TrueNAS SCALE Detailed Installation and Configuration Guide
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide for installing and configuring TrueNAS SCALE, the Debian Linux-based version of the popular NAS operating system. This guide covers the full process, from initial setup and network configuration to creating a ZFS pool and setting up an SMB share.
Step 1: Introduction to TrueNAS SCALE
TrueNAS SCALE is the Debian Linux-based version of the TrueNAS open-source storage OS. It provides the same robust ZFS file system for data integrity but with the added flexibility of a Linux environment and native support for apps and containers.
Step 2: Hardware Prerequisites
TrueNAS has specific hardware requirements for optimal performance. You need a dedicated boot drive (16 GB or larger) to install the OS. This drive will be completely erased during installation.
Step 3: Prepare Your Data Drives
You also need two or more hard drives for your storage pool. **WARNING:** All data on these drives will be wiped when creating a ZFS pool. A minimum of 8 GB of ECC RAM is also required, but more is highly recommended.
Step 4: Create a Bootable USB
Download the latest TrueNAS SCALE ISO from the official website. Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to write the ISO image to a USB flash drive. This will be your installation media.
Step 5: Boot from the USB Drive
Insert the bootable USB drive into your server. Power on the machine and immediately press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (often F2, F10, or DEL). Set the USB drive as the primary boot device, then save and exit.
Step 6: Start the Installation
The installer will now boot. From the menu, select `Install/Upgrade`. The installer will then load and display a list of your available disks. This is the most critical part of the process.
Step 7: Select the Boot Drive
Carefully select the dedicated boot drive you prepared. **DO NOT** select any of your data drives. Selecting a data drive will result in complete data loss.
Step 8: Set Password and Reboot
Set a strong password for the 'root' administrative account. Once installation is complete, remove the USB drive. You may need to enter the BIOS again to set your newly installed drive as the primary boot device.
Step 9: Network Configuration
After rebooting, the TrueNAS console will display its IP address. For stability, setting a static IP is highly recommended. You can do this from the console menu by selecting option 1.
Step 10: Access the Web UI
Open a web browser on a computer on the same network and navigate to the IP address displayed on the TrueNAS console. Log in with the 'root' username and the password you set in the previous step.
Step 11: Create Your ZFS Storage Pool
In the web UI, go to **Storage > Pools** and click 'Add'. Select 'Create a new Pool'. Choose the data drives you want to use. **WARNING:** This will erase all data on the selected drives.
Step 12: Select VDEV Layout
Choose a VDEV layout for data redundancy. Options include **Mirror** (for 2 drives, offers great redundancy) or **RAIDZ** (for 3 or more drives, offers redundancy and high capacity).
Step 13: Create a ZFS Dataset
A dataset is a file system within your pool for organizing data. It enables features like snapshots. Go to **Storage > Pools**, click the three dots on your pool, and select 'Add Dataset'.
Step 14: Create a User Account
It's best practice not to use the root account for shares. Create a new user by navigating to **Accounts > Local Users** and clicking 'Add'. Fill in the details and a strong password.
Step 15: Create an SMB Share
Go to **Shares > Windows (SMB) Shares** and click 'Add'. Select the dataset you created earlier and set the necessary permissions. This will allow Windows and macOS clients to access your data.
Step 16: Install Applications (Optional)
TrueNAS SCALE's key advantage is its app ecosystem. You can install Docker and Kubernetes-based applications directly from the UI. Navigate to **Apps** to browse the TrueCharts catalog and other repositories.
Step 17: Final Review and Management
You have now successfully installed and configured your TrueNAS SCALE server. You can access your network shares and explore other features. Remember to regularly back up critical data and monitor your system's health from the dashboard.
