Building a Home File Server with FreeNAS ( FreeBSD based NAS Server )

FreeNAS is a free Network-attached storage (NAS) server. It supports following protocols:

=> CIFS (Samba) - Mac / UNIX / Windows can use CIFS to store files
=> FTP
=> NFS
=> Rsync
=> AFP

You can use local user authentication, and software RAID (0,1,5), with a web-based configuration interface.

I've installed it on USB pen which takes less than 32 MB. You can install software on hard disk or flash drive.

My Setup

• Intel 1.7Ghz Celeron
• 1GB SDRam
• 3 x 80GB IDE Hard disk
• 10/100/1000 Mbps Lan Card
• Raid 5 with FreeNAS (Highest Read data transaction as I need to read lots of files such as MP3 / Photos and other data)
• BIOS is configured to boot from USB pen and w/o monitor / keyboard
• D-Link Gigabit Ethernet 8 Port Switche and Wireless AP router

(Fig. 01: FreeNAS Web User Interface Configuration Tool)

The software is easy to use and perfect for building a low cost home file server. I'm currently using this NAS as:
=> Home Music / Media Server
=> Home Backup Server
=> Home Ftp Server etc

Download FreeNAS server

=> Visit official site to grab latest software.

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