FreeNAS is an open-source network-attached storage system that turns a computer into a shared file server. It supports CIFS/SMB, FTP and NFS for network file access, plus software RAID levels 0, 1 and 5. A web interface is used to configure and manage storage and sharing. The FreeNAS project is now continued as TrueNAS CORE; it is server operating system software, not a conventional Windows application.
| Author: | Olivier Cochard |
| License: | Freeware |
| Price: | FREE |
| Released: | Jul 25, 2023 |
| File size: | 1000.00 MB |
| Downloads: | 682 |
| Keywords: | nas file server, nfs file sharing, FreeNAS, freeNAS, NAS server, software raid nas, NFS, x64 software, network attached storage, Olivier Cochard, NFS protocol, TrueNAS, TrueNAS CORE, freenas nas server, attached storage, open-source network storage, NAS, Windows 10, TrueNAS Core, server, smb storage server |
| Author URL: | https://www.freenas.org/ |
FreeNAS is an open-source network-attached storage system for turning a computer into a central file server. It is intended for home users and organizations that need shared storage accessible by devices across a network. The FreeNAS name is now associated with TrueNAS CORE, which continues the project as a free, open-source NAS platform. It is system software for a storage server rather than a conventional Windows desktop application.
The system provides file sharing through CIFS/SMB, FTP and NFS. CIFS/SMB lets computers on a local network access shared folders using common file-sharing tools, while NFS supports network file access in environments that use that protocol. FTP offers another way to transfer files to and from the server. These services allow one machine to hold files that can be accessed by other connected devices, reducing the need to keep separate copies on each computer.
FreeNAS also supports software RAID levels 0, 1 and 5, which arrange data across multiple drives in different ways. RAID 0 combines disks for storage capacity and performance but does not provide redundancy; RAID 1 mirrors data, while RAID 5 distributes data and parity across drives. A web-based configuration interface is used to set up and manage the server, including its storage and network file-sharing services. The available RAID choice depends on the installed drive configuration.
Typical uses include storing shared documents, media and backups on a network, and providing file access to multiple computers in a home or small organization. Centralized storage can simplify access to common files, but RAID is not a substitute for a separate backup: drive failure, accidental deletion or other incidents can still put data at risk. The server needs suitable storage hardware and a network connection, and should be configured with attention to access permissions and data protection.
FreeNAS is freeware and open source. Although download listings may show Windows compatibility, FreeNAS is designed to run as the operating system on a dedicated storage machine, not as an ordinary program installed inside Windows. Its successor, TrueNAS CORE, retains the free, open-source NAS role and the same general feature set. The original project was designed to run from compact storage media as well as a hard drive, but actual installation and hardware requirements depend on the system being deployed.