Hello all,

 

I’ve been using unRaid for only a few months. I knew nothing about Linux before I decided to build my system, but feel it was all worth it. I check the forums several times a day to keep up on the latest buzz. The community members are helpful providing [free] advice when asked.

 

So let me get to the point. Linux has a steep learning curve for most users. I see the phase "I’m new to Linux" quite often in the forums (myself included). The hero members (too many to name) efforts are best used to improve unRaid. Joe’s dir cache script and unMenu for instance are essential additions I'm glad exist. I would never have conceived of these on my own.

 

I don’t ask much of my server, but defiantly would like it to perform some other tasks. I find myself bouncing all over the forums, piecing together posts just to get one additional system setup and working. The Wiki is ok, but usually just points to forum posts. I feel there should be a standardized instructions area for unRaid enhancements.

 

I remember an exercise in grade school to take a simple task like making a PB&J sandwich, and then trying to write instructions for the teacher to follow. It was harder than it sounded (and not many sandwiches were made). Each step needs to be very simple and very short. Not to toot my own horn, but I spent several days proof-reading my Subsonic Installation to make each step straightforward for even a newbie. Most of the common additions boil down to installing packages, copying a file, and editing a configuration. Some ideas to start off...

 

• Instructions should be numbered for easy reference.
  
• A format template would keep things consistent. Download file X, install file X, configure file X…next part. Instructions should be consistently reproducible.
  
• I find it very helpful when instructions include code snippets even for simple copying files. Copy and paste into a file or telnet window take out the guess work.
  
• Full path names help too.
  

 

I like contributing to the community even with my limited knowledge. I have much to learn still and hope this is not out of line.

 

- Cheers

 

I like contributing to the community even with my limited knowledge. I have much to learn still and hope this is not out of line.

It is not out of line, and it is excellent feedback for us who attempt to document our additions.

 

Joe L.

Once unRAID 5.x is released, and your troubles will be over.

 

With a standard web server and php included in the stock unRAID distro, installing additions will be as easy as a couple of clicks on a web page.  Any configuration options can be handled with the same simple web interface.

 

No... really.  It really can be that simple.

No... really.  It really can be that simple.

 

I don't doubt it. I'm really liking how predictable Linux works. As an example, my auto s3 sleep script works like a charm. Having the functionality to not sleep while a disk is spinning and only check between a certain time would be a pain in Windows. I envision being able to enable such a feature and configure it all in the same interface. unMenu package manager is a great start.

 

What scared me off 3 years ago from going the unRaid route was my fear of Linux (is that a real phobia). I think if there was a fancy interface sitting on top of unRaid, it would be a more accessible solution for the average computer user. I almost went with the plug & play drobo. So very glad I didn't (proprietary file format & many angry user with unrecoverable data).

I also used to play with Drobo, then droped it. It is just too expensive for what it is and absolutely closed, proprietary design. The host interfaces at the beginning were too limiting too.