======Project: File Server======

A project for HPC II by John Kosty during Spring 2015.

=====Objectives=====
  * To create a really good file server
  * One with a good amount of redundancy
=====Prerequisites=====
In order to successfully accomplish/perform this project, the listed resources/experiences need to be consulted/achieved: 
  * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReFS
  * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZFS
  * http://www.networkcomputing.com/storage/microsoft-refs-and-oracle-zfs-how-they-compare/a/d-id/1234318?
  * http://doc.freenas.org/9.3/freenas.html
  * General hardware skills
  * Knowledge of networking
  * Knowledge of soldering
  * Windows Experience
  * Freenas Experience
=====Background=====
  * Storing files locally is an extremely poor practice, and I want to eliminate it at my house
  * I cannot get people to store files on the server/NAS no matter what I do
  * I decided to make this transparent to them by using Folder Redirection for my windows devices, and having NFS shares for my linux home directories
=====Procedure=====
  * In my never ending quest to have safe and resilient data, I stumbled ac crossed Western Digital Red drives.
{{:user:jkosty6:portfolio:wdred-b.jpg|}}
  * These beauties, while semi slow, run at extremely low temperatures, and they are made specifically for NAS applications. I don't think there is any other drive so perfectly fit for the job.
  * I decide to buy 6x 2TB drives. I bought the 2TB drives since the 3TB+ have high failure rates, and the 1TB is too small. 
{{:user:jkosty6:portfolio:wp_20150512_16_32_17_pro.jpg|}}
  * Here is my server with all 6 installed
  * Specs are
  - 128GB Samsung 830 for the OS
  - Intel Pentium Processor G2120T 
  - 8GB Gskill Ram
  - z77 Asus ITX Board
  - ASM1061 Sata Expansion Card
  * I cannot decide between REFS, ZFS, or BTRFS.
  * The project will be done once I settle on OS and filesystem
=====Reflection=====
I unfortunately can't figure out what OS and filesystem I want to use on my server. I enjoy having native SMB due to most of my machines being Windows, but I want to have the experience of working in a Unix like environment. I probably will end up using FreeNas on the server, but until then, I will be using Windows Server 2012 R2 for trying out REFS. 
=====References=====
 In performing this project, the following resources were referenced: 
  * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReFS
  * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZFS
  * http://www.networkcomputing.com/storage/microsoft-refs-and-oracle-zfs-how-they-compare/a/d-id/1234318?
  * http://doc.freenas.org/9.3/freenas.html