NAS installation

[emma_peel]

Hello.

I'm looking for a NAS and, of course, I would like to install Ubuntu Server on it.

Have anyone of you ever tried such an install ?

On the install help page :

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation

I do not see which method should be applied.

Do you think it is a good idea to change the initial OS ?

I will probably choose a READYNAS, from NETGEAR.

Is there a better choice for Ubuntu server installation ?

Thank you for the feedback.

PS : I know this not always appreciated, but I will also post on the READYNAS forum.

[sanderj]

What makes you think you can install Ubuntu on a ReadyNAS?

Ubuntu is for PC-like hardware.
A ReadyNAS has it's own built-in OS, with probably some non-x86-processor.

So if you want Ubuntu Server, get yourself a PC-like platform.
If you want a NAS, buy a NAS.

[emma_peel]

This NAS is Intel based. On my previous NAS it was possible to install additional packages using a kind of aptitude ...

I will check the OS provided with the READYNAS, it should not be far from a kind of Linux.

[sanderj]

This NAS is Intel based. On my previous NAS it was possible to install additional packages using a kind of aptitude ...

I will check the OS provided with the READYNAS, it should not be far from a kind of Linux.

Indeed: most NASes and a lot of routers use some kind of Linux, as Linux (for example Debian Linux) is available for about any processor.

For example: the Linksys WRT54G has a MIPS processor and does run Linux. More examples here: http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/Linux-For-Devices-Articles/The-Linux-Devices-Showcase/

Ubuntu, however, is available for the x86-platform (and maybe powerpc). And I doubt that a Readynas has a x86 processor.

[Mighty_Joe]

I built my own low-power NAS "appliance" discussion here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1244304&highlight=nas). A lot cheaper and more flexible than a shrink-wrapped NAS, especially if you want to run Ubuntu Server and do more than just serve files.

[emma_peel]

Thank you all for your comments.

I changed my mind and will build my own server.

Any tips for the installation ? I would like to avoid to buy a graphic card, and I even do not have a screen at home.

[Mighty_Joe]

I've never performed an installation on a "real" headless server, so I don't know how that's done. The motherboard I purchased had a built-in graphics card, so it wasn't an extra expense for me. To do my install, I plugged it into my existing desktop monitor and keyboard. After installing, I administer the server via SSH, so a monitor and keyboard are unnecessary.

[emma_peel]

OK, I will probably buy a cheap graphic card just for the first steps of the installation.

[kevinatkins]

You could use one of Via's mini-itx motherboards, which are tiny, low power consumption devices. They're not exactly powerhouses but could be just right for a small home-brew NAS-alike appliance, but with the extra flexibility you're looking for...

[emma_peel]

Thank you for your reply. I finally bought a full size computer, without keyboard and screen, except for the install (I had to borrow some the first day).

Does anybody have some basic advice for managing a headless server ?

[Mighty_Joe]

You can start with the Ubuntu Server Guide (https://help.ubuntu.com/9.10/serverguide/C/index.html).

[llawwehttam]

Ubuntu is all very well for a nas but its not specifically built for it. If you just want a free nas OS then look no further.
http://freenas.org/freenas

It has a nice webgui and is very easy to set up.

By all means use ubuntu server if you want to use it for more than just a nas.