For good reasons, cloud storage has become increasingly popular in recent years. With the ability to access your files from anywhere at any time and easily share them with others, it’s no wonder that many people are turning to cloud-based solutions.
However, using a third-party cloud storage provider can come with its own set of issues. Monthly subscription fees can add up over time, and there is always the risk of data breaches or server downtime that could leave you unable to access your files when you need them most.
This is where setting up your personal cloud storage system comes into play. Not only does it allow you complete control over how your data is stored and accessed, but it also saves money on monthly subscriptions while giving peace of mind knowing that all sensitive information stays secure on hardware owned by yourself rather than an unknown entity online.
In this article, we will discuss three methods through which one could set up their own private network-attached-storage (NAS) device as well as self-hosted software such as Owncloud and TrueNAS (formerly known as FreeNAS). By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped to choose which method is suitable for your needs and budget.
Method 1: Using TrueNAS on an Old Computer
If you have an old computer lying around that isn’t being used anymore, why not put it to good use? With the help of software such as TrueNAS or its previous version FreeNas, you can turn any unused hardware into a personal cloud storage server with ease. This option is particularly suitable if someone has experience working with these operating systems and doesn’t mind tinkering around their system’s hardware.
TrueNAS is free software designed explicitly for non-critical storage purposes; however upgrading it to paid versions brings more options available for enterprise-grade solutions too. It comes packed with useful features like RAID data protection and ZFS filesystems support, making sure that all data stored stays safe from accidental deletion or corruption caused by hard disk failures while remaining accessible whenever you need it.
Setting up TrueNAS is simple and straightforward. Documentation is readily available on their official website to guide you through the process, making it easy even for those who aren’t tech-savvy individuals. However, note that while free versions of this software are great for personal use, they may not be suitable for businesses where data loss can mean huge losses or damage to reputation in case of a breach.
Method 2: Using Owncloud on a Linux Server
Another option one could explore when looking into setting up their own cloud storage system at home involves using self-hosted open-source software such as Owncloud installed onto an already existing server running Linux operating systems like Ubuntu or CentOS.
This method might require some technical knowledge about server setup and administration since you will have to do everything from scratch, which isn’t necessarily bad if someone knows what they’re doing. With OwnCloud installation guides readily available online alongside community support forums offering help whenever needed, this method should be easy enough for anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort.
One significant advantage of using Owncloud is its flexibility. Not only can you store your files, but also share them with others easily, synchronize calendars and contacts between devices securely too, among other added features like collaboration tools that make it stand out from most cloud-based solutions available online today.
Additionally, OwnCloud comes equipped with mobile and desktop apps optimized for accessing data across all platforms. While there are paid versions available if you require more advanced functionality or enterprise-level support services at a fee, many will find the free version sufficient as long as they’re setting up this server on their own hardware strictly for personal use without any commercial intent or expectation of business-related performance standards being met through these installations alone (in such cases going professional would obviously make sense).
Method 3: Using a Dedicated Network-Attached Storage Device
Another option for creating a private home ‘cloud storage server’ is to use dedicated NAS devices like Synology’s DiskStation DS920+. These standalone hardware devices can be purchased online or from local electronics stores and are easy to set up. They come with an operating system called the DiskStation Manager (DSM) pre-installed, which makes setup hassle-free.
Once you connect your NAS device to your home network, all you need is a few clicks using DSM on the web interface provided by Synology. This option is perfect for those who want a simple and straightforward way of setting up their own personal cloud storage server at home.
Synology has established itself as one of the most reliable brands in providing feature-rich NAS devices over time. The DSM offers data backup across multiple drives that offer redundancy protection; it supports file-sharing protocols such as SMB, CIFS, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV. There are also numerous third-party integrations through package center add-ons, making managing stored content more efficient.
Conclusion
Whether someone chooses TrueNAS running on an old computer, Owncloud installed on a Linux server or opting for Synology’s DiskStation DS920+, each method presents unique advantages that make it an ideal solution for anyone looking to set up their own private cloud storage system.
It all boils down to personal preferences, technical know-how and, of course, budget. However, one thing is clear: setting up your own home-based file storage server offers more control over how data is stored while ensuring quick access whenever needed without having to worry about subscription fees (in the case of third-party solutions) nor security concerns as you would when using a shared public network online.
However, it is worth mentioning that none of these solutions offer the same degree of scalability and reliability as commercial cloud storage providers, so take this into consideration before committing to any one method. Also, when it comes to data security, the best approach would be to have a reliable backup plan in place. This way, you can rest assured that all your important files and documents remain secure even when something goes wrong.