I currently have a 10-year old off-the-shelf NAS (Synology) that needs replacing soon. I haven’t done much with it other than the simple things I mention later, so I still consider myself a novice when it comes to NAS, servers, and networking in general, but I’ve been reading a bit lately (which lead my to this sub). For a replacement I’m wondering whether to get another Synology, use an open source NAS/server OS, or just use a Windows PC. Windows is by far the OS I’m most comfortable with so I’m drawn to the final option. However, I regularly see articles and forum posts which frown upon the use Windows for NAS/server purposes even for simple home-use needs, although I can’t remember reading a good explanation of why. I’d be grateful for some explanations as to why Windows (desktop version) is a poor choice as an OS for a simple home NAS/server.
Some observations from me (please critique if any issues in my thinking):
- I initially assumed it was because Windows likely causes a high idle power consumption as its a large OS. But I recently measured the idle power consumption of a celeron-based mini PC running Windows and found it to be only 5W, which is lower than my Synology NAS when idle. It seems to me that any further power consumption savings that might be achieved by a smaller OS, or a more modern Synology, would be pretty negligible in terms of running costs.
- I can see a significant downside of Windows for DIY builds is the cost of Windows license. I wonder is this accounts for most of the critique of Windows? If I went the Windows route I wouldn’t do a DIY build. I would start with a PC which had a Windows OEM licence.
- My needs are very simple (although I think probably represent a majority of home user needs). I need device which is accessible 24/7 on my home network and 1) can provide SMB files shares, 2) act as a target for backing up other devices on home network, 3) run cloud backup software (to back itself up to an off-site backup location) and, 4) run a media server (such as Plex), 5) provide 1-drive redundancy via RAID or a RAID-like solution (such as Windows Storage Spaces). It seems to me Windows is fine for this and people who frown upon Windows for NAS/server usage probably have more advanced needs.
If you have a pro or enterprise or even better a server license then there isn’t a lot to complain about.
I work in a mostly Windows environment and I have a 50/50 mix at home. My Linux stuff runs in Hyper-V.
Everything is shared either by software or SMB. Some software is only on Linux. Some is just way easier on Linux. Most things are in docker though.
The market I work in, I need to know both so I play with both. If you’re just pirating and sharing the content then who cares what OS it is hosted on. Use what you got. There are always ways to make it work.
I run all my nerves on Debian and also a WD Nas. But, I did once run a windows 10 desktop for a few years and used it as a file server with zero issue. 24/7 access wasn’t needed so any reboots in the night we’re fine. I wouldn’t do it again, I only did it because I had the desktop with lots of drives in and I was too lazy to reinstall it lol But if I was to do it again I’d reinstall it and use truenas or Openmedia vault
I use windows 10 as an always on “server” which runs my plex server, ip camera recordings, drive shares etc. I have no issues with it. I’m sure linux can do a better job but I’d rather use an operating system I know how to use fully than stumbling my way around Linux.
It’s your home lab, you can do anything you want. Figuring shit out and making it work is half the fun. That said, just install Linux on it and save your future self a shitload of time.
It’s just not built for that. It’s heavily focused on being a client. It has some passable server functionality, but they don’t really make design decisions based on that use case.
Server OS is more designed for that purpose, and most people pass on that because it just costs so much more, and their are free or very low cost alternatives.
