129 replies to this topic

[Svenzisch]

I've been looking at these NAS storage solutions wondering if it is possible to set one up as a server to run 24/7. I know some offer FTP which is ok, but im more interested in knowing if it is possible to run KDX on this. KDX is similar to Hotline, a combined file transfer, chat and BBS server/client solution. Seeing the Buffalo Linkstation and others are using Linux this might not be impossible?

KDX
Buffalo Linkstation

[sp00ki]

out of curiosity, have you considered more:
-cost effective
-flexible
-managable
solutions, i e a diy raid 5 system? aside from obvious plusses like support for any protocol you can think of ftp/http/smb/ssh/telnet/streaming/etc, you can pretty much customize your solution to do what you want, how you want, all without needing a separate pc to control it, and not being restricted by any limitations an affordable pre-built nas solution will have.
All you'd need is a raid 5 capable motherboard with a few sata connections (four is a good number), a few big drives (4 x 250, for instance, gives you just 750GB of fully redundant storage for under $250), a bit of ram (a gb is cheap as hell these days and is sufficient), a processor from the nineties, a cheap case with fans and a fast nic card and yr gold.

Edited by sp00ki, 03 August 2007 - 02:29 PM.

[jaren80]

A DIY RAID system wastes MUCH more power than a standalone one. If you're not looking for corporate solutions, go with a small NAS that runs Linux or with a USB equipped access point like the Asus WL500 http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=12&a...amp;modelmenu=1 and put openwrt on it.

This will not bring stellar speeds, but it will save you a lot of money on your power bill. There are a lot of upsides about a server computer as well, don't get me wrong. If you need to support lots of client computers, a modem won't cut it. Hardware replacement, ease of use, flexibility, the server wins. I wouldn't want another noisy, power hungry computer in my home if I don't really need it though.

We have two Buffalo Terastations here at work, unmodified. They seem to do a very good job, we're 20 people maximum.

Also, I like to think of the environment. If I don't need my computer, I turn it off. If there is something that does everything you want it to at a fifth of the power, why not take it?

[sp00ki]

[jaren80]

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/cheap-pc/zonbu-...mmer-258177.php

Or get something like that. It's 99$ but you need a 2 year, $12.95 plan: 410$. Or 250$ without plan. Not bad.

[sp00ki]

can i get a spec?

also, are all europeans this energy conscious? i honestly have never heard anyone (ANYONE)-- outside of being concerned with overloading our company's ups-- speak in concerns of energy efficient systems. Ever.
Except you and that article and a few other euro ones.
And i'm in the IT industry, and everyone has mad workstations.

(ever)

That's probably why we're better at the olympics, et al but that is neither here nor there.

ever.

Edited by sp00ki, 03 August 2007 - 04:09 PM.

[mansikka]

we certainly are in our company - but not so much because the enviroment but because of energy prices. i'd say we safe worth an extra workstation per year in our 20 ppl company by turning off computers when not needed.

[mega]

also, are all europeans this energy conscious? i honestly have never heard anyone (ANYONE)-- outside of being concerned with overloading our company's ups-- speak in concerns of energy efficient systems. Ever.

lol fattie

[scozlad]

can i get a spec?

also, are all europeans this energy conscious? i honestly have never heard anyone (ANYONE)-- outside of being concerned with overloading our company's ups-- speak in concerns of energy efficient systems. Ever

yeah because you aren't paying the leccy bills when you are at work.

[Svenzisch]

Well.. the question still remains though. Can KDX run as a server on a Buffalo Linkstation (or similar tiny NAS)?

As the device runs Linux, Buffalo was required to release their Source code as per the terms of the GNU General Public License. Due to the availability of source code and the relatively low cost of the device, there are several community projects centered around it. There are two main replacement firmwares available for the device: the first is OpenLink[17] which is based on the official Buffalo firmware with some improvements and features added. The other is FreeLink[18], which is a Debian distribution.

Linkstation WIKI

Edited by Svenzisch, 03 August 2007 - 05:24 PM.

[sp00ki]

also, are all europeans this energy conscious? i honestly have never heard anyone (ANYONE)-- outside of being concerned with overloading our company's ups-- speak in concerns of energy efficient systems. Ever.

lol fattie

i meant real euros.

[jaren80]

Well.. the question still remains though. Can KDX run as a server on a Buffalo Linkstation (or similar tiny NAS)?

As the device runs Linux, Buffalo was required to release their Source code as per the terms of the GNU General Public License. Due to the availability of source code and the relatively low cost of the device, there are several community projects centered around it. There are two main replacement firmwares available for the device: the first is OpenLink[17] which is based on the official Buffalo firmware with some improvements and features added. The other is FreeLink[18], which is a Debian distribution.

Linkstation WIKI

I'm not really sure how hackable the linkstations are. That wiki is a good sign though. If you find out anything, please report here, I'm very interested!

Spooki: It's electricity cost and greenness combined. I find it horrible though that a country that calls itself first world in this day and age doesn't know or do the first thing about saving power/electricity/the planet. Probably because you're better at the Olympics. Which are a Greek invention.

[jaren80]

Also, check out the openwrt wiki for ram/cpu speed/rom size

[jaren80]

Hmmm, that linkstation pro sure looks nice. Runs Debian, Gentoo, has a lot of ram... Good price, too. Too bad it has a fan.

There is a difference between the Pro and the Live:
http://www.buffalotech.com/comparison-char...ge/linkstation/

I think the hardware is the same either way.

[Svenzisch]

why the Pro, the Live seem to have even more features?

[jaren80]

That wiki says the hardware is the same. The differences are in software only, it seems. The pro has AD in its software though. Not something I'd use, but I wouldn't use the Live's extra features either. I'd just install Debian on it and be done with it. Firewall, filesharing, torrenting, media library, all on a 15W box with a gigabit ethernet port, really nice.

[Svenzisch]

Have a look at these Synology NAS servers, they come without the harddrive though, which makes this a bit more expensive alternative than the Buffalos.

RAM on the linkstation seem to be 128mb while the Max 750GB HDD capacity seem to be the same (the 128mb ram option for the ds107 is twice the price of the 64mb, which again is more expensive than the linkstation 500gb version)

link to spec pages:
Synology DS107+ HERE
Buffalo Linkstation Live HERE


What do you think Jaren? I need more external disk space and it might just aswell be a NAS (why not). The reason im in favour of the Live version is that it has software thats probably crap, but might serve of use for me /im a linux n00b anyway/ (that hacking part might come later incase i cant stand the software on it, or if someone helps me install KDX on it, or when the warranty expires) But I wonder why the Linkstation 500GB is so hard to come by though...

oh what the heck, they didnt have the 500, but ordered the 750GB instead

Edited by Svenzisch, 07 August 2007 - 06:39 AM.

[jaren80]

? Did you send this in PM? The Synology one looks good, doesn't look like it supports open installs, though. Perhaps later? Expensive!

I like the linkstation though, good choice.

[mega]

also, are all europeans this energy conscious? i honestly have never heard anyone (ANYONE)-- outside of being concerned with overloading our company's ups-- speak in concerns of energy efficient systems. Ever.

lol fattie

i meant real euros.

huh, idgi?

[Svenzisch]

? Did you send this in PM? The Synology one looks good, doesn't look like it supports open installs, though. Perhaps later? Expensive!

I like the linkstation though, good choice.

hehe, no i posted this earlier, slept on it... woke up and ordered the linkstation, so i just edited my own post :-)