Anyone tried OwnCloud?

[SteveRiley]

I'm amazed how much difference that made... Thank you!!

I install php-apc whenever and wherever I need to run PHP apps, no matter how much raw horsepower might be on the hardware.

As for the web server and database:
Apache (Apache/2.2.22 (Debian))
MySQL (Version: 5.5.31+dfsg-0+wheezy1)Feathers

If you are still in experiment mode, you might try switching the database to Sqlite. It's lighter than MySQL.

The debate over whether to use Apache or Nginx is still raging. Both web servers seem to be sensitive to tuning; I've heard praises and gripes about both, and in roughly equal proportion.

[SteveRiley]

If one is only going to use a small subset of it's features (let's say one only needs an online calendar/addressbook...or only a cloud backup solution), one is likely to find a more efficient/better alternative that is optimized for that particular task.

I have been using DAViCal for my calendar and addressbook. Unfortunately, it's beginning to show signs of "maintainer fatigue." The server hosting the developer's wiki died, and it seems no one can find a decent archive. The developer has asked for volunteers, and while several folks have spoken up, nothing's actually happened. There's still some activity in Git and the mail list, but I wonder how much longer this will last.

All that's to say that at some point, migrating to OwnCloud might become a necessity for me, if for no reason other than needing a full CalDAV/CardDAV server. That the new sync client appears to be more network-friendly is also a plus, so I'd finally have something useful with which to replace Dropbox. One other app has promise -- the RSS aggregator. When I de-Google-fied myself, my replacement for Google Reader has been TT-RSS. It's actively developed and the Android client is quite nice. The Android client for OwnCloud's RSS aggregator needs more polish, especially for 10" tablets.

[Feathers McGraw]

I'm amazed how much difference that made.

Time taken to load index page before php-apc = 21 seconds

Time taken to load index page after php-apc = 7-8 seconds

Thank you!!

As for the web server and database:
Apache (Apache/2.2.22 (Debian))
MySQL (Version: 5.5.31+dfsg-0+wheezy1)

Feathers

[SteveRiley]

I've got ownCloud up and running, and configured the way I'd like it (with the help of steve's post on the ownCloud forum!). It was actually relatively easy compared to some other things I've tried, which is encouraging.

Heh, glad you found that useful! Indeed, quickly getting up and running is one of OwnCloud's major attractions.

I've found the web interface a little slow to load (compared to wordpress, citadel mail server on the same hardware), but not prohibitively so. Both the desktop client (installed directly from ownCloud, not the repos - thanks Steve) and mobile client seem much faster, I can only assume that the web interface is the slow bit, and not what's under the bonnet.

Actually, it probably is your hardware. Raspberry Pis aren't exactly powerhouses, and PHP is a pig. Every time you browse to a page, the server has to compile the PHP for it.

But not all is lost. OwnCloud will work very nicely with the Alternative PHP Cache. APC optimizes and caches PHP's intermediate byte code; this should improve performance for you. Install it:

sudo apt-get install php-apc

Now restart your web server and browse to some pages. Is it faster, especially when you revisit pages?

Also... which web server and database are you using?

[Feathers McGraw]

That's strange, out of interest I looked it up and they didn't even mention blocking HTTPS (443)

http://m.cox.com/residential/orangec...f-000000000000

I guess you've already tried that?

My ISP, PlusNet, uses packet sniffing to restrict bandwidth for certain things like P2P during peak hours, I think they can figure out the tripe of traffic regardless of port. Can't say I've noticed it slow me down though.

Kubicle, that's an interesting point. I think I read somewhere that you can speed things up by disabling the apps that you're not using. Haven't tried it though.

Feathers

[Buddlespit]

Yep, port 80 and 443. You can enforce SSL only if you like.

Well, that sucks.... My provider blocks all html content. I've yet to figure out how they do it, too. It doesn't matter what port I run apache on, Cox Cable will block it.

[kubicle]

For the sake of discussion, what's it not good for?

I meant that owncloud is (and aims to be) a sort of jack of all trades, and therefore isn't really optimized for any particular usage.

If one is only going to use a small subset of it's features (let's say one only needs an online calendar/addressbook...or only a cloud backup solution), one is likely to find a more efficient/better alternative that is optimized for that particular task.

[woodsmoke]

Yes a desktop, cable internet and they had no clue, just logged in and observed the pics.

But, for what I actually needed to do it was waay overkill, dropbox is easier and simpler.

woodsmoke

[Feathers McGraw]

Smart.

When you say your machine, I guess you mean a desktop? What's your internet connection like at home and did you get any feedback on how responsive owncloud was?

Feathers

[woodsmoke]

My machine, I pulled my normal Kubuntu hard drive and put in one just for it, so that I don't have to be paranoid. That is the only use I have made of it.

It was fortunate that I did because the bandwidth out of the Bahamas is almost non-existent for a cell phone, I had to use a hotel kiosk that had landline hookup, under the ocean! , to upload a couple of pics for student viewing.

woodsmoke

[Feathers McGraw]

Woodsmoke,

Sounds like a clever use of ownCloud.

Out of interest, what are you running it on and where? Your own server, or some rented space?

Feathers

[woodsmoke]

yep, used it when I went to the Bahamas, posted pics for my classes.

Gave them a password, and when the semester ended, changed the password.

Kinda simple really.

woodsmoke

[Feathers McGraw]

Yep, port 80 and 443. You can enforce SSL only if you like.

Feathers

[Buddlespit]

quick question: If I want to be able to access this from outside of my intranet (installed on my internal server and I'm on my laptop at the coffee shop), does html content ports need to be enabled?

[Feathers McGraw]

It isn't perfect for every use case

For the sake of discussion, what's it not good for?

Not that I want to focus on the negatives, but it would be interesting to understand the limitations. You seem to have read up on it!

Feathers