If you need to access a handful of files on a specific device, you can probably solve that with a basic transfer, but some users out there must manage hundreds of terabytes, stored in true data mini-laboratories that remain connected to their local networks. Fortunately, one of the best software solutions on the market is free and open source: TrueNAS (formerly FreeNAS), which offers a comprehensive platform of professional quality, without sacrificing flexibility.
Many youtubers have talked in their videos about the need to install a server with hundreds of terabytes to store data. From a certain point of view, they have no alternative: If they want to keep local backups of their videos, the truth is that they will devour hard drives like candy. However, we can operate on a smaller scale by sharing movies and music across multiple devices on the same network. Basically, the idea is to create a NAS (Network-attached storage), and if there is a platform that simplifies the process, it is TrueNAS.
TrueNAS, an essential resource to create your own NAS at home
TrueNAS is available in three versions: Enterprise, Scale, and Core, which is the most relevant for us. Why? Because TrueNAS Core is the equivalent of the classic FreeNAS that we knew until 2020. All we need to navigate in TrueNAS waters is a computer with a 64-bit processor, 8 GB of RAM (16 GB ECC recommended), a boot drive of 8 GB (its developers suggest using an SSD), at least one additional SSD or hard drive (ideally several with identical capacity), and an Ethernet port.
The installation process is similar to many Linux distros: This begins by writing the TrueNAS image to a USB drive (the ISO image averages a gigabyte, balenaEtcher is a good candidate for this), and booting the server from that drive. The main data we need to obtain from the server is its IP address, since it is necessary to continue TrueNAS configuration by entering its dashboard with a browser.
In relaxed terms, what we need to do here is create a pool with the available storage units. The Suggest Layout button will present an appropriate configuration, although nothing prevents us from customizing the disk selection. There are many TrueNAS tutorials online, but the video published by "Everything Smart Home" is one of the most direct (it can be followed easily despite being in English). My recommendation is not to try to do too much at first, and prepare a basic pool. Download below!
Official site and download: Click here
