I’ve recently dumped my Ubuntu Server, and installed FreeNAS on my home server.

Ubuntu Server was great, but a little more than I needed. And in comparison, FreeNAS was far easier/quicker to install and setup. Plus I don’t have to go through the hassle of getting Ubuntu to leave the NIC in a wake-able mode (for Wake On Lan, which it doesn’t by default).

So far I’ve been very happy with it. I’ve got schedules set for when it turns on and off, rsync, ssh, samba shares, and user permissions setup.

One problem I did have was mounting my EXT3 drives. In the end I gave up and switched them across to the UFS. All I have to do now is order a new case, and set up remote access along with rsync cron jobs.

UPDATE 12/09/2008 - I’ve now actually switched away from FreeNAS. See my article Goodbye FreeNAS, Hello Ubuntu Server.