How To Use SpiderOak One On Linux

SpiderOak is probably one of the more reliable file sync clients out there, comparable to the likes of Seafile. Not only does it allow users to upload files to its service quickly, it also allows users to create a “hive” of their computers and sync them together. It’s impressive technology and you can install SpiderOak One on Linux if you’re running Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora or OpenSUSE.

Note: Don’t have any of the Linux distributions mentioned? Download the source code instead!

Ubuntu

Installing SpiderOak sync on Ubuntu starts off by enabling a third party software source. Unlike a lot of other pieces of software for Ubuntu, there currently isn’t a SpiderOak PPA. Instead, users will need to edit the sources file.

Editing the source file isn’t as complicated as it sounds. In fact, it’s quite easy. Open up a terminal and edit the file with the command below:

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Using the down arrow key, scroll all the way to the bottom of the file. Then, paste this line of code in it. Do not change “release” to your Ubuntu code-name, as SpiderOak has said not to.

While adding this software source, you’ll need to understand that not every Ubuntu release has official support. When it comes to the absolute latest version, there can be issues. Please understand that as Ubuntu 18.04 is very new, there may not yet be a release file for it in the Spideroak software repository.

There is no doubt that the SpiderOak team will get support for 18.04 as soon as possible.

# SpiderOak Repo
deb https://apt.spideroak.com/ubuntu-spideroak-hardy/ release restricted

After adding the new lines to the source repo, you’ll need to add the GPG key. Adding a GPG key in this way is necessary, as the software source isn’t being managed automatically via PPA. To add the GPG key, go to the terminal and use the apt-key command.

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 573E3D1C51AE1B3D

Now that the SpiderOak software source has the correct signed GPG key it’s time to update Ubuntu and install the software. Start off by refreshing the Ubuntu software sources.

sudo apt update

Next, in the installation process, you’ll need to use the upgrade tool. Install any new software upgrades that may have appeared during the update command’s run.

sudo apt upgrade -y

Lastly, install the SpiderOak client with:

sudo apt install spideroakone

Debian

Installing the SpiderOak software on Debian is very similar to how it works for Ubuntu users. It starts off by adding a third-party software source to /etc/apt/sources.list. On the official FAQ page, the developers show Debian Stable as an example. In this tutorial, we’ll focus on Stable. However, SpiderOak likely has support for all current Debian releases. To switch to them, change stable to whichever version you use while following along.

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move all the way to the bottom of the sources file. Once there, add in the new SpiderOak software source.

# SpiderOak Repo

deb https://apt.spideroak.com/debian/ stable non-free

Next, use the apt-key tool to sync the official GPG key to the new software source you’ve added. Adding this key is critical because without it Debian will not install software from it.

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 573E3D1C51AE1B3D

Using the update tool, refresh Debian’s software sources.

sudo apt-get update

After refreshing software sources, install any upgrades with the upgrade tool.

sudo apt-get upgrade -y

Finally, install the Spideroak software.

sudo apt-get install spideroakone

Arch Linux

As usual, SpiderOak has an unofficial Arch AUR package. Start off the installation by installing the Git package with Pacman.

sudo pacman -S git

Using Git, clone the latest SpiderOak AUR pkgbuild snapshot to your PC.

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/spideroak-one.git

Now that SpiderOak is on your Arch PC, it’s time to use the package builder to install the program. Run makepkg to start the build. Keep in mind that makepkg usually collects and installs the correct dependencies. However, sometimes issues happen (this is especially true if a dependency is only available via the AUR). If something comes up, head over to the SpiderOak AUR page, scroll down to “Dependencies” and install them manually.

makepkg -si

Fedora

Need to get SpiderOak for Fedora? Luckily, there are no hoops to jump through with this operating system, as Fedora is officially supported. To install the software, follow this link. Grab the latest 64-bit or 32-bit RPM. After that, open up a terminal window and use DNF to get everything installed.

cd ~/Downloads

sudo dnf install SpiderOakONE*.rpm

OpenSUSE

SpiderOak doesn’t officially support OpenSUSE, and there’s no indication of that on the website. However, it doesn’t matter as there are RPM files available, and SUSE can use them. Download either the 64-bit or 32-bit RPM. Then, open up a terminal and use Zypper to install SpiderOak.

cd ~/Downloads

sudo zypper in SpiderOakONE*.rpm

Using SpiderOak

Once you’ve got the SpiderOak sync software working, open up the application menu on your PC, search for “SpiderOak One” and launch it. As you start the software, you’ll be prompted to sign up for the service. Create an account, and claim your free 2GB.

After everything is set up, look to the SpiderOak app. To start uploading click the “Backup” tab. Under manage, it’ll show the Linux PC currently running the software. Click the arrow-key next to the PC and check boxes next to various folders and files you’d like to sync. From there, it should instantly upload to the SpiderOak service.