Best cloud storage services with CLI for Tiny Core Linux: (Tutorial)

Introduction

Tiny Core Linux is prized for its minimalist footprint and lightning-fast performance. When paired with a command-line interface (CLI) cloud storage solution, it becomes a powerful environment for users who need reliable off-site backups, file syncing, and remote access without a heavy desktop environment. This article presents the best cloud storage services offering CLI support compatible with Tiny Core Linux, along with installation, usage examples, and troubleshooting tips.

Top Recommended Cloud Storage Solutions for Tiny Core Linux

• pCloud
• MEGA
• Proton Drive
• Filen
• Tresorit
• Icedrive
• Rclone (multi-service aggregator)
• Google Drive (via Rclone)
• Dropbox (official CLI)
• Nextcloud (self-hosted via WebDAV/Rclone)

Comparison Table

Which One to Choose?

• If you need straightforward, dedicated CLI tools: pCloud or MEGA.
• For maximum privacy and zero-knowledge: Proton Drive (via Rclone) or Tresorit.
• If you prefer open-source and self-hosting: Nextcloud plus Rclone/WebDAV.
• Want an all-in-one aggregator? Use Rclone to mount most services from one interface.

Preparing Tiny Core Linux

1. Ensure you have FUSE support: install fuse.tcz via tce-load -wi fuse.
2. Install SSL/TLS libraries: openssl.tcz or libressl.tcz.
3. Create persistent directories for binaries: e.g., /mnt/sda1/tclocal/bin.
4. Set your PATH: export PATH=/mnt/sda1/tclocal/bin:PATH in ~/.profile.

Using Each Service with CLI

pCloud

Two main tools: pcloudcc (daemon FUSE) and pcloudcmd (synchronizer).

Installation:

tce-load -wi curl fuse openssl
# Download static binary (replace version as needed)
curl -L -o pcloudcc https://downloads.pcloud.com/cli/pcloudcc
chmod  x pcloudcc
mv pcloudcc /mnt/sda1/tclocal/bin/

Mount your pCloud drive:

pcloudcc --user your@e.mail --password YourPassword --mountpoint ~/pcloud

Typical problems:

• FUSE permission denied: run modprobe fuse or ensure /dev/fuse exists.
• SSL errors: install correct openssl version or point LD_LIBRARY_PATH.

MEGA

Use megacmd for a full CLI shell or megatools for basic downloads/uploads.

Installation (static megacmd):

tce-load -wi libstdc  6
curl -L -o megacmd.tar.gz https://mega.nz/linux/MEGAcmd-Linux-x86_64.tar.gz
tar xzf megacmd.tar.gz
cp megacmd/bin/mega /mnt/sda1/tclocal/bin/

Log in and sync:

mega-login you@domain.com YourPassword
mega-sync /home/tc/MEGA ~/my_mega_backup

Common issues:

• “megacmd not found” – ensure binary on PATH and executable bit set.
• Memory errors – reduce cache size or disable thumbnails.

Proton Drive (via Rclone)

Rclone supports Proton Drive as an experimental remote.

tce-load -wi fuse openssl libstdc  
curl -O https://downloads.rclone.org/v1.60.0/rclone-v1.60.0-linux-amd64.zip
unzip rclone--linux-amd64.zip
cd rclone--linux-amd64
cp rclone /mnt/sda1/tclocal/bin/

Configure remote:

rclone config
# Choose n for new remote, name it proton
# Select protondrive from list, follow OAuth flow

Mounting or syncing:

rclone mount proton: ~/proton-drive --vfs-cache-mode writes
rclone sync ~/local proton:backup-folder

Watch for:

• OAuth flow issues on headless: use rclone config file on another machine then copy rclone.conf.
• Cache fill-ups: adjust --vfs-cache-max-size.

Filen, Tresorit, Icedrive (via Rclone)

All three can be accessed through Rclone by selecting filen, webdav/tresorit or onedrive/webdav respectively. The setup is identical to Proton Drive except choosing the appropriate remote type and endpoint:

rclone config
# For Filen: select filen or HTTP remote pointing to https://api.filen.io
# For Tresorit: select webdav with URL https://webdav.tresorit.com
# For Icedrive: select webdav with URL https://webdav.icedrive.net

Examples:

rclone ls filen:
rclone copy ~/docs tresorit:DocsBackup
rclone sync ~/media icedrive:Movies --progress

Issues to note:

• WebDAV authentication loops – double-check username/password.
• Slow transfers – tweak --transfers and --checkers.

Google Drive

# Already have rclone installed above
rclone config
# Choose drive, follow OAuth
rclone mount drive: ~/gdrive --daemon
rclone copy ~/photos drive:Photos --progress

Dropbox CLI

tce-load -wi python3
pip3 install --user dropbox
export PATH=HOME/.local/bin:PATH
dropbox-cli.py start -i
dropbox-cli.py status

Common pitfalls:

• Python version mismatches – use the system Python.
• Daemon fails to start – check ~/.dropbox/dropbox.pid and logs.

Nextcloud (WebDAV)

rclone config
# Choose webdav, URL https://your.nextcloud.server/remote.php/dav/files/username/
# Use username/password or app password
rclone sync ~/backup nextcloud:Backup

Issues:

• SSL certificate errors – install ca-certificates.tcz or set --no-check-certificate.

Typical Troubleshooting Tips

• “FUSE module not found” – load with modprobe fuse.
• SSL errors – ensure openssl.tcz or ca-certificates.tcz is loaded.
• Permission denied – run CLI commands under your user, not as root, or adjust /etc/fuse.conf.
• Binary “not found” – verify chmod x and that /mnt/sda1/tclocal/bin is in PATH.

Conclusion

By leveraging Tiny Core Linux’s minimalism and the power of CLI cloud clients or Rclone, you can maintain encrypted backups, seamless sync, and robust remote access without a heavyweight desktop. Choose the provider that best fits your privacy, storage, and performance needs, and follow the instructions above to get started in minutes.