I use trueNAS as a home file server and network attached storage. I also like how it allows me to run a Plex Media Server for our family's home video storage and to access our music library while driving, which lets me listen to music ad-free. It's free and uses a file system that is incredibly resilient, surviving power outages without corrupting any files. I've been using it since 2022 with no real issues. The OpenZFS file system, with its copy-on-write architecture and end-to-end checksums, ensures data integrity and reliability, automatically detecting and repairing errors. I've experienced fewer issues with trueNAS compared to Windows Server 2021. The initial setup was incredibly simple for me, although I am more tech-savvy than most. I also appreciate that trueNAS requires much less maintenance compared to Ubuntu Server, which I used before switching.

The most impressive part of TrueNAS is the barrier to entry. It was incredibly easy to install and configure. Once the initial boot is done, you rarely have to touch the physical hardware again. Everything is handled through the WebGUI, which is clean, intuitive, and surprisingly powerful. Managing disks, pools, and permissions feels modern rather than a chore.

Many things! ZFS, its management interface, the fact that it has CORE and SCALE. Simple to implement.