FreeNAS: Free and Snazzy Storage Solution

“The first thing you’ll need is a system on which to install
FreeNAS and to attach disks for storage. Any standard PC system
will work for your NAS, as there are no special requirements for
the software or storage. However, I suggest the following hardware
list for your NAS system: Pentium III or higher CPU, 512MB RAM, a
network interface card (NIC) and as much disk space as you want. If
your hardware doesn’t support Redundant Array of Independent Disks
(RAID), FreeNAS allows you to create a software RAID
configuration.

“Serial ATA (SATA) disks, if your system supports them, are
inexpensive, fast and recommended for a NAS solution. 500GB SATA
disks cost approximately $50 US, and 750GB SATA disks will set you
back only a cool $60 US each. When you purchase disks for a storage
solution, always purchase in pairs so that, at the very least,
you’ll be able to create a disk mirror (RAID level 1). If you’re
paranoid about disk failure, buy a couple of spares for
replacements since disk technology changes often.

“Your hardware should be new enough to support USB, devices
since you’ll want to install FreeNAS to a USB drive. Pick up a
256MB USB drive for $10 US at any office supply or discount store,
or online.”

Complete
Story