Server Admin Notes and Tips: How to Build an NAS Server

NAS stands for Network Attached Storage, which is a self-contained computer that acts as a storage server. An NAS server can supply file-based data storage to other devices on the network. It is devoid of an operating system and does not need a keyboard, monitor and mouse to function, since its function is more storage than anything else. In a small-business or home-office network, an NAS can be useful as extra storage space for huge files.

Things You'll Need:

Spare computer
FreeNAS software
CD

Preparation of Old PC and Downloading FreeNAS

1
Get a spare or old PC that is still functional. The PC should meet the minimum requirements -- must have at least 96MB of RAM, a bootable CD or DVD drive, and at least one hard drive.

2

FreeNAS Downloads
Download the latest LiveCD version of FreeNAS from the FreeNAS website for free. Check the link under resources for the actual download site. FreeNAS is the software you need in order to configure your old PC to become a NAS device.
3

ISO Recorder Software
Burn the download into a CD using a commercial burner, not just the built-in Windows burner. If you have Windows XP or Vista, you can go to the ISO recorder website to get a free download. The reason why a built-in Windows burner will not work is that it will not make the CD bootable, so you need a commercial type to do this.
4
Label the FreeNAS CD and set it aside.
5

BIOS
Check if your spare or old computer is set to boot up via CD. If it is not, go to the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and choose to boot from CD. To do this, you can restart your computer and quickly hit the appropriate key on the top of your keyboard. The common keys are "Esc," "F1," "F2," "F8" and "F10." If you are unsure, look at the bottom of the screen as your computer is restarting and enter the key where it says, "Press ___ to Enter Setup." This would take you to the BIOS. Choose "CDRom" by scrolling down the arrow key, and then hit "Save."

FreeNAS Installation and Configuration

1

FreeNAS CD
Insert the LiveCD FreeNAS bootable CD into the CD/DVD bay of your spare or old computer. Restart or reboot your computer so that it will boot up using the CD.
2
Let the FreeNAS software start loading. Wait until it eventually displays a boot menu on a 5-second timer.
3
Leave the default option selected, and then wait a few seconds for a splash page to appear. You will hear a a high-pitched beep after a few moments, which is an indication that the FreeNAS software loaded successfully and is ready for configuration.
4
Press the "Esc" key located at the top left part of your keyboard after you hear the beep. This will allow you to gain access to the "Console" set up menu. Select option "2," and then "Set LAN IP address," which will prompt you to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for IPv4 and AutoConfiguration for IPv6. Choose "Y" for both configurations. FreeNAS should display the IP addresses assigned for each one. The IP address for the IPv4 is the address that you would use to access and configure the NAS system.
5
Point your browser to the FreeNAS system's IP address. This will prompt you for a user name and password. Enter the word "admin" as the user name and "freenas" as the password in order to gain access to the configuration screen.

Disk Preparation and Share Creation Using FreeNAS

1
Go to the "Disks" menu, select "Management" and then click the plus (+) button. This will display a pull-down menu that lists all the disks connected to the system. Select the disk you want to use, click the "Add" button, and then click "Apply Changes."
2
Go to "Disks | Format," and select the disk you chose and added, and then click the "Format Disk" button. Keep in mind that when you click this button, it will erase the contents of the disk.
3
Go to "Disks | Mount Point," and click the plus (+) button. This will display a pull-down menu from which you will choose the drive. Once you get to the "Name Field," type a volume name into it and click "Add." Then, click "Add Changes."
4
Activate the file services and set up a share. Go to the "Services" menu and choose "CIFS/SMB," which is the Windows Networking protocol. Check the "Enable" box located at the upper right and then type the name of your server in the "NetBIOSName" field.
5
Click on the "Save and Restart" button, and then go back to the top of the page and click the "Shares" tab. Create a share by clicking on the plus (+) button. Type the server name in the "Name" field, and then type in the description in the "Comment" field. In the "Path Field," point to the newly created volume. Click on "Add" and then "Apply Changes."