Nextcloud with Apache2 and SSL

Introduction to Nextcloud

Nextcloud is a self-hosted, open-source file sync, and share solution. It provides features similar to those offered by commercial cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive, but with the added benefit of being under your control. Here’s why Nextcloud is a compelling option:

1. Data Ownership and Privacy: With Nextcloud, you retain full control over your data. You can store it on your own server, ensuring privacy and security.
2. File Synchronization: Nextcloud allows you to sync files and folders across devices seamlessly. This ensures that you always have access to your data, whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
3. Collaboration Tools: Nextcloud offers various collaboration features, including file sharing, document editing, and real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
4. Security: Nextcloud takes security seriously, offering features such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and security and compliance tools to protect your data.
5. Customization: Nextcloud is highly customizable and extensible. You can install additional apps and plugins to tailor it to your specific needs, whether it’s for personal use or for your organization.
6. Integration: Nextcloud integrates with various third-party services and applications, including email clients, calendars, contacts, and productivity tools, providing a unified platform for managing your digital life.

Setting Up Nextcloud with Apache2 and SSL

To set up Nextcloud with Apache2 and SSL, follow these steps:

1. Download and Extract Nextcloud: Download the latest version of Nextcloud and extract it to your web server directory (/var/www/html/ in this case).
2. Configure Apache Virtual Host: Create a new Apache virtual host configuration file (nextcloud_ssl.conf) and configure it to serve Nextcloud over HTTPS. Ensure that you have SSL certificates configured properly.
3. Enable the Virtual Host: Enable the Nextcloud virtual host using the a2ensite command.
4. Install Required Packages: Install the necessary packages for Nextcloud, including PHP and its extensions, Apache modules, and other dependencies.
5. Set Permissions: Set appropriate permissions for the Nextcloud directory to ensure that the web server can read and write files.
6. Reload Apache: Reload Apache to apply the changes.

Nextcloud is now accessible through your domain over HTTPS. You can access it via a web browser and proceed with the initial setup.

By self-hosting Nextcloud, you can enjoy the benefits of cloud storage and collaboration while maintaining control over your data and privacy. Additionally, Nextcloud’s extensibility and customization options make it suitable for a wide range of use cases, from personal file storage to enterprise collaboration platforms.

Setting Up Nextcloud with Apache2 and SSL

Step 1: Download and Extract Nextcloud

cd /var/www/html/
wget https://download.nextcloud.com/server/releases/latest.tar.bz2
tar -xf latest.tar.bz2

Step 2: Configure Apache Virtual Host

Create a new Apache virtual host configuration file:

nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/nextcloud_ssl.conf

Paste the following configuration into the file:

<IfModule mod_ssl.c>
<VirtualHost *:443>
    # Enabling http2
    Protocols h2 http/1.1

    ServerName domain.com
    ServerAdmin admin@domain.com
    DocumentRoot /var/www/html/

    <Directory /var/www/html/>
        Options FollowSymlinks
        AllowOverride All
        Require all granted
    </Directory>

    ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/html.error.log
    CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/html.access.log combined

    <IfModule mod_headers.c>
        Header always set Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=15552000; includeSubDomains"
    </IfModule>

    SSLEngine on
    SSLVerifyClient none

    SSLCertificateFile "/etc/apache2/ssl/domain.crt"
    SSLCertificateChainFile "/etc/apache2/ssl/domain.ca-bundle"
    SSLCertificateKeyFile "/etc/apache2/ssl/root.key"

    # nextcloud issues fix
    Redirect 301 /.well-known/carddav /nextcloud/remote.php/dav
    Redirect 301 /.well-known/caldav /nextcloud/remote.php/dav
    Redirect 301 /.well-known/webfinger /nextcloud/index.php/.well-known/webfinger
    Redirect 301 /.well-known/nodeinfo /nextcloud/index.php/.well-known/nodeinfo
</VirtualHost>
</IfModule>

Replace domain.com with your actual domain name, and update SSL certificate paths accordingly.

Step 3: Enable the Virtual Host

Enable the Nextcloud virtual host using the following command:

a2ensite nextcloud_ssl

Step 4: Install Required Packages

Install the necessary packages for Nextcloud:

apt install mlocate apache2 libapache2-mod-php wget unzip bzip2 curl php php-common php-curl php-gd php-mbstring php-mysql php-xml php-zip php-intl php-apcu php-redis php-http-request postgresql php php-bcmath php-cgi php-cli php-common php-curl php-gd  php-gmp php-imagick php-intl php-ldap php-mbstring php-memcache php-pgsql php-xml php-zip libapache2-mod-php

Step 5: Set Permissions

Set appropriate permissions for the Nextcloud directory:

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/ -R

Step 6: Reload Apache

Reload Apache to apply the changes:

systemctl reload apache2

Summary

Nextcloud is now set up and accessible through your domain over HTTPS. You can access it via a web browser and proceed with the initial setup. By self-hosting Nextcloud, you can enjoy the benefits of cloud storage and collaboration while maintaining control over your data and privacy.