Nextcloud Desktop Client Software is a suite of client-server software for creating and using file hosting services. Nextcloud application functionally is similar to Dropbox. Unlike Dropbox, Nextcloud does not offer off-premises file storage hosting. Nextcloud is free and open-source, which means that anyone is allowed to install and operate it on their own private server devices.
If you want to set up a private file hosting service, you have quite a few software solutions at your disposal. Once you’ve configured a private server, the official Nextcloud desktop client can help you manage your account and synchronize files between the cloud and your PC.
Benefits of NextCloud Desktop Client
User-friendly
After installing the application, you can connect to your server by providing its address and entering the required credentials. You can also choose to configure various parameters, but this step can be skipped.
The program can be accessed at any time from the system tray. By right-clicking the tray icon, you can quickly pause or resume synchronization, open the Nextcloud folder or access the server in your browser.
Synchronize files between your PC and Nextcloud server
You can select which of your cloud folders should be synchronized, and the application lets you monitor all server activity and transfers. You will always know which files have been downloaded or uploaded, and the most recent ones can even be viewed from the tray menu.
Nextcloud gives you access to all your files wherever you are.
With Nextcloud desktop Client, you pick a server of your choice, at home, in a data center or at a provider. And that is where your files will be. Nextcloud runs on that server, protecting your data and giving you access from your desktop or mobile devices. Through Nextcloud you also access, sync and share your existing data on that FTP drive at school, a Dropbox or a NAS you have at home.
Share with others on your terms.
The easy web interface allows you to share files with other users on your server, to create and send password protected public links, to let others upload files to your cloud and to get notifications on your phone and desktop when a user on another cloud server shares files directly with you. And you can do all these things from desktop or mobile clients, too.
User Interface
An efficient, easy to use interface is one of the main things that sets Nextcloud apart from the competition. Design is about more than being pretty. The goal is to allow users to get work done with the least amount of effort, making it obvious how to accomplish tasks and reducing the number of steps needed to do so.
Calendar and Contacts
The Nextcloud Calendar and Contacts apps allow you to store, sync and share your plans and contacts. You can share with users or groups on your server or sync the calendar or contacts with your devices and access them wherever you are.
What’s more, some files can be ignored altogether, and you have the option of requesting confirmation before very large files are synchronized.
Other Features Of NextCloud Desktop Client Software
- calendars
- contacts
- streaming media
- browser-based text editor
- bookmarking service
- URL shortening suite
- gallery
- RSS feed reader
- document viewer tools from within Nextcloud
- connection to Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3
Last but not least, Nextcloud allows you to limit the bandwidth it uses to download or upload files. The application can either manage the speed automatically or let you set a specific limit.
Great desktop client application for Nextcloud users
On the whole, this utility makes it easy to backup files to your Nextcloud server or synchronize the contents of your cloud drive with a local directory. It is simple to set up and very unobtrusive, while also offering plenty of customization options and letting you monitor transfers.
Comparison of NextCloud VS Google Drive VS Dropbox
Features | NextCloud | Google Drive | Dropbox |
UNLIMITED STORAGE | Yes | Yes | Varies as per plan |
LARGE FILE SUPPORT | Yes | Yes | 20 GB |
SELF HOSTED/ON PREMISES | Yes | No | No |
AUTO UPLOAD IMAGES/VIDEO | Yes | Yes | Paid |
LAN SYNCHRONIZATION | No | No | Yes |
EXTENSIBLE WITH APPS | Yes | No | Yes |
OUTLOOK INTEGRATION | Yes | Yes | Yes |
INTEGRATED AUDIO/VIDEO/TEXT CHAT | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ACCESS CONTROL LISTS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CONTENT WORKFLOW AUTOMATION | Yes | Delay | Yes |
AUTOMATIC SCRIPT EXECUTION | Yes | No | No |
REAL-TIME NOTIFICATIONS | Yes | Yes | yes |
MONITORING WEB/API INTERFACE | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NextCloud System Requirements
Operating System | Windows, macOS, Linux |
RAM | 512 MB |
Official Video Intro Nextcloud Software
- ownCloud
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- MEGA
- Microsoft OneDrive
Nextcloud Software Overview
Technical Specification
Version | 3.3.6 |
File Size | 83.6 MB |
Languages | English |
License | Free Trial |
Developer | Nextcloud GmbH. |