ownCloud Desktop Client V2.7.1

ownCloud GmbH announces its Desktop Client version 2.7.1.

It brings new design highlights, and also support OpenID Connect, TUS.io and debugging features – among a lot of bug fixes, improvements and logistical changes.

It enables virtual files on Windows by default and brings support for OpenID Connect and the TUS resumable upload protocol, enabling it to connect to the upcoming company’s Infinite Scale, alongside a number of other changes and bug fixes. It is ready to download or upgrade.

Why 2.7.1 instead of 2.7.0?
The Desktop Client release is called 2.7.1 because it includes a fix for an issue that became apparent in the testing of 2.7. User who tested 2.7 on their Macs should manually install 2.7.1 because the pre-release-builds lack auto-update capability.

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Making authentication more modular
The Desktop 2.7.1 brings integration with OpenID Connect28780 (OIDC). Released recently as an extension for the ownCloud server, it enables authentication of users and authorization of clients vs. an external Identity Provider (IdP). This makes integrating the firm’s cloud services into existing, modular environments more straightforward. It also makes the Desktop Client 2.7.1 compatible with upcoming file platform ownCloud Infinite Scale that will exclusively use OpenID Connect.

Improving and simplifying uploads
The company’s Desktop can portion uploads so as to make sure they reach the ownCloud server even if the connection is choppy or there are upload size limits involved. V2.7.1 combined with the upcoming firm’s Infinite Scale takes this approach to a new level through the implementation of the TUS protocol. It means you are no longer bound to pre-configured chunk sizes – the upload automatically resumes from wherever it previously broke off. This makes the firm’s cloud solutions more reliable.

Virtual files now default on Windows
On Windows, the Virtual File System is now activated right out of the box. It transfers the actual content of files to HDD only if and when they are being used. Until then, they remain visible without using up space – saving loads of storage and bandwidth in the process. Users can of course make certain files and folders permanently available locally. Since its announcement in 2018, the Virtual File System has become stable and useful and the firm has come to see it as a required feature for business-ready file sync and share solutions. Oh, and the Windows client is now finally available as a 64-bit version – with a GPO installer to streamline large-scale automated deployments.

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Design improvements
The Desktop Client 2.7.1 introduces few design changes that will pop up all around ownCloud in the coming months. The design changes are strictly evolutionarily, carefully improving rather than ditching tried and true interfaces. The utility icons are now outlined in flat design. Elements like the clouds and sync statuses are recast for more consistency and discernability, while also improving usability through better contrast as well as simpler shapes in low-resolution environments. The client also supports light and dark modes on all supported Oss.

Enhanced debugging capabilities
The Desktop Client 2.7.1 makes it easier for admins to analyze problems and identify failure causes. Users can now switch on logging conveniently in the new log sub-menu in settings. From there, the folder containing the log files is accessible. Users can also choose to additionally log HTTP requests and responses. With logging permanently enabled, the client deletes logs older than 4 hours by default, to make sure the logging does not unintentionally fill up your local drive.

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Supported Oss
On macOS, Desktop 2.7.1 requires at least 10.12 Sierra. On Linux, it requires at least Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver, Debian 10 Buster, openSUSE Leap 15.1, Fedora 31 or CentOS 7.8 (requirements page).

Notable bug fixes
The company fixed a problem in which missing file permissions led to a few crashes. When both are open at the same time, a sharing dialog window is now always on top of a settings dialog. When using virtual files on a Mac, files made locally available aren’t cleaned out anymore on reboot.

Linux repositories
2.7.1 switches from distributor download infrastructure to firm’s own.

Repos like the openSUSE repository will not be updated any more, though it still contains V2.6.3 of the Desktop Client. That repository can be kept in the system, but eventually, it can be disabled or even deleted.

Ubuntu and Debian users should remove their /etc/apt/sources.list.d/isv:ownCloud:desktop.list

Users of CentOS, RedHat and Fedora should use dnf config-manager –set-disabled isv_ownCloud_desktop or remove their /etc/yum.repos.d/isv:ownCloud:desktop.repo.

openSUSE users should use zypper modifyrepo –disable isv_ownCloud_desktop or remove their /etc/zypp/repos.d/isv_ownCloud_desktop.repo.

To make 2.7.1 and the upcoming releases known to your Linux package manager, register to the repository as described here.

Using …/stable/latest/… will enable package manager to announce and install any new versions that ownCloud will publish. Instead of …/stable/latest/… there are a range of other options. You can check the directory listing of https://download.owncloud.com/desktop/ownCloud/stable/ to see what is available. E.g. there is …/stable/2.7/… which includes every update to 2.7.x up to, but not including 2.8.x.

Changelog
Learn about bug fixes and changes: full change log

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