Hi:
I need advice on implementing a storage server. I really do not have the $ to spend for a Dell iSCSI storage divice and I am thinking trunning CentOS 5.x with ftp or FreeNAS. Here is what I am looking at and concerned about.
Situation: My current storage needs are approximately 1.5 TB annually. This will increase to about 3.5 TB annually over the next 5 years (rough est.). This box will just be a data archive and once it is full it will only be used very infrequently if not used at all. Files are small up to 10 MB but numerous.
CentOS: Upgrading to the newer CentOS flavors. I will not have the ability to archive this data to tape and I am concerned about loosing the data when upgrading the OS. How best to handle this?
Storage limitation. It is my understanding that there is a 2 TB storage limitation with Linux (and windows) in general particularly for stability. I see that ReiserFS can go up to 16 TB. Is any one using this? If so, how has it been for you?
FreeNAS Anyone using FreeNAS? What is your experience? How easy is it to add new drives and keep your data? Upgrading to newer versions?
Thanks,
Ed