

Even if you just take screenshots before making changes, this can really save you from an extended downtime while you try to retrace your steps after a failed configuration change. Screenshots take up very little space and can be moved to written documentation (even less space) or deleted (no space!) as needed. ShareX is a great FOSS tool for this.


The key here is old hardware. I built a TrueNAS box out of an old Dell Optiplex 990. I got it from a friend for free but you can find one online for well under $200. Later you can upgrade the box bit-by-bit if you care to. I upgraded the case, motherboard, cooler, and power supply over time. It’s been a capable NAS for several years even though it’s using a 2nd gen Intel core i3.