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.