Linux and Microserver advise for newbie to Linux

[Brewster0101]

Hi, I am not too good at networks or Linux.
I am going to update my Dlink NAS box to something with more speed, quieter and able to run logitech's Squeezeserver

I was originally going to get the new(ish) NetGear ReadyNAS Duo V2
http://www.shop.bt.com/products/netg...fs=50542&src=3

This ticked all my boxes , reviews all positive - but alot of comments about setting a microserver.

Good offer over at Ebuyer HP ProLiant Turion II N40L MicroServer £140 after cash back
http://www.ebuyer.com/281915-hp-prol...ack-658553-421

This is alot more powerful and expandable. Alot of people stating you can add Ubunta and then various seperate apps to get DNLA, backup, torrent apps. There is
even a Sqeezeserver app for Ubunta.

My big question is - How easy is it to all set up ? ? ?

[spoon_]

What's Ubunta? Unless of course you mean Ubuntu =]

I think you might struggle a little to get it all going but it will hugely depend on effort you will be willing to put in.

[Brewster0101]

What's Ubunta? Unless of course you mean Ubuntu =]

I think you might struggle a little to get it all going but it will hugely depend on effort you will be willing to put in.

Yes yes meant ubuntu. Personally I can't be bothered to do much messing around. If its not as easy as installing and configuring software then the netgear kit is probably my best bet then

[dave87]

How about installing ESXi as a hypervisor and then running Ubuntu as a guest operating system - makes it easier I would have thought?

[Bluecube]

I suggest FreeNAS which is what I run on my Microserver. It's got very low overheads and does everything you ask as well as running Logitech Media Centre (Squeezecentre). FreeNAS is a doddle to install and setup with loads of documentation.

[Brewster0101]

I suggest FreeNAS which is what I run on my Microserver. It's got very low overheads and does everything you ask as well as running Logitech Media Centre (Squeezecentre). FreeNAS is a doddle to install and setup with loads of documentation.

See this is what I couldn't understand with Ubuntu. Its a graphics based OS which I've used and is very simple. There are plenty of programs to use and install. I just don't understand when I google such things people are writing lines and lines of code to get something to work...

[Bluecube]

Linux is an OS used by hardcore enthusiasts who think that GUIs are for wusses... Happily, when you need help, those few lines of code will likely save you a lot of clicking this and clicking that.

[abaxas]

Without a proper hardware raid card or monster bodging, you'll lose raid capability.

[Brewster0101]

Without a proper hardware raid card or monster bodging, you'll lose raid capability.

Ok, this is a big deal as Raid 1 is important

I guess I should ask myself if to me there is any advantage to getting a Microserver over the Netgear NAS box for me. The Netgear box does tick all my requests and is at the end of the day cheaper.
I was getting the impression that a Microserver would give me better performance and flexibility, but if the Netgear box does all I need then the question comes down to how improved is the performance of a Microserver.

[Bluecube]

The Microserver has built in RAID 0 and 1 capabilities so no probs there. I only have a Microserver so can't compare to anything else but I've found it to be rock solid, reliable and easy to maintain.

[aidanjt]

Without a proper hardware raid card or monster bodging, you'll lose raid capability.

Um, no. Linux has a multi-disk layer to perform RAID, extremely well.

[aidanjt]

See this is what I couldn't understand with Ubuntu. Its a graphics based OS which I've used and is very simple. There are plenty of programs to use and install. I just don't understand when I google such things people are writing lines and lines of code to get something to work...

If you'd like a Ubuntu-alike with a WebUI, check out Zentyal.