Summary

Nextcloud, part of a secure, on‑premises, USNH ET&S storage solution, allows you to access, store and synchronize files across devices. You can use Nextcloud directly in a web browser or install the Nextcloud Desktop app to automatically sync files between your computer and the Nextcloud server. This article explains how to log in on the web and how to install and connect the desktop app.   

How to Log In to Nextcloud Online

Instructions

Step 1 - Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari).

Step 2 - Navigate to the USNH Nextcloud web address: https://storage.usnh.edu

Step 3 - Follow the prompts and log in using your USNH username and password.

After logging in, you’ll see the Nextcloud web interface where you can:

• Upload and download files
• Create folders
• Share files and folders with others

How to Install the Nextcloud Desktop App

Nextcloud offers a desktop app that may be useful for account holders with large amounts of data, or those who plan to frequently access, manage and share files. Files will automatically sync between the web and desktop apps.

Instructions

Step 1 - Install the desktop app

1. Go to: https://nextcloud.com/install/
2. Download the Nextcloud Desktop Client for your operating system:
   • Windows
   • macOS
   • Linux
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.

Step 2 - Connect the App to Nextcloud

1. Launch the Nextcloud Desktop app.
2. When prompted, enter the USNH Nextcloud server address: https://storage.usnh.edu
3. Sign in with your USNH credentials.
4. Choose whether you want to access your files using virtual files or selective sync. See section below for more information about these options. 
   • If you choose to sync your files, select the location on your computer where the files will be stored. Be sure to expand your Nextcloud share folder to drill down and select only what you need. 
5. Confirm the setup.

After the setup is complete:

Accessing files:

• Windows Users - You'll be able to access your files through the Nextcloud icon in your System Tray, as well as through the File Explorer.
• MacOS Users - You'll be able to access your files through the Nextcloud icon in the top macOS menu bar, as well as through the Finder.

For synced files:

• Files placed in the Nextcloud folder on your computer will automatically sync to the server.
• Changes made through the Nextcloud web app will sync back to your computer.

Choosing virtual files or selective sync

When choosing between virtual files and selective sync, consider how often you’ll need the files and whether you’ll have reliable internet access.

• Virtual files are ideal if you want to see your entire Nextcloud folder without using local disk space, since files download only when you open them — but this requires an internet connection at the moment you need the file.
• Selective sync is a better choice for files you use frequently or will need offline, as it fully downloads chosen folders to your device and keeps them available even without internet access.
  • For optimal performance, sync only files and folders you’ll need to access regularly.

Further Readings

Nextcloud offers a comprehensive user manual online. Highlights include:

• A detailed mapping of the web interface: https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/user_manual/en/webinterface.html#navigating-the-main-user-interface
• Steps for managing, sharing and syncing files: https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/user_manual/en/webinterface.html#navigating-the-main-user-interface
• Information on sharing files: https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/user_manual/en/files/sharing.html

You'll find more information on storage options offered by USNH ET&S in the Data Storage and Service Options KB: td.usnh.edu/TDClient/60/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=5451

Need additional help?

If you have any additional questions, please fill out the Research Computing Center Request Form to reach RCC Support.