refactor(admin): Revise introduction chapter

Updated the introduction section to:

- enhance readability and make it more useful
- include additional context and detail

Signed-off-by: Josh <josh.t.richards@gmail.com>
This commit is contained in:
Josh
2025-09-16 13:31:12 -04:00
committed by GitHub
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Introduction
============
Welcome to the Nextcloud Server Administration Guide. This guide describes
administration tasks for Nextcloud, the flexible open source file synchronization
and sharing solution. Nextcloud includes the Nextcloud server, which runs on
Linux, client applications for Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux, and mobile
clients for the Android and iOS operating systems.
Welcome to the Nextcloud Server Administration Guide.
Current editions of Nextcloud manuals are always available online at
This guide explains how to perform administration tasks for Nextcloud, a flexible, open-source platform for file synchronization and content collaboration.
Nextcloud is highly scalable. It runs on anything from a Raspberry Pi with two users to distributed global installations serving tens of millions. You can deploy Nextcloud on-premises, in private or public clouds, or in hybrid environments. With over 400,000 deployments, Nextcloud is a leading on-premises content collaboration platform. It is supported by a large, growing community and is available in over 60 languages.
The latest editions of the Nextcloud manuals are always available online at
`docs.nextcloud.com <https://docs.nextcloud.com/>`_.
Nextcloud server is available:
* As a free, full featured community-supported server, with all enterprise features.
* Or with full enterprise support, including phone and email access to Nextcloud developers.
Videos and blogs
----------------
See the `official Nextcloud channel
<https://www.youtube.com/c/Nextcloud>`_
on YouTube for tutorials, overviews, and conference videos.
Visit `our blog <https://nextcloud.com/news/>`_ for latest news and to learn more
about what is going on in and around Nextcloud.
Target audience
Target Audience
---------------
This guide is for users who want to install, administer, and
optimize their Nextcloud servers. To learn more about the Nextcloud Web
user interface, and desktop and mobile clients, please refer to their
respective manuals:
This guide is for users who want to:
* `Nextcloud User Manual`_
* `Nextcloud Desktop Client`_
- Install Nextcloud Server
- Administer and manage their instance
- Optimize server performance
For documentation on Nextcloud web, desktop, or mobile clients, see:
- `Nextcloud User Manual`_
- `Nextcloud Desktop Client`_
.. _`Nextcloud User Manual`: https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/user_manual/en/
.. _`Nextcloud Desktop Client`: https://docs.nextcloud.com/desktop/latest/
For documentation on development topics,see:
- The individual repositories on GitHub within `the @nextcloud organization <https://github.com/nextcloud/>`_
- `Nextcloud Development Manual <https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/developer_manual/>`_
.. TODO ON RELEASE: Update version number above on release
Core Components
---------------
Nextcloud includes:
- Nextcloud Server (backend running on Linux)
- A responsive, integrated web client
- Cross-platform desktop clients (Windows, macOS, and Linux) for file synchronization and local access
- Dedicated mobile clients (Android and iOS)
- An extensive app ecosystem for expanded functionality
Editions
--------
Nextcloud Server is available in two editions:
- **Community:** Community-supported (peer-to-peer help), 100% free.
- **Enterprise:** Supported by core developers or authorized partners, with official packaging, extensive enterprise-specific documentation, and support options.
*Both editions include all functionality and source code.*
Enterprise editions can include deployment guidance, phone and email access to Nextcloud developers, official support for integrations and add-ons, custom branding, and extended support cycles, among other benefits.
This guide primarily focuses on the Community edition, but the information applies to both editions.
Further Resources
-----------------
- Video tutorials, overviews, and conference presentations: `Nextcloud YouTube channel <https://www.youtube.com/c/Nextcloud>`_.
- Latest news and updates: `Nextcloud blog <https://nextcloud.com/news/>`_.
- Community support: `Nextcloud Help Forum <https://help.nextcloud.com/>`_.
- Commercial support: `Nextcloud GmbH <https://nextcloud.com/>`_.
- Documentation: `Nextcloud Documentation <https://docs.nextcloud.com/>`_.
Getting Started
---------------
To get started, see the Installation section.
.. admonition:: Who develops Nextcloud?
The development of the Nextcloud platform is a cooperative
endeavor overseen by the core maintainers -- primarily
employed by Nextcloud GmbH -- along with thousands of
partners, providers, collaborators, project members, and
community participants.
The Nextcloud community includes everyone -- from individual
users and independent developers to large organizations.
Community members share and discuss their experiences with
the platform every day. They suggest improvements,
collaborate on design, write code, create documentation,
test for bugs, triage bug reports and enhancement ideas,
support others, improve translations, and help fund and
organize the logistics of a project this size. Most
importantly, they use Nextcloud in their daily lives and
work.