FreeNAS? Or something else.

[Abhinav]

Hi.

 

I have been using Ubuntu/Arch Linux as my file server until now. I bought a Macbook Pro retina as my daily driver and dev machine. After searching a lot online I got to know that FreeNAS can be used as storage for Time Machine. But FreeNAS is something that I know nothing of. 

 

So I wanted to know if it's easy to use, is there any other equivalent OS or should I stay with Ubuntu/Arch Linux.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Abhinav.

 

PS. I can't find the search on the forum. Can someone give me the link to it?

[Kobrastachka]

I prefer Ubuntu

[ShadowCaptain]

 

PS. I can't find the search on the forum. Can someone give me the link to it?

 

Search has been removed

 

use google and put "search time site:linustechtips.com" and you can search the forum that way

if you are using apple why not just use time machine only? or do you need to have it for other machines? (its really good thats all)

 

FreeNas is probably your best option though

[Vitalius]

Hi.

 

I have been using Ubuntu/Arch Linux as my file server until now. I bought a Macbook Pro retina as my daily driver and dev machine. After searching a lot online I got to know that FreeNAS can be used as storage for Time Machine. But FreeNAS is something that I know nothing of. 

 

So I wanted to know if it's easy to use, is there any other equivalent OS or should I stay with Ubuntu/Arch Linux.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Abhinav.

 

PS. I can't find the search on the forum. Can someone give me the link to it?

It's fairly easy to set up for just backups. It supports Time Machine "out of the box".

Another free alternative is Amahi. It's even easier to use as it doesn't require FreeNAS' large hardware requirements for specific features.

Either will be good, but FreeNAS is more power user, while Amahi is more user friendly.

[Abhinav]

It's fairly easy to set up for just backups. It supports Time Machine "out of the box".

Another free alternative is Amahi. It's even easier to use as it doesn't require FreeNAS' large hardware requirements for specific features.

Either will be good, but FreeNAS is more power user, while Amahi is more user friendly.

 Amahi seems interesting. It supports Time Machine and Plex using 3rd party apps. I am going to try both FreeNAS and Amahi and I think I should also share an in depth analysis of both on the forum. 

[SMURG]

I find Ubuntu to be far superior to FreeNAS. Both have ZFS support and there's nothing one can do that the other can't really, Ubuntu is just much, much easier to use imo - even without a GUI on Ubuntu Server.

[Abhinav]

I find Ubuntu to be far superior to FreeNAS. Both have ZFS support and there's nothing one can do that the other can't really, Ubuntu is just much, much easier to use imo - even without a GUI on Ubuntu Server.

 

I agree with you. I am more accustomed to something like Ubuntu and terminal as compared to some pre-built software. But the advantage of pre-built software is the setup time. But I really would like to post a topic on "FreeNAS vs Amahi vs Linux Distros (Home Server Edition)" 

[SMURG]

I agree with you. I am more accustomed to something like Ubuntu and terminal as compared to some pre-built software. But the advantage of pre-built software is the setup time. But I really would like to post a topic on "FreeNAS vs Amahi vs Linux Distros (Home Server Edition)" 

The setup time is only reduced if you're after basic functionality though. As soon as you start trying to make plugins work on FreeNAS you might as well have installed Ubuntu and downloaded programs. Granted if all you want is a folder you can access over a local network then installing FreeNAS and creating jails is easier than installing Ubuntu, creating a ZFS volume and then fiddling with Samba and Nautilus, but if you want VPN access etc. then Ubuntu quickly becomes worth the initial time investment.