Introduction

In this post we will perform a manual install of an application called File Browser. This small lightweight program that serves as a simple file server, allowing users to store and access their files over a network instead of storing them on individual devices. File Browser features a graphical web browser interface, making it easy to use across different platforms. Imagine easily accessing your files from almost any device.

One of the reasons for this post stems from my quest to replace the Nextcloud application. The direction the developers are heading in does not align with my current requirements.

File Browser is a minimalist application that focuses on one task, doing it well. It is significantly lighter than Nextcloud, while still meeting most of my core needs.

Since I am installing this application on a Debian 13 server, there are some important points to note. File Browser does not have a native Debian package, so the installation will deviate from the distribution’s standard practices. We will also be operating outside of the File-Browser standard installation recommendations as well. The reasoning for this will become clear as we progress. We will also be tinkering with system level settings, including creating a systemd service file and modifying well known port access.

This is an upfront warning that we will be operating without a safety net outside the comfort zone.

Our approach will be to;

• determine our setup needs
• create a Proxmox LXC container
• Install a base Debian 13 server
• Download the appropriate files
• Modify our server setup
• Install the software
• Create a system user
• Write configuration files
• Test the server.

Taking things in small chunks, one step at a time, will help ground less experienced users. The process is not hard, but it is somewhat involved.

Enough talking, lets get to it.

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