NAS/server setup

Devastater6194 · 11 Nov 2014 at 22:51

Hi. I'm looking to build a NAS/server in the new year. The hardware is easy enough to pick but there seem to be very few guides on what software to use. First is OS. I've read that FreeNAS is good for file storage but not very good for streaming etc. I have access to copies of Windows 7/8(.1) and Windows Server 2012 (presuming extreme overkill)(all legit copies) I'm looking to stream to a variety of devices including Windows 7/8 PCs/tablets, Android phones, Kindles and an Ipad (won't let me burn it :mad:

) as well as use it for file storage. Which OS would be the best for streaming music and films over these devices? Which leads me to my next question. What software should i use for the actual streaming? I'd like any hard work ie encoding etc to be done 'server side' so as to reduce any power drain from mobile devices and to improve compatibility across them.

abbotsmike · 11 Nov 2014 at 23:35

I'd probably go windows server and plex.

Doco · 12 Nov 2014 at 05:04

Thought I'd throw my opinion in, I've only used freenas personally (for about half a year now I think) and I've no real complaints, as for streaming - you can install a plex plugin on your freenas server (I've done this myself) and you can then open a browser and stream from their, I personally do this to let family connect on the tv downstairs, works a treat with the chromecast I got ;-)

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Devastater6194 · 12 Nov 2014 at 21:29

abbotsmike said:
I'd probably go windows server and plex.

Just plain windows or windows server? Had a play with Plex today. Seems pretty good, only downside is that the app is only free on android, not iOS or kindle. Small price though if it works as well as it currently does. That and it seems like I'm going to be spending a long time renaming files to fit into the Plex naming structure, showing all my TV shows as individual episodes rather than merging them all into 1 tile as well as renaming some of them thinking they are other films etc.
Would also be nice if it was an actual program rather than using the browser but i can live with that.
Does double as a nice media player as well though

May have to try out the chromecast setup you have Doco. Will have to use the server as a wireless hotspot too though XD

abbotsmike · 13 Nov 2014 at 01:48

As you have it windows server would probably offer you more flexibility to expand in the future!

I'll be honest, I've only briefly played with plex. Raspberrypi and XBMC suit my needs just fine!

Devastater6194 · 13 Nov 2014 at 22:57

abbotsmike said:
As you have it windows server would probably offer you more flexibility to expand in the future!

I'll be honest, I've only briefly played with plex. Raspberrypi and XBMC suit my needs just fine!

Think I'm going to try FreeNAS with the Plex add-on first, then maybe try Windows after that if I need the expandability later on. Thanks for your help though, much appreciated