---
type: concept
title: Desktop Integration
tags: [synchronization, cloud-storage, nextcloud, client-software, cloud-computing, ux, workflow]
related: [nextcloud, collaborative-conflict, file-synchronization, nextcloud-desktop-client-windows]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_nextcloud_clients.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_nextcloud_clients_linux.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_nextcloud_clients_windows.md"]
---

# Desktop Integration

**Desktop Integration** is the process of bridging a cloud-based storage service with a local operating system's file system. This is achieved by installing a local client application (or software client) on a computer to automatically synchronize cloud-based data (specifically from [[nextcloud]]) and folders between the local storage/file system and a remote server.

## Mechanism and Purpose
Instead of accessing files exclusively through a web browser, desktop integration allows the cloud service to appear as a local folder. This is achieved through a client that manages the background transfer of data and the data flow between the remote server and the local hard drive.

The integration creates a local directory that mirrors the structure of the cloud storage. Changes made to files in this local directory are uploaded to the server, and changes made on the server (or other synchronized devices) are downloaded to the local machine.

The primary goal is to allow users to interact with cloud-hosted files using their native operating system's file explorer (e.g., Nautilus in Linux, Finder in macOS, or File Explorer in Windows) rather than relying solely on a web-based interface.

Integration is recommended for users who:
- Work with files regularly and prefer a local file system explorer.
- Require the use of external, non-web-based applications for editing documents.

## Key Components
- **Client Software**: The application responsible for monitoring changes and handling transfers.
- **File Synchronization**: The underlying technique that ensures the local copy and the server copy of a file are identical.
- **Configuration**: The process of authenticating the user and mapping specific cloud directories to local paths.

## Implementation at Universität Greifswald
In the context of the university's [[nextcloud]] service, desktop integration is achieved by installing the Nextcloud Desktop Client. This enables:
- Automatic synchronization of files and folders.
- Offline access to documents.
- Seamless integration with local workflows.

### Platform-Specific Implementations
- **Windows**: Integration is achieved via the [[nextcloud-desktop-client-windows]], which facilitates the seamless movement of files between the local machine and the university's cloud infrastructure.
- **Linux**: Integration is typically achieved by installing the client package through the distribution's package manager (e.g., `apt` for Debian/Ubuntu). Specifically for Ubuntu 20.04, integration is performed using the command: `sudo apt install nextcloud-desktop`.

### Setup Process
As noted in the URZ documentation, desktop integration involves two distinct phases:
1. **Software Installation**: Installing the client application on the OS.
2. **Client Configuration**: Linking the installed software to a specific user account and defining which local folders should be synchronized.

The general setup process is consistent across Linux, macOS, and Windows:
1. **Login**: Start the application and select "Log in".
2. **Server Address**: Use `https://nextcloud.uni-greifswald.de`.
3. **Sync Settings**: Configure the local folder path and synchronization behavior.
4. **Browser Auth**: Authenticate via the university's web login.
5. **Grant Access**: Authorize the client to access the account data.

## Security and Control
Users can manage their connected devices via the Nextcloud web interface (**Settings $\rightarrow$ Security**). This allows for:
- **Access Revocation**: Removing the client's right to sync without deleting local files.
- **Remote Wipe**: Deleting all synchronized cloud data from the remote device.