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How should I do this? (creating personal cloud)

Morpheus
By Morpheus
in Networking
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If you don't mind learning how to use Linux, I recommend running Ubuntu Server on a Virtual Machine. This was the first Linux OS that I learned to use (not even the desktop version, I started on the server version) and thoroughly enjoyed the process. There are so many tutorials online and I found it very easy to get familiar with.

 

You can host Samba shares (Windows shared folders) with Ubuntu Server (Guide here, works with 12.04 and should work with 14.04 too) so that you can transfer files in your local network (home network).

 

And to access your files while you are away, you can host an FTP server (of which there are also many, many guides to choose from).

Alternatively, you can host an OpenVPN server and use that to connect to your local network while not at home and then just connect to your Samba shares on your laptop/phone the same way you would at home. Use something like ES File Explorer for Android, which works fine for FTP and Samba on your phone.

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Let me start with saying that I'm a complete noob when it comes to networking and stuff. What I want to do is make my computer act as a host for all the files that my family members (within the same house) need to backup. If I can access these files on my phone/laptop while I'm away from my house, that would be a plus but it's not the primary objective. The computer that will be acting as the host is also my gaming/work computer. I've tried looking into this and apparently you can do it by creating a virtual machine and installing some form of windows on it but I'm not exactly sure how...Also couldn't find any good guides on it so if someone can help me that would be greatttt :)

 

edit: I can buy whatever version of Windows I need so that is not a issue

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Download BitTorrent Sync. Thats about all you need, lol

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If you don't mind learning how to use Linux, I recommend running Ubuntu Server on a Virtual Machine. This was the first Linux OS that I learned to use (not even the desktop version, I started on the server version) and thoroughly enjoyed the process. There are so many tutorials online and I found it very easy to get familiar with.

 

You can host Samba shares (Windows shared folders) with Ubuntu Server (Guide here, works with 12.04 and should work with 14.04 too) so that you can transfer files in your local network (home network).

 

And to access your files while you are away, you can host an FTP server (of which there are also many, many guides to choose from).

Alternatively, you can host an OpenVPN server and use that to connect to your local network while not at home and then just connect to your Samba shares on your laptop/phone the same way you would at home. Use something like ES File Explorer for Android, which works fine for FTP and Samba on your phone.

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I dislike OwnCloud in the regard that due to permission problems, you can't have your samba shares (and or FTP) and your OwnCloud folder as the same folder. If someone figures out how to do this, then please let me know :)

I have the same issue with owncloud here, it works great for basic storage needs and syncing files and folders from diffrent devices and locations, but for anything more advanced such as ftp etc. You would have to go with an alternative.

Connor Freebairn - ConnorFreebairn@newman.cumbria.sch.uk
IT Technician & Certified computer geek.

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I have the same issue with owncloud here, it works great for basic storage needs and syncing files and folders from diffrent devices and locations, but for anything more advanced such as ftp etc. You would have to go with an alternative.

when you mean more advanced, what exactly do you mean? I'm not sure what ftp is :P If  you could explain where the software's shortcomings are in daily scenarios, that would be great! I'm checking it out right now

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Basically, OwnCloud can't interact with other files/folders on your server because it doesn't have permission to. So while you might be able to do a symbolic link to have a read only version of your Samba shares on OwnCloud, you won't be able to manage them (edit, move, delete, upload).

 

Edit: One reason you wouldn't want to only use OwnCloud is that you can't just run applications/videos on your OS from OwnCloud, you'd have to download it first. Also, mass downloading is unpolished (you can''t download folders so it has to archive them first) wheras with FTP and Samba, you can drag and drop folders with ease.

 

FTP is basically a file explorer for a remote destination. In simpler terms, it lets you browse the folders that are shared (via FTP) on a different computer (the server computer). So then you can just drag and drop files between your computer and the server.

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Basically, OwnCloud can't interact with other files/folders on your server because it doesn't have permission to. So while you might be able to do a symbolic link to have a read only version of your Samba shares on OwnCloud, you won't be able to manage them (edit, move, delete, upload).

 

Edit: One reason you wouldn't want to only use OwnCloud is that you can't just run applications/videos on your OS from OwnCloud, you'd have to download it first. Also, mass downloading is unpolished (you can''t download folders so it has to archive them first) wheras with FTP and Samba, you can drag and drop folders with ease.

 

FTP is basically a file explorer for a remote destination. In simpler terms, it lets you browse the folders that are shared (via FTP) on a different computer (the server computer). So then you can just drag and drop files between your computer and the server.

sounds a bit difficult to setup, wondering if I should just get WD's my cloud drive and call it a day. What do you think?

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sounds a bit difficult to setup, wondering if I should just get WD's my cloud drive and call it a day. What do you think?

WD My Cloud is the best and #1 solution for this, I have it and its amazing

Linksys WRT1900AC Router

Cisco SG200-08 Gigabit Smart Switch

4TB WD My Cloud NAS Server

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