Managing cloud storage efficiently often requires a balance between terminal-based speed and visual accessibility. While Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Object Storage is typically managed via the OCI Console or CLI, you can simplify your workflow on Ubuntu by using Rclone paired with a graphical user interface. This guide provides the complete end-to-end process for setting up Rclone and the Rclone Browser GUI to manage your OCI Object Storage buckets on Ubuntu using the robust S3 Compatibility Mode.
1. Prerequisites & Installation
To get started, you need two things: the Rclone command-line tool (the engine) and the Rclone Browser GUI (the interface).
| Component | Command/Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rclone CLI | sudo apt install rclone |
The core tool must be installed first. |
| Rclone Browser GUI | Download the RcloneBrowser...x86_64.AppImage from the GitHub Releases page. |
Use the AppImage for the easiest installation on Ubuntu. |
| Execute GUI | chmod +x RcloneBrowser*.AppImage then ./RcloneBrowser*.AppImage |
Make the downloaded file executable and run it. |
2. Configure OCI Remote Using Rclone CLI
Before the GUI can be used, the connection details must be configured via the Rclone CLI. This uses OCI’s S3 compatibility layer.
Start the configuration and create a new remote:
rclone config
| Prompt | Input/Action | Recommended Setting for OCI S3 |
|---|---|---|
e/n/d/r/c/s/q> |
n |
n for New remote. |
name> |
oci-s3 |
Give your remote a clear name (e.g., oci-s3). |
Storage> |
5 |
Select 5 for Amazon S3 Compliant Storage Providers (s3). |
provider> |
[Number for ‘Other’] | Select the number corresponding to Any other S3 compatible provider or Other. |
Choose a number... (Signature) |
1 |
Select 1 to use v4 signatures (modern standard). |
access_key_id> |
[Your OCI Customer Access Key] | Paste your OCI Customer Secret Access Key ID. |
secret_access_key> |
[Your OCI Customer Secret Key] | Paste your OCI Customer Secret Key. |
region> |
[Your OCI Region] | Enter your OCI region identifier (e.g., me-dubai-1). |
endpoint> |
https://<namespace>.compat.objectstorage.<region>.oraclecloud.com |
Crucial: Enter the full endpoint with https://. Replace <namespace> and <region>. |
location_constraint> |
[Press Enter] | Leave empty. |
acl> |
1 |
Select 1 for private (most secure default). |
| Finalize | y then q | Confirm and quit the config utility. |
3. Accessing Your OCI Bucket in the GUI
- Launch Rclone Browser: If the application is not running, launch it using the executable AppImage file.
- Automatic Detection: Rclone Browser automatically scans your system and loads the configuration you just created (
oci-s3). - Locate the Remote: Your configured remote (
oci-s3) will appear in the list on the left sidebar of the Rclone Browser window. - Browse and Transfer: Double-click the remote name to connect to OCI.
- The main window will show your OCI buckets.
- Use the left pane to navigate your local Ubuntu filesystem.
- Use the right pane to navigate your OCI buckets.
- Drag and drop files between the two panes to easily upload or download data.
4. Verification
To confirm your CLI setup works independently of the GUI, you can quickly list your buckets using the following terminal command:
rclone lsd oci-s3:
With Rclone and Rclone Browser successfully configured, you now have a powerful, visual, and secure way to manage your cloud backups and assets on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure directly from your Ubuntu desktop.