From Apple macOS to Linux: iCloud
One of the most challenging parts of migrating macOS to Linux is iCloud because it is not just a simple file storage cloud service
iCloud is a suite of cloud-based services developed by Apple, designed to simplify the use of Apple devices and provide a seamless experience across multiple devices. It allows users to access, store, and synchronize their data, including:
Storage: iCloud provides 5GB of free storage, which can be upgraded to 50GB, 200GB, or 2TB for a fee. This storage is used for backing up devices (e.g., iPhone, iPad, Mac), storing photos and videos, and saving files and documents (iCloud Drive).
Syncing: iCloud synchronizes data across devices, ensuring that contacts, calendars, reminders, and notes are up-to-date. Photos and videos are accessible on all devices. Safari bookmarks, browsing history, and reading lists are synced.
Security: iCloud offers features to enhance security and privacy: Two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection and end-to-end encryption for iMessage and FaceTime conversations. Find My iPhone/iPad/Mac (Find My) helps locate and remotely erase devices.
Email: iCloud provides email services, including iCloud.com email addresses (e.g., @icloud.com, @me.com, @mac.com), custom domain support (iCloud+), email aliases, and forwarding
Third-party app integration: Many third-party apps can integrate with iCloud, allowing users to access and synchronize data across devices.
Good Bye My 20 Years Old Friend: Apple
In summary, iCloud is a comprehensive suite of cloud-based services enabling seamless data synchronization, storage, and security across Apple devices while providing email, file storage, and device management features.
When it integrates with Apple hardware, iCloud becomes a “golden handcuff” you cannot leave quickly. The migration is also very challenging. I think iCloud was the most difficult part of my migration because our family also has Apple devices, so our integration was seamless.
From Apple macOS to Linux: Operating System
Ultimately, I could be successful, but I couldn’t replace all the services with one service because there is no such service except Google Suite. It is another story of moving from Apple to Google. My aim was not to move from one giant to another one fully.
This article will not contain all the alternatives in the market. I have the following criteria:
Although I don’t expect all the features, I want photo and file sync by default.
The web interface is good, but I want an application
All in all, it must be run in Linux
I Tried Fedora 40, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Linux Mint 21.3, Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS, and EndeavourOS Galileo
1. Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud storage company offers reliable file sharing and synchronization. It has a Linux client.
Pros
Linux Client: Supports the native interface with who provide a linux application.
Reliable Syncing: Effective and fast sync of data moving and even photos
Selective Sync: Selective sync allows the user to decide which specific folders to sync and/or thereby conserving the local space storage.
Friendly UI: Appealing to the end user’s ease of finding and managing their files.
Third Party applications: There are many third party application which works pretty well with Dropbox (for example, Draw.io).
File Versioning: If there is a problem with the files, you can roll back to previous version. The history of file versioning depends on the package you have.
Cons
Limited Free Space: Only 2GB is made available as free limited storage is unused in no time.
Cost: It is more expensive then Google, Apple and Microsoft based on what it provides.
Encryption: Although it provides 2FA and strict anomaly detection, it doesn’t provide file encryption.
2. pCloud
pCloud is a cloud storage provider that highlights safety features and provides file storage systems as well as photo syncing capabilities. It provides lifetime subscription options which makes it less expensive in the long run.
Pros
Linux Client: It has a dedicated application for Linux users.
File and Photo Sync: Users can sync files and photos with ease across devices.
Lifetime Subscription: Options where users only need to pay once and can enjoy savings in the long run.
Client-Side Encryption: There is a paid add-on or free addition (depends on promotion) that lets you secure your files with client-side encryption.
Media Streaming: Streams audio and video files via a built in media player.
Generous Free Storage: 10GB of cloud storage is available free of charge, and additional storage is available by referral or achieve specific goals.
Cons
Paid Encryption Add-On: Depends on the time you purchase, you may not get free encryption addon.
Linux AppImage: It is not my favorite format so it may be bit subjective.
3. Mega
Mega is a cloud storage service which offers lots of storage space for free and has end to end encryption of data. They are not audited by third party auditors but internal only.
Pros
Linux Client: It has native Linux application.
Encryption Focused on the User: Ensures that you are the only person with access to your files. If you forget the encryption credentials, you cannot reach your files again. They are warning you several times.
Free Storage Space: 20GB of free storage, with the possibility of obtaining more space through achievements.
Files and photos sync: Instantly upload and back all your old documents and images on all your devices.
Protected File Transfer: You can transfer a file using a password with a limited time.
Cons
Bandwidth: Free accounts have transfer quotas, which make it difficult to transfer larger amounts of files.
Company Background: Relating to dubious history and change of ownership may be problematic.
Delays in Uploading: The issue of uploading files has also been noted by users. I’ve also faced with several times.
4. Tresorit
Tresorit is an advanced cloud storage service, which puts security and privacy above everything else. The solution comes with end-to-end encryption and there is a client for Linux. Even though it fall into the higher price ranges greatly, the services offered ensures complete file and photo syncing.
Pros
Linux Client: A client is available for Linux.
Encryption: Full encryption is included.
Compliance Standards: GDPR, HIPAA and other requirements for international legislation on data protection. I haven’t seen that many compliances in any other online sync services.
File Version: Taking back of any previous changes made to documents.
Cons
Cost: There is a high expense compared to other cloud storage service providers.
Limited Free Plan: Only providing 14 days of free trial with no free plan.
5. Nextcloud
Nextcloud is an open-source cloud storage software which you can either install on your own hardware or use from other companies. It has many functions and features.
Pros
Linux Client: Native application available for Linux.
Self-Hosting Option: The data is all yours if you decide to self host.
Extensive Features: File sharing, photo sync, calendar, contacts and other services, depending on the extensions are available.
Open Source: The entirety of the codebase is available for review and assessment of risk regardless of the features used.
Privacy and Security: Users can choose where their data should be kept and even the measures taken to protect their data.
Cons
Setup Complexity: Technical skill is required for self-setup and self-maintenance.
Cost for Hosting: If one decides not to self-host, such costs will have to be paid to any other service provider.
Performance Depends on Setup: The level of efficiency and consistency in productivity and availability will likely depend on how the site is host.
6. Seafile
Seafile is an enterprise ready file hosting software which allows you to create your own personal cloud.
Pros
Linux Client: Providing a native client for Linux systems.
Efficient Syncing: Block level sync fast and reliable file synchronization.
Self-Hosting Option: You are in complete control of your data and your server.
Collaboration Features: File locking, versioning, and online editing of documents are supported.
Security: Additional level of security with encryption hashes is offered for data.
Cons
Technical Knowledge Required: Non-technical users might find difficulties in self-hosting and installation.
Limited Free Features: Certain advanced features are only present on the paid enterprise edition.
Community Support: Less common, therefore, the available community support may not be at par with large scale services.
7. ownCloud
ownCloud is another open-source cloud storage solution similar to Nextcloud. It provides file and photo syncing with a Linux client and can be self-hosted or used through service providers.
Pros
Linux Client: It has Linux application.
Flexibility: Very versatile in adding plugins and extensions of various kinds.
Self-Hosting: Assurance that every detail regarding their data storage is safe.
File and Photo Sync: It is a useful application in a matter that enables the user to synchronize all their photos and files across all the devices.
Open Source: The code is freely accessible to aid in enhance transparency in operations, auditing and investigations.
Cons
Setup and Maintenance: Non-technical users might find difficulties in self-hosting and installation.
Performance: Performance may vary based on server configuration as it can be resource hungry.
Support: Business type of professional assistance is provided but is a chargeable service.
8. Resilio Sync
Resilio Sync allows synchronizing files or photos between other devices using a peer to peer network. It provides Linux client and performs very fast.
Pros
Linux Client: It is possible to use the software on any Linux operating system.
Fast Syncing: Possible to send files very fast using this technology as it is peer to peer.
No Cloud Servers: Third party storage is not used so the risk assesses to the endpoint is reduced.
Selective Sync: Decide which files or folders you will sync.
Scalable: Can work for personal as well as business use.
Cons
No Cloud storage: There is no provision of online storage for files in case the devices are not connected.
Complexity: Expected to have an online cloud storage which most likely is not the case.
Cost: Pro version which unboxes all its functions requests a payment.
9. SpiderOak One Backup
SpiderOak One Backup is a backup service focused on saving stored data that incorporates a Linux client.
Pros
Linux Client: Linux application is available.
Zero-Knowledge Encryption: Only you can access your data.
File and Photo Backup: Provides storage of the files and pictures.
Versioning and Deleted File Retention: It has unlimited version history and deletion and recovery options.
No File Size Limits: Upload files of any size.
Cons
No Free Plan: The option given is that an initial payment is done for 21 days.
Limited Syncing Features: Most services are data backup solutions and do not exhibit high real-time data synchronization capability.
Higher Cost: Competes in the market at a higher cost.
10. Yandex Disk
Yandex Disk is an online storage system owned by Yandex, the Russian Internet company.
Pros
Linux Client: Linux client available as CLI, GUI is available via independent developers.
Free Storage: To start with one gets a free storage of 10 GB.
Media Playback: Makes it possible to stream audio and videos.
Affordable Paid Plans: Offers storage at affordable cost seeking customer retention.
Cons
Privacy Concerns: Since it’s a Russian company, some customers might have some data privacy issues.
Limited Support: Customer support may not be very effective to users from other countries.
Interface Language: English versions are also available, but you may see Russian wording too.
Conclusion
Here’s a quick summary to help you make your choice:
Dropbox: Perfect for those who are looking for a reliable service and web-based application with support for Linux operating system. Its Linux application is bad from user experience side and doesn’t have full features like in macOS and Windows but it syncs perfectly in general.
pCloud: Ideal for users seeking a mix of features along with security and lifetime subscriptions. Its AppImage client is not my favourite.
Mega: Best suited for users in need of a lot of free space and good security features but upload is clunky even in paid version. I canceled my payment after having too many problems with sync.
Tresorit: Best suited for high-security needs, regardless of costs.
Nextcloud: Great for advanced users who prefer to self-host everything for complete control over their data if you trust yourself about setup and PHP backend.
Seafile: Good for users who need efficient syncing and are comfortable with a self-hosted solution.
ownCloud: Offers flexibility and customization for users willing to manage their own server.
Resilio Sync: Best for users who want to synchronize files with other users directly and do not want to use any cloud storage.
SpiderOak One Backup: Most appropriate for users who need secure backup in Linux.
Yandex Disk: An option for users looking for generous free storage and Linux support, keeping in mind potential privacy concerns.
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