- Reuse hardware with OpenMediaVault or TrueNAS for a reliable and free NAS
- Prioritize wired networking, good disk planning, and VPN security
- Keep your system lean and dedicated to one purpose to maximize performance
Convert an old PC into a homemade NAS It's an excellent way to reuse hardware that would otherwise be discarded, without requiring large investments. With a few basic settings and the right software, you can centralize backups, share files, and perform streaming multimedia and much more, all on your home network.
Before you start, it is essential to prepare your computer well and choose the correct operating system.Options like OpenMediaVault and TrueNAS Core (formerly FreeNAS) are free, robust, and easy to use. There are also more advanced alternatives, such as running Synology DSM on standard hardware through community projects, although this requires careful licensing and upgrades. Here's a detailed guide to doing so safely and efficiently.
Why reuse your old PC and the importance of recycling
Don't throw your computer away without thinking twice.In many regions, such as Spain, improper disposal of electronics can result in fines. It's advisable to take them to recycling centers, which are usually free and facilitate proper disposal.
PC components contain materials that are potentially harmful to the environment., which is why the regulations are strict. If your equipment is still working, giving it a second life as a server or NAS is a responsible and useful decision for your daily life.
Physical tune-up: cleaning and maintenance
Dirt buildup reduces performance and increases noiseCarefully open the case and thoroughly clean the interior. Disassemble the components if you're experienced, for a more thorough cleaning, to improve cooling and prolong the life of the hardware.
Use proper toolsCompressed air, antistatic brushes, and, if possible, specific electronics products. Avoid touching the contacts with your hands and take note of the cable routing before disconnecting them.
Upgrade capacity: Add hard drives or SSDs
El storage It is essential in a NASIf you have unused SATA drives, it's time to put them to good use. Check that your case has free bays, that your motherboard has available SATA ports, and that you have data and power cables.
Plan for future expansionIf you plan to store photos, videos, and backups, boost your storage capacity by having several terabytes. On a home media server, that capacity is noticeable from day one.
Format and choose the right operating system
Start from scratchFormat your computer to remove program remnants and potential conflicts. If you're already using another computer as your primary computer, you don't need to keep your data on that one.
Less is more on a home serverKeep your system simple, focusing the hardware on a single primary purpose. On older hardware, reducing features improves performance and prevents problems.
System optionsFor NAS, OpenMediaVault and TrueNAS Core stand out. OpenMediaVault is lightweight and runs on 1 GB of RAM; TrueNAS Core (formerly FreeNAS) is more comprehensive but requires at least 8 GB. On very old hardware, previous versions of FreeNAS can be a good alternative.
OpenMediaVault: A Complete, Lightweight, and Scalable NAS
OMV is a distribution Linux designed for modest systems. It includes services for file sharing, user management, backup, and supports multiple network protocols. You can extend its functions with plugins.
Plugins and utilities: You can extend its functions with plugins for downloads torrent, media servers, and more. It has an active community, with a simple web interface for administration.
Ideal for startersIf you're looking for a simple, secure, free, and stable NAS, OpenMediaVault is the perfect choice for most homes.
Step-by-step guide to setting up a NAS with FreeNAS or TrueNAS Core
TrueNAS Core is the evolution of FreeNAS and maintains its philosophy of a free, reliable, and feature-rich system. Here's a simplified summary to help you install it without any complications.
- Requirements and preparationAt least 8 GB of RAM is recommended for TrueNAS. Install the system on a USB flash drive. USB dedicated and reserve your internal disks for storage, thus avoiding conflicts.
- Download and install from USB: Download the official TrueNAS Core ISO and burn it to a USB flash drive of at least 8 GB using a tool like Win32 Disk Imager. It is important to select the drive carefully so as not to forma tear disks with important data.
- start from USB: configure the BIOS or the computer's boot menu to boot from the USB. If it doesn't work the first time, check the boot order and try again.
- Installation on a second medium: Insert a second flash drive or a SSD To install TrueNAS, assign the administrator password and select the disk location for the system. Once complete, reboot without the installation media connected.
- Initial network configuration: connects the equipment via cable to the router. It usually receives an IP address via DHCP; if not, configure a static IP address from the console. With this IP address, you can manage the NAS from any computer using a browser.
- Basic settings in the web interface: Select Spanish, set the time zone, and check that the disks have been detected correctly.
- Create a storage volume: In the corresponding section, assign a name (such as VIDEOS), select the disks, and define the RAID or array type. If you already have data on those disks, use the import option instead of creating a new volume.
- Permissions and users: Configure permissions for users and groups based on your environment. In a home environment, you can grant full access to those who need it, adjusting permissions based on the file system and network protocol used.
- Share via SMB: Enable the service, create shares pointing to the volumes, and ensure that SMB is enabled. This way, other devices can easily access it.
- Access from other computers: Restart services or the system and search the network for the shared resource. Log in with usernames and passwords, or enable guest access if appropriate. You can also create specific users for each family member.
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