Convenient private cloud with Seafile

Libraries

As a normal Seafile user, you have control over your personal work space. By default, after login you get an overview of the libraries whereby you can create new ones. A tab shows the shared libraries from other users for which have you have read or write privileges (Figure 4). The third library tab shows your favorite files.

Figure 4: Shared libraries of other users can be found on the "Shares" tab.

Libraries correspond to folders that, as mentioned earlier, you can download separately and synchronize. You can have many libraries that you can organize into separate directories on your computer. You create a new library by clicking the corresponding button, which opens a small overlay window that prompts you for the library's name and description.

You can encrypt the libraries when created with the AES-128 standard. Note that a library cannot be encrypted once it has been created unencrypted. Simply check off the matching box and then enter the password twice. The password isn't stored on the server; it stays with the user and all others with access to the library. Note that you cannot change the password later.

When you move the mouse pointer over a library link, the browser shows its corresponding ID that you need for the command-line client in the URL field. If you use the graphical client instead, simply click Download to synchronize the desired library with the local database. The library overview also lets you provide a library to other users or delete it.

You can create new files and folders on the server, upload files without the client, or manage individual files within an open library. You can download, share, update, delete, rename, move, and copy them (Figure 5). Unlike shared libraries, participants of shared files have no IDs. Instead, they get a link sent by email that lets them download the file or open a folder. Files in encrypted libraries don't follow the same plan. The application also lets you display a file's edit history and restore previous states.

Figure 5: Seahub provides numerous folder and file operations, even without a running client.

Seafile stores processing not only for individual files but also for whole libraries. The tool creates a snapshot after each change, which allows you to restore previous states at any time. You can change the process in the library settings, shut it down completely, or limit it to a certain number of days.

Groups

Seafile is ideal as collaborative tool. The group function lets you manage different user circles, share libraries, and send notifications with ease. Using the appropriate tab, users can create groups and view the ones to which they belong. These are incorporated into the home screen of the Seafile workspace on the right of the screen.

Clicking an existing group enables sharing libraries or wikis, starting a discussion, blending in the member list, or administering the group. You can add members and admins, providing them easy access to libraries (Figure 6).