Zero $ Home Server : Complete Openmediavault 6 Install

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the complete installation of OpenMediaVault 6, a powerful open-source network-attached storage (NAS) solution. This guide is designed for beginners and will provide you with step-by-step instructions to set up your home server without spending a dime.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hardware

Gather the necessary hardware

• A Raspberry Pi (preferably Model 3 or later)
• A microSD card (at least 8GB recommended)
• A power supply for the Raspberry Pi
• An external hard drive or USB storage for data
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection for downloading software.

Step 2: Download OpenMediaVault 6 Image

• Go to the OpenMediaVault official website.
• Navigate to the download section.
• Choose the appropriate image for your Raspberry Pi model.
• Download the image file to your computer.

Step 3: Flash the OpenMediaVault Image

• Use a tool like Balena Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager.
• Launch the software and select the downloaded OMV image.
• Insert your microSD card into the computer.
• Select the microSD card as the target device.
• Click "Flash" to write the image onto the card.
• Once complete, safely eject the microSD card.

Step 4: Boot the Raspberry Pi

• Insert the flashed microSD card into the Raspberry Pi.
• Connect the Raspberry Pi to your network via Ethernet for a stable connection.
• Power on the Raspberry Pi.
• Wait a few minutes for OpenMediaVault to boot up.

Step 5: Access OpenMediaVault Web Interface

Find the Raspberry Pi's IP address

• You can check your router's DHCP client list or use a network scanning tool.
• Open a web browser and enter the IP address.

Log in using the default credentials

• Username: admin
• Password: openmediavault

Step 6: Configure OpenMediaVault

Change the default password for security

• Go to General Settings and update the password.

Set up your external storage

• Navigate to Storage > Disks.
• Select your external hard drive, wipe it if necessary, and apply the changes.

Create a filesystem on the external drive

• Go to File Systems, select your drive, and create a new filesystem (ext4 is recommended).

Step 7: Set Up Shared Folders

• Go to Access Rights Management > Shared Folders.
• Click “Add” to create a new shared folder.
• Define the shared folder name and select the filesystem you created earlier.
• Set the permissions as needed.

Step 8: Enable SMB/CIFS for File Sharing

• Navigate to Services > SMB/CIFS.
• Enable the service.
• Configure the settings, choosing the shared folders you want accessible over the network.
• Save changes and apply the configuration.

Step 9: Access Your Shared Folder

From a Windows PC

• Open File Explorer and type \\<Raspberry_Pi_IP_Address> in the address bar.

From a Mac

• Open Finder, select "Go" > "Connect to Server," and enter smb://<Raspberry_Pi_IP_Address>.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up OpenMediaVault 6 on your Raspberry Pi. This home server allows you to manage your files and share them across your network easily. As a next step, consider exploring additional plugins for enhanced functionality, such as media streaming or backup solutions. Enjoy your new home server setup!