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Free alternatives to Windows Home Server?
- Thread starter XMan
- Start date
Kaido
Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
FreeNAS can use any hardware RAID controller supported by FreeBSD:
http://www.freebsd.org/releases/6.0R/hardware-i386.html#DISK
The real problem with FreeNAS is that it doesn't support NTFS writing yet.
You're also not limited to FreeNAS. All you really want is an OS, preferably with NTFS support for Windows, Samba (for file sharing with Windows), hardware RAID, and whatever other features you want, like some Linux-based media center software or something.
http://forumz.tomshardware.com/network/...-Cheap-Fast-RAID-NAS-ftopict21857.html
bwatson283
Golden Member
Linux is free! 🙂
sourceninja
Diamond Member
Why would a linux or BSD server need ntfs write support? I'm serious in this question...you use samba or nfs to talk to servers, why would the server need to write directly to ntfs?
Yes, Yes, and YES, it can. This thread was what first set me on creating a new MythTV backend server with software raid. I've been running a raid5 array for almost a week capturing 2 analog and 1 HD stream without any huge issues yet. The original poster in that thread is doing considerably more than I am without any issues.
DarkTXKnight
Senior member
Maybe the real question should be is there anything in the *nix or BSD world that can compete with the storage offerings of WHS. I like the storage technology featured, as it gives me a good use for a bunch of older smaller drives (talking 80's and 120's here). I have no need to spend that kind of money on a hardware controller as the backup doesnt need to be lightning fast, I just want to be able to use the disks with some redundancy. If the OP is using an MCE box already, then he really has no need to change, he is just wants somewhere to eventually store the files. I know that is my dilemma as well. I dont midn paying for WHS when it gets here if it's worth it, but if there is a Linux or BSD alternative Id like to test that out as well.
wdb1966
Diamond Member
What you CAN'T do with Windows Home Server.
Wifi is "too complicated" to do on a box without a keboard/mouse/monitor, so WHS only supports hardwired Ethernet.
WHS doesn't have any power management, so your drives will run 24/7.
WHS doesn't support RAID because "existing drive mirroring is too fragile".
Doesn't sound too useful to me...better to try some of the free *nix options instead really.
Wifi is "too complicated" to do on a box without a keboard/mouse/monitor, so WHS only supports hardwired Ethernet.
WHS doesn't have any power management, so your drives will run 24/7.
WHS doesn't support RAID because "existing drive mirroring is too fragile".
Doesn't sound too useful to me...better to try some of the free *nix options instead really.
There is no such product called Vista Home Server. Windows Home Server is based on Server 2003.
RAID is much too complex for the target market, especially when it comes to expanding storage space. WHS allows you to pop in a new drive, whether it be internal ATA or SATA, or external USB or firewire and that's it.
The Wifi thing seems way overblown. WHS is designed to be small and headless, so it's perfect for sticking in a closet or something similar where the router likely is. Very simple to connect a patch cable to the router.
I'm not sure what any of what you posted has to do with the OP.
RAID is much too complex for the target market, especially when it comes to expanding storage space. WHS allows you to pop in a new drive, whether it be internal ATA or SATA, or external USB or firewire and that's it.
The Wifi thing seems way overblown. WHS is designed to be small and headless, so it's perfect for sticking in a closet or something similar where the router likely is. Very simple to connect a patch cable to the router.
I'm not sure what any of what you posted has to do with the OP.
wdb1966
Diamond Member
Fixed the link above, sorry...give it a read, its interesting.
Its offered as additional info concerning WHS to help in the decision making process, thats all.
There are many free *nix options out there, no real dedicated MCE-type server distro is needed really, most can do it, its just a matter of choosing one that fits the user's preferences.
Its offered as additional info concerning WHS to help in the decision making process, thats all.
There are many free *nix options out there, no real dedicated MCE-type server distro is needed really, most can do it, its just a matter of choosing one that fits the user's preferences.
The OP has already stated that he is looking for a WHS alternative (it's the title of the post). I'm not sure how pointing out what WHS doesn't do helps that request.
As I alredy stated, a simple Windows file server or Linux file server with Samba will be fine for Media Center. Media Center cannot record to a network share, but it can point to a network share as a "watched" location that contains programs that have already been recorded. Storing pictures and music on a network share will also work fine.
As I alredy stated, a simple Windows file server or Linux file server with Samba will be fine for Media Center. Media Center cannot record to a network share, but it can point to a network share as a "watched" location that contains programs that have already been recorded. Storing pictures and music on a network share will also work fine.
wdb1966
Diamond Member
Perhaps you should actually read the complete thread as well as the link I posted...the OP has also stated that he is indeed considering WHS so I was only offering a bit more info that could possibly be of use in the decission, nothing more.
If you can't figure that out, its your problem.:roll:
XMan, good luck with your setup, I hope you find something that suits your needs.
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