If you're new to network storage, the idea of building your own personal storage might seem daunting. But the reality is different! With TrueNAS software and an old computer, you can create a powerful and functional home storage solution without spending a fortune.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down all the steps to creating your own storage system in a simple and understandable way, from choosing equipment to installing and basic configuring TrueNAS. Start organizing your digital files with confidence today!
🔹 1. What is online storage and why do you need it?
Network storage is a device that connects to your local network, providing central storage for all your files. Instead of having your data scattered across USB sticks, external drives, and laptops, you can gather it all in one place and access it from any device.
Advantages of using personal storage space:
(I.e. Easy access: Open your files from a computer, mobile phone or tablet, as long as you are connected to the same network or the internet.
🢢 Data Security: With protection and backup features, you protect your files from loss.
🟡 Remote access: Manage your data from anywhere in the world.
🟠 File sharing: Ideal for families or small businesses that need shared access to files.
🔴 Expandability: Add additional hard drives easily, without changing the system.
🔹 2. What is TrueNAS and why should you choose it?
The THUNDERS is a free operating system designed specifically for storage devices. It is stable, open source, and has a wealth of features that make it ideal for home or professional use.
Why choose TrueNAS:
🟩 Free and reliable
🟨 Advanced file system support with protection capabilities
🟥 Friendly management interface via browser
🟦 Support for backups, snapshots, remote access, and synchronization
🟪 Expandable with additional functions
🔹 3. Equipment requirements for creating personal storage with TrueNAS
To set up a personal storage space with TrueNAS, you don't need expensive equipment. You can use an old computer, as long as it meets the basic requirements.
🧰 Minimum requirements:
1️⃣ Processor: Dual-core, 64-bit
2️⃣ Memory: 8 GB at least
3️⃣ System tray: USB or SSD at least 16 GB
4️⃣ Storage disks: Hard drives for data
5️⃣ Network: Gigabit Ethernet network card
✅ Recommended requirements:
1️⃣ Processor: Quad-core or above
2️⃣ Memory: 16-32 GB, for better performance
3️⃣ System tray: SSD
4️⃣ Discs: Above 2 for data protection
5️⃣ Network: 10G Ethernet if supported
🔹 4. TrueNAS Installation Guide
👉 Download the ISO file from the official TrueNAS page.
Burn the ISO to a DVD or USB (with Rufus or another tool).
Boot the computer from the DVD/USB and select "Install"
Select install from the menu that appears.
Select the installation disk (e.g. SSD) and press OK. On the next screen, select and press install on your computer's hard drive. Select the disk where you will install the application, press Space and then OK to start the installation.
On the next screen you will see a warning message that your data on the disk will be deleted. Click YES to continue.
Provide a strong password for the administrator (root). During the installation process, you will be asked to enter your storage password.
Select Boot Mode (BIOS or UEFI), depending on your hardware. Finally, you will be asked where to boot the system, BIOS or UEFI, depending on your computer.
Remove the DVD and restart the computer. After completing the installation, remove the DVD and restart the computer. Press ENTER or wait a few seconds for the application to start. Once the application has run, you will see the following screen.
🔑 Important:
Once the installation is complete, the screen will display the system's IP address. Type it into the browser from another computer and log in with the username root and the code you set.
Copy the IP into the address field of your browser and press ENTER. Ignore the security message you will see and log in. For the username, enter root and password, the one you entered when installing the software.
From there, you're now in the application's menu. All that's left to do is make some basic settings, such as adding additional hard drives and specifying which users will have access to the content.
🔹 5. Basic system settings after installation
After entering the TrueNAS management interface, make the following initial settings:
(I.e. Adding hard drives: Add the disks where you will store your data
🢢 Creating storage spaces: Organize your disks into groups for better protection
🟡 User configuration: Create accounts and set access rights
🟠 Setting up shared folders: Create folders that everyone can access
🔴 Service activation: Enable file sharing services
🟣 Backup setup: Set automatic backups and snapshots
🟤 Enable remote access: Access your files from anywhere
🔹 6. Tips for safe and efficient operation
To ensure the stable operation of your storage system:
✔️ Use an uninterruptible power supply to protect against outages
✔️ Regularly back up to external media or storage service
✔️ Update TrueNAS and additional features
✔️ Monitor the temperature of the disks
✔️ Restrict access via firewall or virtual private network
✔️ Keep copies of settings and logs
🔹 7. Testing with a virtual machine
If you want to practice before installing the system on your main computer, you can try it out via virtual machine, such as:
🖥️ VMware WorkstationPro
🖥️ VirtualBox (free)
Caution: Select Boot via BIOS at the end of the installation to make it work properly in the virtual machine.
🔚 In conclusion
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