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Byrned

455 posts

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#95314 30-Dec-2011 15:12
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First of all, I thought long and hard as to where to post this, and even though this isn't WHS, it is kind of related! Mods, please move if you feel it is better suited elsewhere.

So, I've been considering the pro's and cons of what to go for for a simple home server that's primary function is for storage, and ideally to stream media to a Samsung LCD. Secondary functions really just come down to "What else it can do" and "Oh cool, I can do this too".

So far my options seem to be:

FreeNAS - I've used this before and liked it for its simplicity and low overheads.
Windows Home Server - Would rather a "Free" option, but hey if the extra's can justify the Benjamin’s then why not, and Windows is mainly windows, right?
Ubuntu - this would be a completely new for me, but there are plenty og write ups on setting this up as a home server, plus would have the added benefits of flexibility over FreeNAS.

Note that I'm not against something new, and reliability or WAF is not an issue (it doesn't matter how often I show here what things can do, she doesn't use 'em!)


Hardware, I have a few different older comps that can be used, however, not against some new hardware if required. Will most likely be setup and hidden away in a well ventilated closet, so needs to be headless.

Opinions or comments?

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gehenna
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  #562913 30-Dec-2011 15:17
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In terms of pure file sharing I just have an old XP instance doing my "serving". Considering "downsizing" to a purpose built NAS.

I've had WHS before, it's great in some ways. Good if you have other Windows machines on the network that you can back up to it. Overkill for file sharing.

Same with the others really.



bRaindEd
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  #562926 30-Dec-2011 16:06
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The link points to using WHS.

http://www.svconline.com/connectedhome/windowshomeserver/my_perfect_home_server/

Do some judicious searching - there's some 50+ articles about how to set it up and update.  They're very good.

Have fun....

paul151
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  #564500 4-Jan-2012 22:22
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I'm all for WHS but have opted not to upgrade to the 2011 edition (Vail) as Microsoft dropped the drive extender tech from this iteration - much to many users annoyance.

That said, it's a great easy to use OS that offer a lot of backup and media streaming functionality,

If you have any WHS user questions feel free to ask away.





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1080p
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  #564506 4-Jan-2012 22:40
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I really like unRAID (http://lime-technology.com/) as a home server solution. I run PMS on it and can stream all my media to Plex on a Mac Mini without any hassles.

naggyman
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  #564577 5-Jan-2012 07:58
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I have been trying ubuntu. I can't ever to get it to work perfect. I think you need to be a expert to use it as a server.




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CYaBro
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  #564608 5-Jan-2012 09:23
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There's also Amahi.

There is an easy install CD here.




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th3r3turn
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  #564647 5-Jan-2012 10:11
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1080p: I really like unRAID (http://lime-technology.com/) as a home server solution. I run PMS on it and can stream all my media to Plex on a Mac Mini without any hassles.


+1 for unraid, was running it before i move to server 2008 hyper v core. Its a great system to use.

 
 
 

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bRaindEd
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  #564772 5-Jan-2012 13:05
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An addition to my post about WHS above - here's the parent page for the whole series.  I'm not associated with either the business, magazine or people who write these articles, but found it one day while looking through Google links on the subject.

http://svconline.com/connectedhome/windowshomeserver/

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