Server/NAS Options

[dazzerd]

Hi folks I;m hoping for a bit of advice as to the best software solution to a little project I have ongoing.

I have basically put together a pc with some spare bit which I hope to use as both network storage for the family, plus as a database host for a couple of projects I play with every now and again.

Intel I5 4430
Z97 micro itx mobo
8 gb ram
Wireless N Card
1 GB SSHD (OS Drive)
1 GB HD (probably backend DB drive)
2x2gb wd digital green (possibly host documents/pics/vids/music) in raid 1

Due to various limitations the box will have to connect to the network via the wireless card.

Problem is I have no clue as to what the best option is, I would like to try server essentials 2012 (as I generally know and use a MS SQL backend) but I don't want to pay 200 quid for the licence, which leaves me with either freenas or a linux backend. I suppose I could use win 10 as well but not sure if I can host a server backend on there.

ANy suggestions as to an approach which will cover both bases, i.e. as a local server backend plus nas? Also will need to be able to connect to the box headless.

 

[dazzerd]

I'm assuming you mean TB not GB for drives.

Yes sorry I wouldn't get that far with GB drives

 

[dazzerd]

fine which flavour though? Can it be used as a nas, will numerous windows boxes and android devices be able to "talk" to it?

Do I need a desktop version or a specific server version?

 

[dazzerd]

Thanks have done some further research and discovered I can do everything I need with win 10 and plex. Also found out I can actually remote into a sql.express instance using sqlbrowser from any pc, so all good.