Building or integrating home built NAS

[ARchamps]

Hi guys,

It's been a while since I've posted. Hope you all are doing well!

I've been contemplating buying a NAS for some time now but I don't like what is out there.

I came across an article which illustrated how to build your own NAS with a FreeNAS. Seems like something that works for me. I don't have the budget to build a NAS right now.

So my question is: can I use my current system as my NAS? I haven't had the chance to research the program yet. I would buy a 3TB drive to be used exclusively for network storage. I would want to use my PC, while having seperate function of a NAS. My main uses are:

1. Media streaming to PS3 and DNLA TVs

2. Shared storage for computers on network (4-5)

3. Storing my iTunes library

Any suggestions or comments are much appreciated. Specs of my rig are in my sig.

Thanks!

[+BudMan MVC]

Sure you can use an PC as NAS, just need an OS to share out the Storage = NAS.

I would assume your running windows on your PC currently - then just share out whatever folder you want. Run PS3 media server or whatever other server you want to run on it for streaming to ps3's etc. Don't need to run freenas on it. Windows can share out files just fine.

[PNWDweller]

The other thing you can do is use Virtualbox or Vmware or whatever you want, run the FreeNas iso in that as a machine, mount the HDD you want to use for NAS storage in the Virtualbox (or Vmware), software and then set it up in FreeNas. Point your computers to your PC's IP and you can use both w/o having to install anything since FreeNas runs fine as a Live CD. Or, if you want, create a very small HDD file (4GB Will work), and then install the embedded verison of FreeNas to allow you to save your settings in the event you have to reboot. :)

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

I had FreeNAS on a 4gb usb pen drive.

[Kami-]

Sure you can use an PC as NAS, just need an OS to share out the Storage = NAS.

I would assume your running windows on your PC currently - then just share out whatever folder you want. Run PS3 media server or whatever other server you want to run on it for streaming to ps3's etc. Don't need to run freenas on it. Windows can share out files just fine.

This; although with NAS boxes available from ~100$ you sure you don't have the budget for a dedicated NAS box?