This article describes the cloud solution File Drive from METANET, which is based on the open-source project Seafile. File Drive enables centralized storage and synchronization of files across various devices and sharing of content. Users receive access via a provided link and must set a new password. There are different clients for desktop and mobile devices that can be used for synchronizing and managing files. Features such as file sharing, group management, and versioning are explained. Using a client is necessary to keep content synchronized across different devices.
GeneralGeneral
Getting Started
Accessing Your File Drive Instance
Clients
Setting Up Desktop Syncing Client
Setting Up Smartphone Client
Adjusting Language
Libraries and Folders
History
Sharing Content
Groups
Versioning
Storage Usage
Recycle Bin
Official Manufacturer Documentation
General
With File Drive, METANET offers a cloud solution for centralized file storage, which can then be synchronized across various devices and shared with other people or publicly.
File Drive is based on the open source project Seafile.
Getting Started
Initially, you will receive a link from us to access your File Drive instance. The first step is to set a new password there. Afterwards, you can begin configuring and using your File Drive instance.
Accessing Your File Drive Instance
You can access your File Drive instance via the provided link to the web interface. Additionally, Seafile provides clients for various operating systems and mobile devices.
Clients
Various clients (locally installed programs) are available for download:
- Desktop Syncing Clients
- Desktop Drive Clients
It is generally recommended to use the "Desktop Syncing Client" because it stores and synchronizes data locally. If you want to synchronize folders with your File Drive instance on the client you are using, this client must be used.
The "Desktop Drive Client" does not store any local data. Libraries are mounted here as a remote network drive. This client is recommended if you only want to access existing libraries and do not want to synchronize local files. Starting with macOS High Sierra, for security reasons, additional authorization of the required kernel module is necessary. Ideally, you install this (Download osxfuse) separately beforehand and then authorize it during the installation process as shown below:
For proper synchronization, the client must always be active on the devices. You can find the latest versions on the manufacturer's page at Download
Most File Drive functions can be covered via the web interface. Using a client (Desktop Syncing Client) is only necessary in the following cases:
- You want to keep your content synchronized across different devices
- You want to use files or folders in a group and keep them automatically up to date
Further articles from the manufacturer:
https://www.seafile.com/en/download/
https://de.seafile.com/support/benutzer/anleitung/seafile-drive-client/
Setting Up Desktop Syncing Client
After installing the Desktop Syncing Client, it will first ask you for the path where a Seafile folder for storing the libraries will be created.
The client will create a folder named Seafile in the chosen path.
In the next step, you need to enter your File Drive account details. Please use the following or known access data here.
Server: Full URL from the setup confirmation or your already linked domains
Email / Username: The email address provided when ordering
Password: The password you set after the first login
Computer name: Any name to identify the client in the web interface
Setting Up Smartphone Client
After installing the Mobile Client app, you must first add an account.
For setting up your File Drive account, please select "other Seafile Server" in the second step.
In the third step, you need to enter your File Drive account details. Please use the following or known access data here.
Server: Full URL from the setup confirmation or your already linked domains
Email / Username: The email address provided when ordering
Password: The password you set after the first login
The language can be adjusted in the user's settings menu.
Libraries and Folders
Individual folders or areas are defined as libraries in File Drive. Using the client, local folders can be stored as a library in the File Drive client and synchronized with the File Drive instance. To do this, drag the desired folder into the client or select it via "Select" by navigating in the following window.
Alternatively, libraries can also be created via the web interface in the main menu or under "My Libraries".
To create a library, a name and optionally a password are required; then the library appears in the main menu and is available for synchronization on the clients.
Within the web interface, folders or various files can also be created inside libraries. This is done via the "New" menu item within a library.
Simple file operations such as renaming, moving, and copying can also be performed here.
History
In the web interface, it is possible to view the history of a file, folder, or library. For individual folders and files, access is via the file’s context menu; for libraries, it is via the icon next to the library options.
You also have the option here to restore a previous version of a file, folder, or library.
Sharing Content
File Drive offers you the ability to share files or folders, provided they are inside a library. Sharing of libraries is also possible. When using a client, this can be done through your file browser; otherwise, sharing is also possible via the web interface. In the file browser, sharing is done via the context menu of a file or folder.
In the web interface, sharing folders is done via the "Share" menu item; sharing files is done via the context menu. Folders can also be shared via the context menu.
Additionally, you have the option to set a password or an expiration date.
When sharing folders and libraries, you also have the option to define permissions in more detail and set user and/or group rights here.
When sharing libraries, the set permissions are inherited by the subfolders but can also be adjusted later via the context menu of the subfolders and files.
For sharing with 2 or more people, it may be useful to set the share for a group instead of individual users. For this, corresponding groups must be created beforehand.
Groups
Groups allow files, folders, or groups to be shared with multiple users and do not need to be shared individually. Another advantage is the clarity over granted shares and their permissions.
New groups can be created in the "For my groups" section.
Group management is done in the same area via the respective group itself.
Versioning
By default, versioning is set with a period of 3 days.
This can be individually defined for each library via the system administration under the menu item "Set up versions".
Three options are available here:
- general versioning
- no versioning
- versioning within a specific time period (default: 3 days)
Please note that versioning affects your storage usage.
Storage Usage
The storage usage of the currently logged-in visitor can be viewed via the user menu.
Recycle Bin
Deleted files are stored in the recycle bin and remain there until permanently deleted by you. The recycle bin usage also counts toward your storage quota, so it should be checked regularly.
There is a separate recycle bin available for each existing library.
Deleted libraries are only available in the system administration’s recycle bin after deletion and can be restored from there.
By default, these are permanently deleted after 30 days.
Official Manufacturer Documentation
The official manufacturer documentation in English can be found at the following address: