Quick Look At Open Media Vault 7 NAS Server OS

TL;DR

A detailed walkthrough for installing and configuring Open Media Vault 7 on a low-end hardware setup.

Transcript

all right so we're going to be checking out omv 7 or open media Vault 7 now it did release sometime in March and I've been meaning to check it out but I got a little bit busy so here we are so we are going to be checking this out on a zma blade which does have a weaker CPU which is perfect for this type of environment like om7 so I do have 8 gigs o... Read More

Key Insights

• 📭 Open Media Vault 7 is suitable for low-end hardware configurations, making it an ideal choice for users with older machines.
• 🖤 The installation process involves configuring storage options, including creating RAID setups, with RAID 0 being employed in the example despite its lack of redundancy.
• 📁 Users can create file shares using protocols like Samba, which simplifies file sharing across networks, although the setup process may feel tedious.
• 👤 OMV Extras are crucial for enhancing the system's capabilities, particularly for users wanting to add features like Docker and access a wider array of plugins.
• 👤 The setup challenges highlight a need for user flexibility in applying multiple settings, as the interface can often make tasks cumbersome.
• 👻 Performance monitoring features are available through the web GUI, allowing users to keep track of system health and resource usage effectively.
• 📂 For users primarily interested in file storage or NAS functionality, Open Media Vault is adequate, but for more complex applications, alternative systems might be more efficient.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the hardware specifications used for the installation of Open Media Vault 7?

The installation was performed on a ZMA Blade with a weaker CPU, equipped with 8GB of RAM and two 2TB hard drives. The operating system was installed on eMMC storage, utilizing the hardware's minimal requirements effectively for the OMV environment.

Q: How does the web GUI of Open Media Vault 7 compare to its predecessor?

The web GUI of Open Media Vault 7 is very similar to that of Open Media Vault 6. The interface provides various dashboard settings, displaying CPU utilization, memory usage, and network interface information, allowing users to monitor system performance but also introduces some annoyance due to repetitive configurations.

Q: What issues did the user encounter during the installation process?

The user faced multiple instances of having to apply settings repeatedly, especially when creating shares or configuring plugins. This led to frustration as changes often required confirmation multiple times before being applied, which detracted from the overall user experience.

Q: What are the key features not included in Open Media Vault 7 by default?

Open Media Vault 7 does not include Docker support by default and requires users to install OMV Extras to access a broader range of plugins. Users noted the absence of Docker as a significant limitation in managing containerized applications easily within the operating system.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The walkthrough details the installation process of Open Media Vault 7, highlighting its functionality on low-spec hardware like ZMA Blade with limited CPU resources.

• The user experience is described as being familiar to Open Media Vault 6, with a web-based GUI for monitoring CPU usage, storage setup, and service configurations.

• Challenges encountered include plugin limitations and repetitive application of settings, particularly during storage and user setup, but successful installation of OMV Extras enhances functionality.