We earn commission when you buy through affiliate links.
This does not influence our reviews or recommendations.Learn more.
NAS (online grid Attached Storage) enables users to collaborate and transfer data across shared Ethernet connections.
It simplifies data storage and retrieval over a internet without overwhelming the users.
However, to properly manage them, you need NAS software.
NAS software functions as the operating system powering NAS hardware devices.
you might trust Geekflare
At Geekflare, trust and transparency are paramount.
I found TrueNas to offer robust features that meet diverse storage requirements, seamlessly integrating into existing infrastructure.
The Enterprise version brings support for enterprise applications and hardware.
It offers excellent data protection and data freedom without any costly vendor lock-in.
This version is also highly scalable and provides support for major hypervisors.
It supports up to 256 TB of storage and 24-driver accommodation.
For Enterprise, you’re gonna wanna contact sales for a quote.
Rockstor
Rockstor is an opensource NAS operating system built on OpenSUSE.
I recommend Rockstor for its friendly interface.
This interface lets you take advantage of the BTRFS and customize it as per your needs.
Rockstor offers four core NAS solutions with different use cases.
It offers testing and stable versions.
Theres also an incident-based support subscription, which is ideal for larger enterprises.
OpenMediaVault
OpenMediaVault is a free-to-use Debian-based NAS solution.
It is aimed at home and small office environments.
I found OpenMediaVault an excellent NAS software thanks to its modular design.
This enables easy plugin usage, improving functionality without complicating the process.
For example, you might use plugins that transform your NAS storage to a torrent client.
Additionally, I liked its simple yet practical web-based interface that invites beginners to try it out.
Overall, OpenMediaVault is a perfect fit for anyone starting their NAS storage journey.
XigmaNAS
XigmaNAS is an open-source FreeBSD-based NAS distribution.
It overcomes the limitations of commercial box solutions, offering a much cheaper and more powerful custom fit.
EasyNAS
EasyNAS is an open-source NAS software based on openSUSE Leap.
It has a modular design that makes it easy to add and remove features.
With an easy-to-use interface, it is aimed at home users who need basic functionality.
Business owners can also use it as it offers advanced security features, recovery plans, and data redundancy.
Openfiler
Openfiler NAS offers a comprehensive storage management solution with an intuitive graphical interface and monitoring of real-time systems.
These features help users effectively address various storage requirements while maintaining high-availability clusters.
I recommend Openfiler to enterprises as it is an enterprise-class data storage management solution.
However, they do offer Commercial Edition (CE).
For its pricing, you’re gonna wanna contact their sales team.
It also offers the option to share your collection with anyone around the world.
I like Amahi for its user-friendly approach, especially since its easy to install.
It offers two paid plans:
8.
It helps you build the server according to your configuration without worrying about security.
I found Unraid to offer a complete NAS solution that is flexible for both home and business use.
With community app support, you might add additional features to your NAS storage.
It supports a drive pool with support for ZFS.
It also supports Windows backup, making it an excellent choice for Windows NAS software.
What is NAS Software and Its Importance?
However, the NAS solution is different as it comprises both hardware and software.
It brings benefits like reliability, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
This reflects the growing demands for redundancy, auto backup, scalability requirements, and data manageability.
These platforms provide secure, centralized data sharing.
How to Install and Configure NAS Software?
In this section, Ill show you how to set up a NAS server.
These are:
NAS devices are equipped with Gigabit ports to improve connectivity and provide stability.
Depending on the usage, NAS devices must have the proper resources.
For example, home purposes might need fewer resources compared to large enterprises.
Now, lets go through the steps of installing and configuring the NAS server.
NAS Installation Preparation
Mount the NAS rig on a place of your choice and install drives.
Then connect power and online grid cables.
Configure Administrative Accounts
Now, its time to securely configure and change the default username and password.
It will block any security risks associated with it.
You must create separate accounts for each member, offering permissions as needed.
To configure, go to the app and then change the credentials.
Most administrative interfaces are accessible via a web net web client or a dedicated client program.
Check NAS Readiness
NAS diagnostic tests ensure that all hard disks are connected to the appliances.
Most NASs come with a built-in diagnostic function.
Storage Configuration
In this step, youll need to configure the storage depending on organizational needs.
Create Volumes
For proper usage, you should probably create volumes depending on organizational demands.
These volumes will be accessed by the appliance.
Access Permissions
Now, with volumes created, it is important to set access permissions.
8. connection Access Configuration
Next, assign the IP to the NAS unit.
If you plan to use dynamic IP, then all you oughta do is set the DNS host record.
To achieve this, you must use appropriate access protocols such as NFS, FTP, SMB, etc.
Configure Security
To ensure proper usage, you must secure NAS servers by implementing firewalls and encryption.
This protocol transfers data between NAS appliances and backup servers.
Check out our guide onSynology backup to the cloudto understand more.
