FreeNas Planning

[Bruno Scota]

Guys, i need some advice from you. I'm configuring an environment to store our company vmware backups. I got intention to configure a server HP Proliant DL380 with x4 disks 1Tb each, and using FreeNas. But, i don't want to use one of these disks to install the FreeNas' OS. I would like to boot the OS from some USB Kingston. So my question is, for you that have more experience than me (i'm noob), is it safe? I mean, I want to use it in my company as a backup solution, and i really don't know if using an USB is the better way to do that. But, also, i have no much cash to do some better. May i do this? or it's better i dedicate a disk of 1Tb to store the OS? in case of secure.

I also thought that i can secure it, using a "stand by USB device". Well, in case the first usb crashes, i can upload the config file to the second one, and recover my system.

Do you ever try it? it Works?

ps. sorry for my english.

 

[survive]

Hi Bruno,

FreeNAS in designed to be installed on a USB key. It's set up so it minimizes the number of writes to the key so it won't wear out.

As long as you have a copy of your config it's trivial to recover from a failed USB key. Even if you don't have a copy of your config, if you are using zfs the disk config is stored on the drives so FreeNAS can import them if you boot from a fresh, unconfigured key......all ou have to do is configure the network & shares.

Once you have the box running just grab a copy of the config & store it somewhere safe.

Speaking more globally, almost everyone I've talked to runs FreeNAS from a USB key....nobody wants to use up a storage (SATA\SAS) port just for the drive that FreeNAS would run on. Be sure to spend the extra couple of bucks for a new, brand-name key (don't go cheap or use the free promo key you found in the bottom of your desk drawer). A fellow forum user told me about a flash disk test program available here:

http://www.vconsole.com/client/?page=page&id=13

Check your new key with that if you want to be extra sure. I'm not sure where you are located, but see if you can get a SanDISK "Fit" drive. It's tiny (pinkie fingernail sized) & fast....what's great about it is it's so small it barely extends out of the USB port so there's a minimal risk of it getting bashed when you are poking around behind the box.

-Will

 

[Bruno Scota]

Thank you! Your recommendations helped me a lot!