Home server from an old computer
This thing will be creating a home, local server. The essence of it is to create backup copies from a PC for use via the Network. This is possible thanks to the free software FreeNAS. Essentially, this is an operating system that creates “network-attached storage” - network storage devices.
In addition to the PC itself, we will need a flash drive with a capacity of at least two gigabytes, which will subsequently become bootable. Naturally, the flash drive cannot be removed from the PC, even, as they say, on pain of death - otherwise the entire server will crumble to dust.
The choice of FreeNAS version will depend on the system bit depth: x86 for a 32-bit system, x64 for a 64-bit system, respectively. The system will need to be burned to a blank CD and install like a normal system. By itself, in the BIOS you will need to set it as a boot element it is the optical drive with our disk.
FreeNAS is based on the FreeBSD interface, so don't be put off by the rather contrasty and slightly ancient "design". We will install our system on a flash drive that is already in the PC.
After installation, we will be greeted by a console that is no longer so scary, but very pleasant to look at.
In the configuration window, select “My Account”, enter the username admin, set any password. Other users must use a different guest login and a different password.
In Storage, select Volumes->Create Volume to create a storage volume. We will choose ZFS as the file system - it is more advanced than UFS.
After clicking the Add Volume button, you will be able to see your volume. You can change its permissions by clicking the Change Permissions icon. Don't forget to save the changes.
The volume has been created, and we need to use the CIFS protocol to combine the ability to access the disk from all computers on the local network. If only Macintoshes are used on the network, you can also select AFP. All this is done through the Sharing button.
In the Services -> Control Services menu, turn on the CIFS switch.
You can gain access by using the FreeNAS IP address entered in Windows Explorer.
To create backup copies of client PCs, we will use the built-in Backup and Restore tool. It can only be used on Windows 7 (or higher) Professional (or older).
We select the place where we will copy the “backups”, and then what we will save. After saving the settings, the saving procedure will be performed for the first time, after which you can configure automatic backup on a schedule. In this article, we told you how easy it is to create a server based on an old PC. Stay with us to learn even more interesting things about the computer world!
