11: Nextcloud - Private Cloud

Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud platform for files, photos, calendars, and more — think of it like your own private Dropbox or Google Drive. For full usage instructions and advanced features, please refer to the official Nextcloud documentation . 

 What is Nextcloud? (Simple Explanation) 

 Nextcloud lets you store and share files, view photos, sync calendars and contacts, and access everything from mobile and desktop apps — all running on your own server, under your control. 

 

 ✅ Store and share files with family, friends, or your team 

 ✅ Access anywhere using web, desktop, and mobile apps 

 ✅ Sync calendars and contacts across devices 

 ✅ Extend with apps like Photos, Notes, Tasks, and more 

 ✅ You own your data — everything stays on your server 

 

 Prerequisites 

 Before installing Nextcloud, make sure you have: 

 

 ✅ Traefik installed (from Chapter 4 ) for secure HTTPS and domain routing 

 ✅ Docker running (from Chapter 3 ) 

 ✅ Apprise installed (from Chapter 5) for notifications 

 ✅ Borgmatic installed (from Chapter 6) for automated backups (optional but recommended) 

 ✅ A domain name (recommended) and an email address for SSL certificates 

 

 Interdependencies: Backups for Nextcloud use Borgmatic (Chapter 6). Borgmatic notifications rely on Apprise (Chapter 5). If you skip backups now, you can add them later. 

 Step 1: Start Infinity Tools 

 Connect to your server via SSH and start Infinity Tools: 

 sudo infinity-tools 

 Using the Infinity Tools GUI 

 In the main menu, go to the 📱 APPLICATIONS section. 

 

 ✅ Applications are grouped with clear descriptions 

 ✅ Status indicators show if apps are installed/running 

 ✅ Navigate with the arrow keys, press Enter to select 

 

 Step 2: Open Nextcloud in Applications 

 

 Go to 📱 APPLICATIONS 

 Select Nextcloud 

 Choose Install Nextcloud 

 

 What the installer does 

 

 Creates a PostgreSQL database 

 Sets up the Nextcloud service 

 Connects to Traefik for HTTPS (if selected) 

 Prepares data folders under /opt/speedbits/nextcloud 

 Generates secure admin and database passwords 

 

 Step 3: Choose HTTPS Mode 

 When asked about SSL/HTTPS: 

 Use Traefik for SSL? (Y/n) 

 

 Y (recommended): Uses your domain with automatic SSL via Traefik 

 N: Standalone mode using a direct port (HTTP or self-signed HTTPS) 

 

 Step 4: Enter Your Domain (Traefik Mode) 

 Example domains: 

 

 cloud.yourdomain.com 

 files.yourdomain.com 

 

 If you’re not using a domain, the installer will ask you to pick a port for local access. 

 Step 5: Set Default Storage Quota 

 The installer offers to set a default per-user quota. 

 

 Recommended: Choose per-user quota (e.g., 5 GB to start) 

 You can change quotas later in the web interface 

 This helps prevent your server from running out of disk space 

 

 Step 6: Wait for Installation 

 First-time setup takes about 2–5 minutes . The installer will show progress while Nextcloud initializes. 

 Step 7: Save Your Admin Credentials 

 When installation finishes, you’ll see an admin username and password . Write them down and keep them safe. 

 You can also find them in /opt/speedbits/nextcloud/.env (root-only). 

 Step 8: Open Nextcloud 

 

 Traefik mode: Visit https://your-domain (e.g., https://cloud.yourdomain.com ) 

 Standalone mode: Visit the IP and port shown by the installer (e.g., http://SERVER_IP:PORT ) 

 

 Step 9: Verify It’s Running 

 In Infinity Tools, go to 📊 STATUS & HEALTH → STATUS . You should see Nextcloud and its database running. 

 Step 10: Recommended Next Steps 

 

 ✅ Set up email in Nextcloud (for password resets and notifications) 

 ✅ Install useful apps : Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Deck 

 ✅ Configure user quotas (Settings → Users) 

 ✅ Enable backups with Borgmatic (Chapter 6) 

 ✅ Install mobile apps (iOS/Android) and desktop sync client 

 

 Troubleshooting 

 Can’t access the site 

 

 Check that Traefik is running: docker ps | grep traefik 

 Verify your domain points to your server (DNS) 

 Wait a few minutes for SSL certificates to be issued 

 Check Nextcloud logs: docker logs nextcloud 

 

 Running out of disk space 

 

 Reduce user quotas or free storage 

 Monitor usage: df -h /opt/speedbits/nextcloud 

 

 SSL warning in standalone HTTPS 

 Self-signed certificates show a browser warning. Click “Advanced → Proceed” to continue, or switch to Traefik with a real domain for trusted HTTPS. 

 Quick Reference 

 Check containers: 

 docker ps | grep -E "nextcloud|nextcloud-db" 

 View logs: 

 docker logs nextcloud 

 Restart service: 

 cd /opt/speedbits/nextcloud && docker compose restart 

 Helpful Resources 

 

 Official Nextcloud documentation 

 Nextcloud desktop & mobile clients