This week I finished setting up Arch Linux (It felt so good to nuke Windows 11 off my laptop!) and GrapheneOS for my new Pixel phone.
I am interested in getting a NAS for multiple purposes such as accessing files, hosting a small website, and to upload security camera footage to name a few.
Is there a particular brand to buy? I’m basically illiterate when it comes to networks aside from what an IP is and what DNS is. Any suggestions for books and reading material is greatly appreciated. It feels liberating to know more than I did before with tech!
On one side of the spectrum you have the likes of Synology: you pay premium for the software that does what it says in a nice compact enclosure. Good documentation, easy UI, potentially limiting flexibility.
On the other side, you can make a linux box and declare it a NAS. Run whatever storage you want with whatever filesystem. Any enclosure and form factor you can imagine. Infinitely scalable, but also you’re absolutely on your own in configuring and managing it.
I’d suggest figuring a budget first, and then figuring how much of a hands-on approach you want to have.
I ran a Synology setup that ultimately I replaced with Unraid. I love the flexibility that Unraid provides, but Synology’s software really is top notch. I’ve pieced together various docker images with Unraid to make something comparable functionality wise, but no where near as integrated or seamless