Geek Software of the Week: FreeNAS!

I have mentioned FreeNAS before, but it has never “made it” to GSotW before this! Check out the cool features below.

FreeNAS – an Open Source Network Attached Storage Solution

Thin Provisioning
Thin Provisioning is another excellent addition to the FreeNAS® features list. Thin Provisioning allows the administrator to allocate users more space than physically exists in the system. When paired with ZFS, it becomes easy to manage your total data pool size, and quickly and effectively grow to meet your users needs as they use more of their allotted space.

Backup and Restore
Remote Replication allows you to copy a snapshot to an offsite server, for maximum data security.

Command Line Interface
FreeNAS® 8 is based on FreeBSD 8.x, and will update and keep current with the FreeBSD project. So if you’re a savvy user, and prefer to use the command line, no problem! ssh in, and control your FreeNAS™ device from the FreeNAS™ custom CLI.

Driver Support
FreeNAS® is based on FreeBSD 8.3 and features much of the same driver support. This gives anyone building their own FreeNAS device or re-purposing old hardware a wide selection of hardware choices.

Snapshots
If your data is somehow lost, FreeNAS® makes it easy to restore from a previously generated snapshot. With the periodic snapshots feature, you can worry less about data loss, and use your system stress free.

File Sharing
FreeNAS® supports many popular networking protocols, and is easy to set up in most home and enterprise environments. You’ll be up and running in no time, and your users can connect with the protocol of your choice, no matter what operating system they run.

Plugins
In order to support third-party software such as bittorrent clients or media streaming servers, FreeNAS® provides an optional Plugin Jail. Plugins may be installed using a version of the PBI system from PC-BSD® that supports integration with the FreeNAS® Web UI.