Buy a NAS for the Hardware, Not the Operating System

summary

  • Most NAS units have similar devices regardless of the brand, so focus on the operating system.

  • NAS may have the cheapest operating systems less use or may have safety concerns, but you can usually replace the operating system.

  • Think about replacing the NAS operating system with options such as Trueenas, Unraid or OpenMediavault.

Are you trying to find out if it is worth buying a distinguished NAS? What if I told you that the devices were often the same through most units, and there was only one major difference between most brands? Here’s why not focusing on NAS devices, instead you should focus on the operating system.

Most NAS units have similar devices

When it comes to NAS devices, most of the physical devices between brands are completely similar. Whether you are buying Synology, Ugreen, Terramaster, QNAP or other NAS brands, they will all have a similar processor, similar random access memory, and a similar background.

Andrew Heinzmann / Istagedi

The main difference when it comes to various NAS brands in the program, not devices, so you can (usually) reassure that NAS is NAS, as long as it has the strength and promotion you want.

Some brands allow you to switch RAM, while others do not. Some come with PCIE corridors, while others do not have this feature. Some support NVME, others do not. Really, just make sure that the basic devices check the boxes you want, and it should be good enough for most scenarios.

The purchase of NAS can sometimes come with one major defect

The main downside to go with NAS cheaper on one is the most expensive is the operating system. Synology, for example, is considered distinct NAS, and comes with a somewhat strong operating system. You will get a Docker support, many RAID options (including SHR which is an advanced repetition system at home), and great support.

However, going with a company like UGREEN or Terramaster can provide some cash, with a SUBPAR (potential) user experience through the operating system.

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Another thing to consider is the safety and security of NAS itself. Although the devices may be the same across various manufacturers, the operating system may lead to potential background devices for your data or even your entire network.

When it comes to Nas Brands, it is difficult to know who trusts in terms of privacy. I knew even the people who broadcast NAS from the Internet, and make it within them only with LAN devices for more safety, just because they do not know who has (or no) that he can reach through the unprecedented background.

Just replace the NAS operating system at reasonable prices

Therefore, if the devices are the same in all brands and the only main difference is the operating system, then it seems clear and direct to the field of playing: replace the operating system.

This seems clear, and for some NAS units, it is. Ugreenand Terramasterand QNAPAnd Assost Supports all your operating systems on NAS units. Most of your guarantee brands will not appear (at the time of writing this report), but it is always better to check the warranty notes that are shipped with your specified unit before follow -up.

SYNOLOGY, unfortunately, the download is not supported by any operating system other than the manager of the disk station.

NAS server with the Unraid logo at the center.
Lucas Gouveia/Geek Geek | Alexlmx/Shutterstock

To download a new NAS operating system, you will first need to check for active HDMI or other display outputs. This is because you will need to reach BIOS in NAS to change some settings. I will not walk for you through these steps here because it will be different for all people. Just know that you will need to access the BIOS to download your operating system in the vast majority of conditions.

Download the new operating system that makes a number of things for you. For beginners, it makes any security holes that you may worry about in the previous operating system. Features can also be added to NAS that were not present before, such as Docker or ZFS. It also allows you to get updates for your NAS system after the manufacturer has considered your unit at the end of life, as society often supports devices for a long longer period. In the end, replacing your operating system can be exactly what you need to get an additional life from the most affordable nas.

Therefore, you decided to replace the operating system on your NAS and have a model that allows you to do so. What is the operating system you choose? There are three of them are essential to consider: Truenasand UnspeakableAnd OpenMediavault. Of the three, Trueenas and Donraid are my favorite. Of these, Unraid is my personal choice.

Whatever the way you are going, here is a rapid collapse of what each operating system offers:

The Trunas scale provides high performance with ZFS

The Trueenas scale is designed as high -performance OS and high -performance NAS based on the ZFS file system. With RAIDZ3, all the benefits of stripping drives together in a raid, Trueenas will be a great choice for many.

Trueenas has been opened on a computer screen showing the dashboard.
Patrick Campanali / Guidance

It is completely free, well documented, and even has Docker now. You can also expand your z swimming pools now, as long as drives the same size (or you are ready to lose any additional room available by the drive).

Donraid is great for beginners and advanced users alike

Unraid, my favorite nas OS, is great for those who are beginners and applicants. The way the equivalence operates the Shriloty system, allowing you to combine the sizes of the multiple drive in one large storage set.

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Unraid is better.

UNRAID also enjoys a great Docker support, a large applicable application library, which is much simpler than Trunas, in my opinion. The one defect to Unraid is that it is a paid program. Licensing starts from $ 49 if you need six storage or less storage devices, so you are still affected by everyone, but they cost more than truenas $ 0.

OpenMediavault dominates file options

OpenMediavault depends on Debian Linux, such as the Trueenas scale. In fact, they are completely similar operating systems. However, OpenMediavaut has a wide range of files systems of Trueenas scale shows.

The OpenMediavault dashboard shows the use of memory, the condition of the central processing unit, and more.
OpenMediavault

OMV is also free, like Trueenas, so it is a competitor to those who do not want to pay a license fee for their operating system. In general, OMV will be quite similar to Trueenas with ZFS as the primary file system, only sport in a different comprehensive user interface.


Still on the fence if your NAS operating system will be replaced? Here are three reasons why you make you not to replace your operating system. Also, do not forget to check the nine hidden costs to have NAS to make sure that you are ready for what he brings everything he brings to the table.

By BBC

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