Buzz
Installing ownCloud on Windows and using the free cloud storage service will give you a completely different experience compared to previous cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive. OwnCloud is a completely free cross-platform service, but installing and using it can be a bit complicated. Moreover, its target audience is those with experience in server-related fields, involving MySQL and PHP.
But don't get discouraged too early because this is a pretty good cloud storage service, free and well worth the effort. The following guide from Mytour will help you install ownCloud on Windows, as well as take the first steps to use this completely free online storage web.
Guide to Installing ownCloud on Windows
Step 1: Prior to installing ownCloud on Windows, you need to install IIS on Windows by opening Control Panel.
Step 2: In Control Panel, proceed to select Uninstall a program
Step 3: Here, further select the option Turn Windows Feature on or off, which is where we can activate IIS on Windows.
Step 4: In the Windows Features, select Internet Information Services and then press OK.
This activation process will only take a few seconds, however, the installation of ownCloud on Windows is not yet complete as we will need to come back to this section again.
Step 5: Continuing in the Internet Information Services section, expand it, under it, tick on Application Development Features and check the CGI option then click OK.
Similarly, as above, the CGI activation process also takes only a few seconds, then you press Close to complete.
Step 6: Proceed to download ownCloud to your computer and install it normally.
Step 7: Choose the default installation package and then continue by pressing next.
Step 8: Here you are allowed to choose the default installation directory, however, it's not crucial and if you want to change, just click on Browse.
Step 9: Finally, click finish to complete the ownCloud installation process on Windows.
In the ownCloud interface, enter the previously Server URL address and then click next.
Then proceed to create an account on ownCloud after successful linking. So, we have completed the first step of installing ownCloud on Windows, and there are many more issues surrounding ownCloud that Mytour wants to share with you in the next articles.
And as mentioned above, if ownCloud seems complicated to you or your needs are simple, just needing a regular storage service, then using Google Drive is currently the top choice. You won't need to spend too much time learning how to use Google Drive, moreover, this service is also linked to Gmail accounts which is very convenient for usage.
