Well, I decided to make the leap into Linux. I am a complete n00b but I have done my homework as I don't just expect you guys to spoon feed me - but please, correct me anywhere I go wrong.
Right, I'm building a local file server which will LAN into my router (Speedtouch 585) via cable and act as a NAS. Now, I was looking into FreeNAS which I know is pretty good in so far as NAS goes, however, I was wondering about better options for this. Basically, I want to build a RAID5 (software maybe, but looking into hardware cards but trying to keep this as cheap as possible) array for storage of important data and any backups e.g. images of hard disks, etc. I might go RAID1 also, but hey, I'm still in the thinking process on this.
Now, after boring you with details like this, I will get on to my main question - should I use a proper Linux type distro e.g. uBuntu and use that as a NAS O/S (obviously I'll add stuff to make it all work) or should I stick with the simple FreeNAS which is tiny and purpose built. The engine for this lot will be a P3 733mhz (skt 370), MSI mobo - usual bits running on a VIA chipset, 256MB PC133 SDRAM. This should be enough for my purposes (and I'm going to teach myself on it), so do I have any recommendations of O/S or distros I should use specifically.
Also, is there a way of totally securing this from the internet and only allow local access - that's more a router thing though, no?
Thanks anyone who replies for your time.
Right, I'm building a local file server which will LAN into my router (Speedtouch 585) via cable and act as a NAS. Now, I was looking into FreeNAS which I know is pretty good in so far as NAS goes, however, I was wondering about better options for this. Basically, I want to build a RAID5 (software maybe, but looking into hardware cards but trying to keep this as cheap as possible) array for storage of important data and any backups e.g. images of hard disks, etc. I might go RAID1 also, but hey, I'm still in the thinking process on this.
Now, after boring you with details like this, I will get on to my main question - should I use a proper Linux type distro e.g. uBuntu and use that as a NAS O/S (obviously I'll add stuff to make it all work) or should I stick with the simple FreeNAS which is tiny and purpose built. The engine for this lot will be a P3 733mhz (skt 370), MSI mobo - usual bits running on a VIA chipset, 256MB PC133 SDRAM. This should be enough for my purposes (and I'm going to teach myself on it), so do I have any recommendations of O/S or distros I should use specifically.
Also, is there a way of totally securing this from the internet and only allow local access - that's more a router thing though, no?
Thanks anyone who replies for your time.
. It does seem more server orientated - which I suppose is what I am looking for. I've been using Slackware (VectorLinux 3.2 SOHO) on an old Pentium 133mhz but I've found it not to be the most useful for my purposes. I'm currently trying to get FreeNAS installed on this old computer just to try it out but can't get the damn thing to boot from the CD. Anyway, I'll have a look into that CentOS and might as well try out FreeNAS for the minute - until I get to actually begin building the P3 server.