Workshop - Build Private Cloud Drive using SEAFILE

Workshop: Build Private Cloud Drive using SEAFILE

The workshop was successfully held on 23 May 2025 Friday.  Each participant brought their own laptop computers and immediately went through the entire process deploying a cloud-based server and setting up the system by following a well-prepared instructions.  A series of videos were also recorded so that participants can do it again on their own after the workshop.

During the workshop, some technical problems were encountered.  Some of these problems were resolved.  Some participants were able to successfully finished and build their own system.  However, some participants came across some registration problem in the account setup process.  Unfortunately due to limitation of time, they could not continue.  As a result of these problems encountered, the workshop was overrun for about an hour.  This is an area that can be improved in future by pre-allocating pre-deployed cloud servers for all participants, which will require some costs.

The workshop aimed to provide a hands-on experience in the areas of open-source systems, cloud computing, server deployment, and a practical system building, which can be achievable for those without a technical programming background. The workshop also allow participants to understand the cost and operation involved in setting up such a cloud-based storage system.

Seafile is a secure, personal cloud storage and file-sharing platform, similar to Dropbox or Google Drive, but with a stronger emphasis on privacy and control.  It provides you with your own private space on the internet to store important documents, photos and other files, which you can easily share and collaborate on with family, friends, or colleagues.

As an open-source solution, Seafile is free to use and can be easily installed on your own server.  It also offers desktop and mobile apps, allowing you to automatically sync your files across all your devices.  In this workshop, you will learn how to build a working Seafile server in a cloud-based virtual private server of your own ownership (a small cost may apply).

The Workshop Rundown