What is ownCloud ?
OwnCloud is an open source server for storing, syncing and sharing files. In terms of this, the ownCloud system can be used in different ways (or their combinations) depending on the individual user's needs:
- to store files on the ownCloud server and to access them from any computer connected to the Internet; for this purpose one can use just the basic web interface or a client on a mobile device;
- to automatically synchronize folder contents between personal computer (or multiple computers) and ownCloud server; installing and configuring ownCloud client on a PC or a mobile device is necessary to start the synchronization;
- to share files and folders with individuals and groups within or outside the Institute, and to cooperate on joint projects with internal and external collaborators - sharing options can be set in the web interface.
IOCB ownCloud service is similar to other public cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) with the advantage of storing the data on the local server (located inside the Institute and managed by its staff), so a better control over the access to them is ensured. Therefore, ownCloud service should not be understood as a classic backup, but rather as a convenient way to access your current data from multiple locations.
Basic rules
- ownCloud service shares password with other IT services in IOCB (albina system, access to wifi, etc.). However, it does not use a personal number as a login name but a special word that will be generated for every user upon activation (see below).
- Never reveal your login credentials to others – availability to log in enables anyone to acquire sensitive personal and business information.
- It is only allowed to store business data related to the user's work at IOCB on ownCloud server; storing or sharing personal data or files that violate copyrights and other rights of third parties is prohibited.
- Although the disk array is redundant and safe from a failure of a single disk, due to the large amount of data on the ownCloud server, this data is not backed up – you should always keep a backup copy of your data.
Activation of the service
To start using ownCloud service, every user must activate the ownCloud account first. Activation is done by completing a form using user's login name and password to the Intranet. Activation process includes verification of sufficient complexity of the password and possibly calls for its change (after changing your password please return to the activation page and activate the service using the new password).
You will receive an e-mail with your login name after the successful activation. For security reasons, access data may not be shared with other users! Every user of ownCloud service must use only his/her own login name and password.
Using of the service
For detailed ownCloud service usage instructions please see using the web interface and data sharing and installing and configuring synchronization clients pages.
Quick start
- Familiarize yourself with the terms of use of IOCB ownCloud service (see above).
- Activate ownCloud account (see above).
- Store, download or share files through a web interface.
- Install the client software and set the synchronization of local files / folders.