Linux file server help?

Question

I'm wanting to get a file server, but I wanted to get a little info first before I do so I'll have some idea of what I'm doing so I don't get taken advantage of in any way. I'm going to build the server myself, and I have a solid idea of what parts I'm going to use. But, I still have questions.

1) I'm thinking of using some version of Linux for the OS. I'm leaning toward Ubuntu, but anyone have any better ideas?

2) Is there any program, or programs, I should get for sharing files between the server and other computers I'll have on the network? I'll have other Linux based computers on the network, so I'm sure that I won't need any real help sharing files between 2 Linux based computers. But I'll also have Windows and Mac based computers on the network and I'm curious about how I'd share files, such as word documents and mp3's, between all the computers so that the files can be viewed and changed and not cause any problems.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

As David suggested FreeNAS is one of the best options. It includes a built in web based configuration tool, which can handle samba shares and generally easily integrates with Windows and Mac ecosystems without problems. Your file system can be any type you like. a Samba server will make the shared folders look the same to whatever system that accesses it. ZFS is probably best, and is what freeNAS uses



I would myself go for Ubuntu server edition. Partition the drive with 10 GB for Ubuntu and rest for your file server. I would install samba for file sharing, cups if you want to share printers as well, and VLC if you want to stream media from this server. I have attached as a source a page that shows how to set a file server up in Ubuntu

Answer 2

I use freenas for my server. Easy to install and set up Transfer by ftp, samba. Freenas once set up does not require mouse, keyboard and monitor, control via web page.



My computers use puppy linux and can share files adhock using Pcurlftp share which is a 3 mouse click set up with auto share search and drag and drop using a shared folder.



Jacob

"I suggest a windows server for bettr sec from virs! "

Windows is not virus free. Linux and freenas (BSD) are I dont run anti virus for 10 years.

PS freenas and Linux are both virus free.

Answer 3

For a user or server consider openSUSE

URL http://www.opensuse.org/en/



For commercial support consider the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

URL https://www.suse.com/products/server/





Both the above - and other systems, use Samba to interact and move data between various OS computers.



URL http://www.samba.org/



URL https://www.suse.com/documentation/sled11/book_sle_admin/data/sec_samba_serv_inst.html









As now semi-retired am long term openSUSE user.



For number of years was a very content subscription user of SLE Desktop which helped my business through learning curve during my NON-Technical change to linux.



RedHat remain popular with some businesses, not used so do not have URL handy..

Answer 4

Ubuntu is the most used server. There is no for more software, it all depends on the partitioning system of the hard disk. NTFS recommended.