Linux File Server For Windows Network?

[SHADOWFOX]

Have you looked at pogoplug or tonido plug devices? These things are fairly cheap nowadays. I use a pogoplug that is connected to 3 WD 2TB USB Hard Drives and my drobo box. My PS3, WDTV Live Plus, Logitech Revue boxes, iPad, iPhone, iPod can play most of the videos, music, pictures, docs, pdf, etc. on the server and hard drives.

I like these little devices because none of my pc's have to be on and I can still access the files even when I am at work or traveling.

I also share folders that contain family vids, pictures and music collection with friends and families by allowing them access to certain folders. No limitation on how many people can access a certain file at a time.

[LarryG]

Sorry haven't gotten back to this. Had bad bicycle crash, broke collarbone, need surgery, will be out of service for a while. Thanks for all the help, will pick this up later.

[pelligrini]

Ouch, hope you heal up quickly!

[LinuxRandal]

I won't say No. I will say that the partners look first to me if something breaks,

Sorry haven't gotten back to this. Had bad bicycle crash, broke collarbone, need surgery, will be out of service for a while. Thanks for all the help, will pick this up later.

So now you get to see who the partners will look to next. Ouch, get well soon.


I haven't used something with that many members or more. Have a friend in the school district that has, I've just had no need. My use has been Samba and stuff like a family server, etc.

However I have a relative on the FreeBSD side and I have heard several people say that FreeNAS is easier to setup and use and I know you don't run it from the storage drives. It is designed to be run from a SDHC, USB stick, etc.

Both Linux and FreeNAS have been used in commercial products. While your healing you can find lots of video's on both on YouTube. But as you know, since you are a Windows environment, that may be your most cost effective solution.

[Kristofor]

Sorry haven't gotten back to this. Had bad bicycle crash, broke collarbone, need surgery, will be out of service for a while. Thanks for all the help, will pick this up later.

Get well soon!


On the file storage front, for you, I think the MS SBS option is the way to go. It uses the same UI you're used to, the same underlying architecture, works with the tools you have, and plays well with your other MS machines without requiring any tweaking.

You're talking about a very small operation where performance or scalability isn't going to be a limitting factor. The cost of the proprietary software isn't too onerous, and mission critical up time requirements (minutes of planned down time per year) aren't a concern.

All of those factors can be points in favor of Linux, but in your case unless you're looking to learn Linux for personal growth or enjoyment (and your employers are willing to approve such an approach), I'd recommend sticking with what you (and the guy backing you up when crash your bike) know best.

[LarryG]

I'm back in limited service but still can't type much. May have some news on this thread later today. Stay tuned, and thanks again for all the helpful input.

[os1kne]

Have you looked at pogoplug or tonido plug devices? These things are fairly cheap nowadays. I use a pogoplug that is connected to 3 WD 2TB USB Hard Drives and my drobo box. My PS3, WDTV Live Plus, Logitech Revue boxes, iPad, iPhone, iPod can play most of the videos, music, pictures, docs, pdf, etc. on the server and hard drives.

I like these little devices because none of my pc's have to be on and I can still access the files even when I am at work or traveling.

I also share folders that contain family vids, pictures and music collection with friends and families by allowing them access to certain folders. No limitation on how many people can access a certain file at a time.

That's interesting! I'll keep that setup in mind when I update my home network setup.