What NAS OS are you using?

[thiggins]

It has been awhile since we have looked at NAS OSes. So what would you like to see us review? And what are you using?

 

[travisco_nabisco]

Currently just using an Off The Shelf NAS, but am getting interested in building my own.

I would love to see full reviews of:
FreeNAS 8
unRAID
and even using the new Windows Server 2012 Essentials

 

[stevech]

lot of apples-vs-oranges in this discussion, e.g. simple graphical / browser controlled setup of 100% of all NAS functions, including time machine backup, multimedia serving, remote access, etc., to avoid having to using the Linux command line. Though I used Unix/SunOS for years professionally, for a SOHO / home NAS, I wanted an obvious browser based user interface for ALL setup/admin functions. That wasn't possible, in my assessments, with freeware.

Re windows server essentials: If it stays at $450, consumers won't buy it or a hardware bundle. But I guess HP didn't sell many WHS even at that 1/10th price.

 

[beisser]

It has been awhile since we have looked at NAS OSes. So what would you like to see us review? And what are you using?

would love to see a review of http://nexentastor.org/

im using only netgear nas systems (3 of them), no DIY stuff.

 

[stevech]

I looked at that in my make vs. buy decision. It, and other DIYs are OK for just basic storage, but these lacked most of the features and functions I wanted. But have at it!

 

[00Roush]

I think the most commonly asked about NAS OSes are:
WHS
FreeNAS
unRAID

Along with those I think Ubuntu Server (with webmin?) and NextenaStor Community Edition might be good to take a look at.

Currently I am "testing" Windows Server 2008 R2 on my NAS/fileserver here at home. In the process of setting up a new NAS/fileserver and plan on trying to use NextenaStor CE as the ZFS performance is excellent.

00Roush

 

[thiggins]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Anyone else have a favorite DIY NAS OS?

Has anyone played with NAS4Free?
http://www.nas4free.org/

 

[00Roush]

NAS4Free looks to be the continuation of the FreeNAS 7 OS. FreeNAS 8 is a completely different interface and underlying setup versus the old FreeNAS 7 OS which is being mostly developed by the company that bought FreeNAS. I think some folks in the community decided to continue developing the FreeNAS 7 OS which also involved updating to the latest FreeBSD version. This new OS I believe is under the NAS4Free name. Haven't yet got a chance to test it out but I am interested.

00Roush

 

[loyukfai]

What about Openfiler (http://www.openfiler.com/)...?

Probably an overkill for "home" NAS usage but anyway.

Cheers.

P.S. Off-topic: Could you make a sticky thread for stevech here so he doesn't have to post everytime someone comes here to look for advice building DIY NAS...? : )