Advice on choosing type of server software

Discussion in 'Windows Server' started by digixpc, Dec 22, 2015.

  1. digixpc

    digixpc MDL Junior Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    53
    26
    0
    Hi
    I'm planning to build a storage server, but need advice on what OS to use
    My plan is to use 8 4-TB drives with a SAS card. This is a build that I'm going to use at home mainly for storage of media and 3D stuff that i work on.
    The thing I hope for is that it can be remotely managed from my computer and laptop.
    I was looking at different OS's but got confused. Is Windows Home server the right way to go? Or is it better with let's say FreeNAS or something like that? I see there is a Windows storage server 2012 also.
     
  2. MS_User

    MS_User MDL Guru

    Nov 30, 2014
    4,617
    1,340
    150
    cost wise freenas is better u dont need to invest in all that hardware.
     
  3. digixpc

    digixpc MDL Junior Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    53
    26
    0
    I do have most of the hardware already, just need some hdd's and a new power supply, besides that cost is not an issue :D
     
  4. SOCRATE_MMXII

    SOCRATE_MMXII MDL Expert

    Jan 25, 2012
    1,033
    318
    60
    #4 SOCRATE_MMXII, Dec 23, 2015
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2015
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  5. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
    6,354
    2,026
    210
    Nothing beats Server 2012 R2 on functionality for this purpose! No Linux distro, no WHS XXXX
    Of course one has to know a bit about networking etc to have pleasant experience, but knowledge only cost he time one wants to spend on it
     
  6. MS_User

    MS_User MDL Guru

    Nov 30, 2014
    4,617
    1,340
    150
    try 2016 is real nice....im testing it now and getting familiar with all the features......running on a old dell optiplex780 intel dual core 8 gigs of ram... runs real good....mite as well run the latest and greatest;)
     
  7. digixpc

    digixpc MDL Junior Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    53
    26
    0
    I'm trying 2012 R2 right now. So going to check out 2016 later today :D
     
  8. digixpc

    digixpc MDL Junior Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    53
    26
    0
    I'm not that into networking, but like to learn new things. Trying out 2012R2 as we speak :D
     
  9. SOCRATE_MMXII

    SOCRATE_MMXII MDL Expert

    Jan 25, 2012
    1,033
    318
    60
    Weird thing to recommend a beta product...
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  10. MS_User

    MS_User MDL Guru

    Nov 30, 2014
    4,617
    1,340
    150
    yes is TP but sense hes running in a home environment is stable enough for him to test it.....i would never recommend it in a real commercial environment.
     
  11. SOCRATE_MMXII

    SOCRATE_MMXII MDL Expert

    Jan 25, 2012
    1,033
    318
    60
    Expert advice...:doh:
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  12. digixpc

    digixpc MDL Junior Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    53
    26
    0
    I'm going to test it anyways to see how it works ;)
     
  13. cengizhan

    cengizhan MDL Senior Member

    Jul 29, 2009
    477
    154
    10
    if you want to make NAS Server i would recommend hardware raid. there are really cheap cards in ebay.
     
  14. T-S

    T-S MDL Guru

    Dec 14, 2012
    3,984
    1,331
    120
    Better to write when you know what are you saying.

    WHS 2011 is still a great product and doesn't come with DE at all.

    There is DrivePool for drive pooling, which is a great sw which is the suggested choice even on srv 2012/2016
     
  15. digixpc

    digixpc MDL Junior Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    53
    26
    0
  16. catgirl

    catgirl MDL Novice

    Jan 15, 2014
    46
    4
    0
    Agreed, with prejudice..
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...