hey guys and gals! Im interested in NAS and want to know what it would take to make one and the prices. It would only connect to 4 computers so any suggestions on what i should do?
Thanks in advance and just so you know, by budget, i mean like under $500 USD since im only a broke teen. :D
what i would do is get the cheapest mobo you can scavange that isn't too outdated and has like 6 sata ports (Version does not matter) and then get a cpu to go along with that doesnt matter too much what cpu so long as it goes, a powersupply from somewhere, a bunch of HDD's, i'd get 4x 1TB WD Reds but whatever is fine and a case that supports all the things and an Intel PCI-E Gigabit NIC from somewhere.
Then use Free NAS, you should be able to figure it all out :)
the better way would be to get a 450w PSU that is 80 plus a mobo with connectors and cpu and all that from New Egg or wherever you people get these things from, but i don't live in the states so YOLO
Finally someone who understands the reason I constantly pick up decade old PCs XD
Anyway, do you have the Pro versions of Windows on your PCs? Because if you do, you could install Windows Server (this is grey area i know but theres....ways...around stuff) and set up an entire Windows domain and log into that and save all your files to the NAS. I am looking to do that, the problem with me is I have 7 Home Premium on my laptop, so I would have to scrounge up a copy of 7 Pro...
I would go for the 3TB WD Reds off Amazon, they seem to be the most bang for your buck
the real question here is do you have an older desktop around? maybe at least with some PCI express love but if not we can work around it. how much space do you need? i would recommend for a small setup like maybe 2 2TB drives in a raid one with a simple raid card on an older PC that at least has a gigabit network card in it! the price if you have an old machine or can go get one (asking never hurt anyone check your school maybe) and the drives with a simple raid card would easily be under 500!
i didn't know. i haven't used freenas i don't like its security (or lack of). I find the windows home group is much more secure. but all of these cant compare to a domain based set up but im guessing that is way out of his price range!
You might try Debian with samba and webmin, I have used that a couple of times and while it may not be the best it does offer more security. Doesn't FreeNAS support plugins? Could you get a plugin that adds the security features you are looking for? I have never used FreeNAS so I'm just throwing ideas out there lol