[How are you using unRAID Server?]

you can STILL get your data by booting into a compatible linux distro and copying the raw visible files to new discs manually.. which is its single greatest feature.

While completely true I would just boot up the free version of unRAID and mount up to 2 disks at a time to access the data.  Also there are programs for Windows that can be used to read a reiserfs disk as well.  All this assumes I can't just wait for a replacement key from limetech to be emailed/delivered.

 

true.

 

 

 

 

[Where is the Roadmap?]

I wont upgrade until the solution is fleshed out more.

You will probably have to wait for a long time...

 

 

what for dual parity? or for things to get better...

 

[How are you using unRAID Server?]

 

 

I am experienced in various flavors of Unix and Linux, but am not sure which one to use as an OS for a home Server. Currently the options I am considering are -

1. unRAID

2. FreeBSD + ZFS with Raidz1

3. FreeNAS + ZFS with Raidz1

4. Windows8

I have gone through many threads throughout the web and the discussions get quite hot even to the point of abuse, but there is no clear discussion as to pros and cons of each of these OSs for home NAS for the above purpose.

 

I would very much appreciate if you gents can help me out with this decision. I am stuck with the hardware as I already have this, but can change either the HDs, OS or both.

 

its a tough one, but remember that ZFS as much as it kicks ass.. it can kick you in the ass too. If for some reason the pool is messed up your screwed,if you want to add drives they have to be same size (not a problem for me) but you need to create new pools as you expand, again not a big deal but then you have two pools or perhaps three..and if things go wrong which physical disc resides in which pool? which one do you pull from the server..

 

ZFS are for pro's in some senses, people with a proper grasp and management of all aspects of a server build. Not knocking that, but i tend to live in a less clean world where things go wrong like usb pens dying and discs somehow i pull the wrong one by mistake.

 

in the end unraid for all its currently limited feature set is so blindingly simple its actually dull ! just put the pen in the drive add the discs and add a parity, if all fails..

 

motherboard,

ram,

disc,

pci card,

usb pen,

 

you can STILL get your data by booting into a compatible linux distro and copying the raw visible files to new discs manually.. which is its single greatest feature.

 

the last thing you want is to be sat at an inevitble flashing command screen with some obscure bsd,linux message and not a cats chance to understand it when all you wanted to do was stream so movies and music.

 

go large.. but keep it simple..  because im stupid     

 

[Where is the Roadmap?]

... the road map got all crumpled up and has coffee stains, a few burns, and spiders nesting in it.  I need to create a new one...

 

:)

... When you create the new one don't forget (a) dual parity; (b) UPS support; and © fault notifications 

 

I have yet to purchase unraid.

 

I wont upgrade until the solution is fleshed out more.

 

2 Parity discs is a good idea, anymore is likely overkill for a home solution but just having one is only just 'fine' or 'good' in fact, when you think unraid wouldn't work without one .. and there is only one then its just the system running on its core essential with no extra strength.

 

is there a technical reason two discs cant be added due to unraid design limitations?

 

 

fault notifications ... hmm is that really important? I mean you could be using your storage server as a supplier of game files,levels and mods to a dedicated minecraft box or something, so then you have perhaps 64 people who arent getting the levels or the mods for your custom server and its a problem and you want to know... but think about it, what can you actually do? your at work,holiday,friends .. sure you see one disc is dead.. but stores don't typically stock these discs you need to buy online. There isnt much win from a phone app or notifications , its a nice to have but not essential.

However a flat local webui page that displays notifications or a smtp trap that sends a message would be nice.

 

ups support ? hmm, i think yes.. were living in a time where weather conditions can take power down oh so more frequently and supply is out stripping demand, also there are times when you might inadvertently trip a fuse etc.. if your parity drive is copying a file or you are manually copying a file or the parity is checking etc.. then your UPS on its own will hold for upto 10 - 15 mins until the power is on.. but in some cases you may not be home or the power might be out for sometime so a clean shutdown to protect the array is essential.

So yea, ups flags is extremely important here..

 

 

so to recap

 

2xparity = yes

fault alerts via an app or message=no

ups support =yes

 

thanks,

 

ohh and i agree if the roadmap is pointless then remove it. If unraid is going to stay static on important features and get carried away with VM or other fancy features then maybe its time to look elsewhere.

 

 

Ohh forgot to add..i know this wont get ANY love here but id like for unraid to have the ability to see other unraids and recognise them from the gui ..  I would want to set  -> Junior / Backup on a pull down box and the backend for this then allow a tick box for a few different options ..one being an rsync to create a sync copy (not even differential) to Backup / Junior.  It just makes the whole backup process so much easier.

 

and that's what unraid should be simple and easy.