How to Set Up pCloud on Linux for Secure Cloud Storage

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pCloud offers Linux users a secure and feature-rich cloud storage solution. This article walks through installing and configuring pCloud on Linux systems to safeguard your important files.

What is pCloud?

pCloud is a cloud storage service founded in 2013 that allows users to store, sync, and share files across devices. It provides apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. pCloud emphasizes security and privacy, offering client-side encryption through its pCloud Crypto feature.

Installing pCloud on Linux

pCloud provides a Linux client in AppImage format, which works on most modern Linux distributions. Here’s how to install it:

Step 1: Visit the official pCloud website and download the AppImage file for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Step 2: Open a terminal and navigate to the directory containing the downloaded file.

Step 3: Make the AppImage executable with this command:

chmod +x pcloud-*.AppImage

Step 4: Run the AppImage to start pCloud:

./pcloud-*.AppImage

Step 5: Follow the on-screen prompts to log in or create a new pCloud account.

Note: On Ubuntu 22.04 and newer versions, you may need to install the libfuse2 package. Use these commands:

sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt install libfuse2

Key Features of pCloud for Linux

pCloud offers several features that make it attractive for Linux users:

  • File Syncing: Automatically sync files between your Linux machine and other devices.
  • Selective Sync: Choose specific folders to sync, saving local storage space.
  • File Versioning: Restore previous versions of files to recover from accidental changes or deletions.
  • Built-in Media Player: Stream audio and video files directly from your pCloud storage.
  • Public Folder: Easily share files with a public link.
  • pCloud Crypto: End-to-end encryption for your most sensitive files (requires a separate subscription).

Configuring pCloud on Linux

After installation, consider these configuration options:

Adjust Startup Settings

By default, pCloud starts automatically when you log in. To change this:

  1. Open the pCloud app.
  2. Click on Settings.
  3. Uncheck the option “Start pCloud Drive on system startup” if you don’t want it to launch automatically.

Set Up Selective Sync

To optimize local storage usage:

  1. In the pCloud app, go to Settings > Sync.
  2. Choose which folders you want to sync locally.

Enable pCloud Crypto (Optional)

For maximum security:

  1. Subscribe to pCloud Crypto (additional cost).
  2. In the app, go to pCloud Crypto.
  3. Set up your encryption password.
  4. Create encrypted folders for your sensitive files.

pCloud Plans and Pricing

pCloud offers several storage plans:

  • Free: 10GB storage (expandable through referrals)
  • Premium: 500GB for $4.99/month or $47.88/year
  • Premium Plus: 2TB for $9.99/month or $95.88/year
  • Lifetime Plans: One-time payment for permanent access (occasionally on sale)

Security Considerations

While pCloud offers robust security features, consider these additional steps:

  • Use a strong, unique password for your pCloud account.
  • Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection.
  • Regularly update the pCloud client to ensure you have the latest security patches.
  • Be cautious when sharing file links, especially for sensitive data.

pCloud provides Linux users with a powerful cloud storage solution that emphasizes security and ease of use. By following the installation steps and configuring the app to your needs, you can create a seamless and secure cloud storage experience on your Linux system.