Create Your Own Cloud Server

Cloud storage is where it’s at these days.  With easy and widespread access to Wi-Fi and 4G networks, storing your data in the cloud is one of the best options for easy access from your mobile devices.  Do a lot of traveling and need reliable access to files from any device?  Cloud is the way to go.  I still see no reason to give up my physical storage devices, but I find few faults in cloud storage.  If you don’t count hackers, NSA spying, and the occasional server down situation.

The question is, why do you need to pay a monthly fee for online storage when you can just as easily host your own cloud storage server?  And that’s precisely what we’re going to do in this article.  Give hackers, fees, and the NSA the finger.

You need very little to set up a cloud.  If you have a computer with solid access to the internet, with adequate storage for your files, you can set up a cloud.  It doesn’t need to be a dedicated server system, either.  Almost any PC can serve the purpose.  I use my old AM2+ system as an always-on media center, and since it stays connected to the interwebs via CAT-5, I figured it would make an excellent server.  That way I can access my movies and TV shows no matter where I end up.

Now, you have a few options when it comes to server software.  I’m not going to name them all here, there simply isn’t enough time, but I did try out the best the web has to offer, and have chosen my top two favorites.  If you’re a more advanced user, you’ll probably want to go with a full Linux server setup and ignore these warez.

The first option is ownCloud (owncloud.org).  Here’s what you’ll need for this:

1. A web host that supports PHP5 and MySQL.  Many website hosts support PHP5 and MySQL, so finding one shouldn’t be hard.  The go-to option for many people is Dreamhost.  If you have your own website, then you’re already set.
2. A copy of the latest ownCloud server.  You can get this at ownCloud.org.
3. An address for remote access.  If you have a website of your own already, then you’re pretty much set.  You can buy a domain name, they’re fairly cheap now, or you can search around for free options and host the site itself on the same server.

ownCloud runs on almost any server, including Linux, so your options are wide open, and Dreamhost provides setup information as well.  This is for more advanced users, though.  It’s not rocket science, but if you’re a “just get it up and running” type person, stick with the web installer when it comes to ownCloud.

 

 

1. Download the web installer for ownCloud server from their website.
2. Use FTP software, such as FileZilla or CuteFTP, to upload the setup-owncloud.php file to your server.  Many website interfaces also allow file uploads.  Just use whatever works best for you.  If you don’t have an upload option on your website’s interface, then go with FTP.
3. Enter the URL of your website into a browser, like http://www.yourdomainname.com/setup-owncloud.php, and follow the setup instructions from there.  There’s almost nothing to it.  You’ll have the server up and running in no time.
4. Open the ownCloud software on your PC and select “Configure”.
5. Type in the address to your server, as before, and enter the credentials you put in whilst setting up the server.  Hopefully you didn’t skip that part.
6. Now you simply click “Add Folder…” and browse around your PC for folders you want to add to the server system.  Once you are done with that each folder will be accessible on your cloud.
7. Go get the Android or iPhone ownCloud app from their respective app stores and enter the address to access your server.  You’ll have to input your credentials, and then you’ll have access to all your files from anywhere in the world.
8. Congratulations! You now have your own cloud server!  Add as much security as you like and breathe easy knowing you have secure access that will rarely go down and is away from the prying eyes of the NSA and hackers.  Advanced users can take things much further than this, but for the average user this will serve the purpose.

Your second option is Tonido.  I find Tonido easier to set up than ownCloud, but I’m not as big a fan of the interface.  To each their own, of course, and I offer up this option for those who feel the same way about ownCloud.  Here’s how to set up your cloud server using Tonido:

1. Go to www.tonido.com and click on the Downloads link.  Look for Tonido Desktop Software for Windows.  There is also a portable version on there that doesn’t need installing, but I’m not going to focus on that one.
2. Unzip the file and drag the Tonido folder to the desktop of your PC.  Right click on the executable file inside the folder and run the file as administrator.  You might have to allow access through your firewall.
3. Sign up for a free account when the software asks you to.  Your user name will be part of the address to your server.
4. Follow the rest of the instructions and you’re done.  Your server is running and you can now access your entire computer’s disk drive from any place you wish.  Make sure you adjust your PC’s power options so it doesn’t shut down after a while, and you have a fully operational cloud server at your disposal.
5. Now you can open a browser and type in “yourname.tonidoid.com”.  Replace yourname with your user name and leave out the quotes, obviously.  Then you input your password and you’re off and running.  Upload, download, and change things around at your leisure.

These are not your only options, but they are two of the best.  If you choose to use a commercial cloud software, remember to be safe and always read the terms of usage before you click “Agree”.  Some cloud services can claim copyrights on anything you upload, so always be aware of what you’re agreeing to.  If you set up your own server, be sure to add plenty of security, and never give out your credentials unless you 100% trust the person you’re giving it to.  Happy clouding!