Operating Systems for a NAS or File Server
We are living in an era where data is the most important thing. Almost in every office or industry, data is being stored on computers rather than on registers, because it seems the easy and secure way to store data. Sometimes it becomes difficult to handle a large amount of data, so Network-Attached Storage (NAS) can help you out. It allows you to share your data through your network. You can easily access your data whenever you need it from all devices on your network. You can get different NAS devices that will resolve your storage problems.
However, if you do not want to spend money on those devices, there is another option. You can easily create a NAS server on your desktop. There are different NAS operating systems through which it can be done. For your easiness, we have listed down the best free and open source operating systems for a NAS or file server 2023. You can select any NAS OS according to your needs.
What are the Best Operating Systems for a NAS/File Server?
1. Openmediavault
Openmediavault is one of the best network-attached storage, which can be installed easily. It provides several services like DAAP media server, RSync, (S)FTP, SSH, and other excellent benefits. The best thing about Openmediavalut is that it can be improved through plugins. With the help of extra plugins, you can get more services. It is the best choice if you have a small business running in your house or a small office.
By using this operating system, sharing files becomes more effortless. The web interface of Openmediavault is user-friendly. Openmediavault also allows you to use all Debian packages. You can also quickly run system updates through Debian package management. Another great thing about this operating system is that it supports multilanguage. You can download this operating system from their website.
Download: openmediavault
2. FreeNAS
Nothing is better than a free NAS operating system; that is why FreeNAS is number two on our list. FreeNAS is free and open-source network-attached storage. So if you are looking to make your data centralized, then no other operating system is better than FreeNAS.
You can install FreeNAS on your hardware; if not, then you can install it virtually. In developing the web interface, FreeNAS did a great job. The best thing about FreeNAS is that it gives you unlimited storage without any charges. You can easily share your files and create a backup of your data for free. FreeNAS also provide the best data protection, and it can also recover your corrupt data in no time. It has a ZFS file system and RAID-Z software to protect your data. This operating system is also providing encryption. If you want to extend its functionality, you can use extra plugins.
Download: FreeNAS – TrueNAS Open Storage
3. TurnKey File Server
Most people love file server that is easy to use. TurnKey File Server is one of the NAS systems that are easy to handle – it does not require high technical skills. If you are a Windows user, then it is compatible with your desktop. You can also share files with their web-based file server.
TurnKey File Server supports different file sharing protocols like SFTP, NFS, SMB, and more. You can manage files in both private storages as well as in public storage. You can also compress your larger files into ZIP, RAR, or bz2 formats. TurnKey File Server provides a secure environment; you can easily access your files from anywhere at any time. The UI of the web is user-friendly; you will learn all features in no time.
Download: TurnKey File Server
4. EasyNAS
EasyNAS is all you need to share your files with your friends or working employees. It is all in one file server that provides you a secure data storage place. The hardware requirements to run EasyNAS are not high. If you have Pentium 4 or higher, with 2 GB RAM and 20 GB hard disk space, then you are good to go.
EasyNAS has a modern file system which is called Btrfs. Btrfs allows large storage systems scalability. Compressing filesystem is another good feature of EasyNAS. It also provides SSD optimization, mounting filesystem, scrubbing filesystem, and many more. The network protocols that EasyNAS support include FTP, SSH, NFS, AFP, etc.
Download: EasyNAS
5. XigmaNAS
If you have a large business and have a large number of data storage, then you should go for XigmaNAS. The best thing about XigmaNAS is that it is one of the fastest OS to create a centralized server for your valuable data. After creating a server, you can easily share your data with other people through your network. If you have XigmaNAS, then it does not matter which network protocol you use, and you can access it through any protocol.
If you have a system that runs Windows, macOS, or even UNIX, this OS will work for you. XigmaNAS is a much cheaper solution than any NAS boxes that are available in the market. In addition, you can customize XigmaNAS according to your needs. Another best thing about XigmaNAS is that it gets regular updates. So, therefore, if you are facing issues, they will be resolved after a new update.
Download: XigmaNAS
FAQ
What is a NAS?
NAS, or Network-Attached Storage, is a storage device that connects to a network and provides file-level data storage to multiple client devices. It is often used for data backup, file sharing, and media streaming. A Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a type of enterprise storage device that allows multiple users to access and share files over a local area network. It is typically a dedicated server that runs NAS software and provides storage capacity for data backup, file sharing, and media streaming.
NAS devices can range from free and open source NAS solutions to cloud storage services or home servers. They often utilize software RAID and storage software to optimize data storage and retrieval.
What is an operating system?
An operating system (OS) is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between computer applications and the hardware.
What does open source mean?
Open source refers to a type of software that is released with its source code, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the software. It promotes collaboration and transparency.
What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system based on the Unix kernel. It is popular for its stability, security, and flexibility, and is used by individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide.
What is an OS?
An OS, or Operating System, is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between computer applications and the hardware.
What is ZFS?
ZFS, or the Zettabyte File System, is a powerful file system that enables efficient data storage and management. It can be used in various storage environments such as NAS and cloud storage, as well as storage area networks. ZFS enhances system performance and storage capabilities by providing features like data integrity checks, data deduplication, and flexible snapshotting.
Depending on the NAS device, ZFS-based NAS solutions can serve as a personal cloud server, offering seamless access to files and data. ZFS operates in two modes: stand-alone mode and integrated mode, each having its own advantages and use cases.
What is a file system?
A file system is a software that manages and organizes data on a storage device. It provides a structure for storing, retrieving, and managing files and folders. It can be implemented on various storage mediums, such as hard drives, solid-state drives, or network attached storage (NAS). A
NAS is a storage device connected to a network without being directly attached to the computer. It combines both software and hardware components to create advanced back-end storage blocks. Some file systems, like the Network File System, offer proprietary software that allows multiple NAS devices to work together and share resources.
What is TrueNAS?
. TrueNAS is the world’s leading open-source storage system that includes ZFS v5000. It provides storage for files and data, functioning as a storage area network (SAN) and network-attached storage (NAS). TrueNAS works with various server hardware and supports file transfer protocols. It offers a free version of the NAS software, making it a cost-effective and reliable solution for data storage and management.
What is Rockstor?
It supports various file sharing protocols and offers advanced storage management features. Rockstor is a best open-source NAS (network-attached storage) solution that provides a storage gateway using the Ceph storage engine. It allows users to create a storage cluster and offers various NAS solutions, similar to OpenMediaVault, for easy management of files and data.
What is RAID?
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a data storage technology that combines multiple physical disks into a single logical unit for improved performance, fault tolerance, and data redundancy. It can be implemented through software solutions, such as the open source storage platform or enterprise storage OS.
RAID is commonly used in NAS storage for home users, allowing them to create reliable and scalable storage systems using NAS software solutions. Additionally, RAID can also be utilized in cloud servers to ensure high availability and fault tolerance.
Conclusion
Now that you know the best NAS operating systems, you can select one according to your needs. They are much cheaper than a dedicated NAS box. Also, you can virtually install it on your server and can access your data from anywhere.
