https://github.com/nextcloud/android




A lot of infrastructures have been implemented with respect to files storage and retrieval. I remember when it was impossible to retrieve files once you've misplaced your device or your internal or external disk drive corrupts due to an error. This was a major challenge faced by both organizations and individuals whose files were stored on their smartphone without an additional backup.

In recent times, developers from all corners of the world have developed different cloud-based servers for easy file storage and retrieval. This has made it possible for users to store, access and retrieve files on their smartphone as long as they have access to an Internet connection.

The good thing about using a cloud-based server to secure your files is that, regardless of the device which was used in uploading your files, these files can be accessed and retrieved while using other devices.

Before I went in search of a cloud-based server for my files, my computer system’s drive was my secondary storage unit. 
Having my files stored on my computer system’s drive was not enough for me because I felt the need to protect my files on a device that is reliable and highly secured.


On the 11th of June 2018, I was glancing through the different products posted on steemhunt, and I caught a glimpse of an application called **NEXTCLOUD**. At first, I thought it was just a regular cloud-based app, but when I decided to read through its review, I was intrigued by its features so I proceeded to download its Android client version.


Nextcloud cloud-based server app has helped me a lot in terms of file security, file access on multiple devices and file retrieval. 

I’d love to make my today's article about its features and my experience since I joined its train.

#### My points for today’s article 
* Definition of Nextcloud, 
* List of platforms nextcloud application is made available,
* Account creation process,
* Login,
* Sign up with provider,
* Host your own server.

Though the nextcloud application is designed and made available for different operating systems, this article is based on the Android operating system’s version.

#### WHAT IS NEXTCLOUD?

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![AEFA569C-BCBC-4474-B26F-74CD010ED4CE.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmVW67HaKubV1MJmvgo4MzKRDDkTdTUQpkB9Kmfs1mhLr4)


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[source](http://www.bujarra.com/nextcloud-anadiendo-acceso-a-datos-externos/?lang=en)
The Nextcloud application is an open source software that is fast, reliable and secure. It is designed to operate in a cloud computing environment, and it has necessary tools integrated to facilitate different cloud-based activities. 

The Nextcloud application is a freely distributed software, and being an open source product, it provides users with the ability to create and personalize their own cloud-based storage. With the help of nextcloud application, you can upload your files and share it with your friends. It works more like iCloud or Dropbox. 
Files uploaded on nextcloud’s server can be accessed from any device as long as the device has an internet connection.

The user interface of Nextcloud application is well developed, thanks to its team of relentless developers who have made it possible. I am a graphic designer, and I love colorful platforms. If the user interface of any platform is poor, that platform is automatically worthless to me regardless of how cool its features are.



Nextcloud team of developers has made necessary provisions for users of both desktop and Android operating systems to enjoy this project.

#### LIST OF PLATFORMS NEXTCLOUD APPLICATION IS MADE AVAILABLE 

#### DESKTOP PLATFORMS

* Linux, 
* Windows 7, 8, 10 and X,
* Mac OS.

#### MOBILE PLATFORMS 
* Windows Mobile Phone,
* Apple store,
* Google play store.



#### ACCOUNT CREATION PROCESS

This is a step that can never be maneuvered except you're not willing to use the nextcloud server as your cloud-based storage. 

When you launch the nextcloud application after a successful installation, you'll be presented with three options to choose from. 

These options are:
* Login,
* Sign up with the provider,
* Host your own server.


#### LOGIN
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![8C9B3A20-7689-4537-9E46-BE59C8CEECC3.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmbeWPdL83pkRTuogcHMvAkoB4z18t6HxvhSUpDuRMVUN7)


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Login feature is a feature designed for users who have already created an account on the nextcloud platform. If you’re a registered user, all that is required is your login details and you’ll have access to your files.



Since I started using the nextcloud application, I have had no reason to use this feature because I'm more conversant with the mobile version which I am already logged in on my smartphone. Maybe someday I'll try it when I need to access my account on other devices.

#### SIGN UP WITH PROVIDER
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![1A7E25A9-C9ED-4CA6-A63C-23B83749127E.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmcX2KvFg5af6ZsMGzM1rW3UuAa1tMS5u3uETR7dFM8Vf2)


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After my successful installation of Nextcloud application, this was the first option I used. I'll urge you to use this option if you're new to the nextcloud application.

Account creation is necessary in order to gain access to the nextcloud application. 

When the **sign up with provided** feature is clicked, you'll be required to enter your email address. When you’re done, an activation link will be sent to your email address.

When I first registered, it took time before the activation email was sent. While waiting, I processed to choose my desired password.

#### HOST YOUR OWN SERVER
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![84951035-729C-490B-98EB-9366A051440E.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmcUVVuVzPUGSQEgnKzScv6PZFPJPbsuCoGT87KRYttkU1)


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If you're having doubts that your files are not secured enough, then this is an option which will allow you to establish your own private server. When you choose to establish your own personal server, all files uploaded to your server will be directly managed by you.

This is a very good option for those who might want to establish their personal servers. However, I have not used this option but i think its a cool option for those willing to give it a whirl.


#### SUMMARY 

Open source applications are a blessing to this generation. When it comes to its rapid growth in enhancements, no commercial application can compete.
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![F9F7A7CB-27F0-4444-899A-5164AF494AC3.png](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qmdy5UW2kYfXUovKwiRaJc9RG6mCQW1iz7MAdD2SSGUgxu)


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[source](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nextcloud/id1125420102?mt=8)

Nextcloud is a cloud-based application that is developed with maximum precision. Its team of developers has proven to be the best I have seen so far. 

They have carefully studied the discrepancies on other alternatives and with respect to that, they developed a world-class product that deserves the top spot on all application charts. 





#### PROJECT DOWNLOAD LINK
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nextcloud.client

#### RESOURCES 
The information authored on this post is from my own words and knowledge on nextcloud. Images that I god from Google have been sourced. Other images were screenshots from my smartphone.


#### GITHUB PROFILE 

https://github.com/abasifreke50