cost savings. T2 medium is the default instance type, but T2 Micro is free tier eligible for experimentation without charges. Using a key pair for login instead of a password is recommended, requiring the creation and safekeeping of a new key pair for server access.
How can I enhance File Cloud usage?
To enhance File Cloud usage, setting up a domain name and SSL is recommended. This involves acquiring a domain name, setting up CloudFlare, adding a subdomain in CloudFlare's DNS settings, and creating a CSR request for File Cloud. The SSL setup process includes enabling SSL in Apache, obtaining a certificate from CloudFlare, creating a new file for the certificate, modifying the web server config in Apache, and restarting Apache to enable SSL. Adding a new user and accessing File Cloud from anywhere requires creating a new user account, logging in through a browser, and installing the File Cloud drive app for syncing files locally and remotely.
How do I share files using File Cloud?
Users can share files directly from File Cloud by right-clicking, selecting more options, and choosing share link with customizable options like expiration dates, download limits, and passwords. File Cloud offers enterprise features for managing data, including legal holds, data leak protection, content classification, retention policies, compliance centers, and workflow automation. It integrates with various third-party tools like Active Directory, single sign-on, antivirus scanning, Salesforce, reCAPTCHA, and Microsoft Teams. The File Cloud drive app offers features like file syncing and a drive option for storing files locally and remotely, enhancing accessibility and usability for users.
How can I install Next Cloud on Linux?
Next Cloud, an open-source solution, can be installed on Linux-based systems using Docker. It provides unlimited users, numerous apps, and integrations, making it suitable for home users who enjoy customization and troubleshooting. Next Cloud offers features like Next Cloud Office, Next Cloud Talk, and various integrations. Users can share files with options like password protection, expiration dates, and editing permissions, similar to File Cloud but without download limits. Consider Next Cloud for open-source enthusiasts looking for extensive customization options and a user-friendly experience.
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Summary
00:00
"Self-hosted cloud solutions: File Cloud vs Nextcloud"
- The text discusses the need to replace Dropbox and Google Drive with a self-hosted cloud solution.
- It emphasizes the control and security benefits of hosting one's data independently.
- Two free options for self-hosting are presented: File Cloud and Nextcloud, targeting different audiences.
- Practical details on deploying either option are provided, including hardware requirements like spare laptops or virtual machines.
- File Cloud is highlighted for its enterprise focus and compatibility with Windows systems.
- The community edition of File Cloud offers remote access, secure file sharing, and data governance features.
- Setting up File Cloud on AWS is detailed, including creating an account, launching an EC2 instance, and selecting the File Cloud AMI.
- The process involves navigating the AWS console, selecting the appropriate region, and launching the File Cloud instance.
- The text encourages exploring AWS's free tier for setting up File Cloud at minimal cost.
- Detailed steps for setting up File Cloud on AWS are provided, emphasizing the simplicity and potential cost savings of the process.
09:24
"Launching AWS Server and Connecting to S3"
- T2 medium is the default instant type, but T2 Micro is free tier eligible and can be used for experimentation without charges.
- AWS emphasizes using a key pair for login instead of a password, creating a new key pair is necessary for server access.
- After creating the key pair, ensure to keep it safe for future server access.
- Click on "launch instance" to initiate the server launch process.
- Access the server's address by copying the public IPv4 DNS name and pasting it in a new tab.
- Add "/admin" after the server address to log in with the default credentials: admin as the username and the instance ID as the password.
- Download the license file from the file cloud portal and apply it in AWS to have a fully licensed file cloud instance.
- Set up an S3 storage bucket in AWS and connect it to File Cloud for data storage.
- Create an IAM user in AWS to access the S3 bucket and assign permissions for interaction.
- Change the storage location in File Cloud settings to use Amazon's S3 file storage by enabling it through the command line.
18:42
Automated Server Connection with Amazon S3 Storage
- Example of a command to connect to a server automatically with a downloaded key
- Changing directory to the downloads folder to access the key
- Editing a file using the Nano text editor in Linux
- Modifying a specific line in the file to change the storage implementation to Amazon S3
- Copying a file using the CP command to create a duplicate in the same location
- Configuring S3 Key and S3 C in the IAM management console
- Enabling Amazon S3 encryption for data security
- Setting up a new user in File Cloud by adding user details
- Uploading a file to File Cloud to test the Amazon S3 storage
- Installing File Cloud on-premises using different options like Docker, Linux, and Windows installations
28:45
Setting up External Hard Drive on Linux
- To replace the triad, all that's needed is a computer and an external hard drive due to limited storage on the current server.
- The process of setting up an external hard drive on Linux involves starting with a blank hard drive, identifying it using commands like LS USB and LSBLK, ensuring it's not mounted, and formatting it using the command Pseudo MKFS with EXT4 file system.
- After formatting, the hard drive can be mounted by creating a new directory, setting permissions using CHMOD, and then mounting the drive using the command Pseudo Mount specifying the drive location and mount point.
- To enhance File Cloud usage, setting up a domain name and SSL is recommended, requiring a domain name and CloudFlare setup, adding a subdomain in CloudFlare's DNS settings, and creating a CSR request for File Cloud.
- The SSL setup process involves enabling SSL in Apache, obtaining a certificate from CloudFlare, creating a new file for the certificate, modifying the web server config in Apache, and restarting Apache to enable SSL.
- To add a new user and access File Cloud from anywhere, creating a new user account, logging in through a browser, and installing the File Cloud drive app for syncing files locally and remotely is essential.
- The File Cloud drive app offers features like file syncing and a drive option for storing files locally and remotely, enhancing accessibility and usability for users.
39:33
"File Cloud vs Next Cloud: Features Compared"
- File Cloud allows users to set up a server, log in, set download limits, choose mounts, and start using the drive with recent activity updates.
- Users can share files directly from File Cloud by right-clicking, selecting more options, and choosing share link with customizable options like expiration dates, download limits, and passwords.
- File Cloud offers enterprise features for managing data, including legal holds, data leak protection, content classification, retention policies, compliance centers, and workflow automation.
- File Cloud integrates with various third-party tools like Active Directory, single sign-on, antivirus scanning, Salesforce, reCAPTCHA, and Microsoft Teams.
- Next Cloud, an open-source solution, can be installed on Linux-based systems using Docker, offering features like Next Cloud Office, Next Cloud Talk, and various integrations.
- Next Cloud provides unlimited users, numerous apps, and integrations, making it suitable for home users who enjoy customization and troubleshooting.
- Next Cloud allows users to share files with options like password protection, expiration dates, and editing permissions, similar to File Cloud but without download limits.
- Users are encouraged to consider File Cloud for business-level security and enterprise features, while Next Cloud is recommended for open-source enthusiasts looking for extensive customization options.
