Truenas Filebrowser: A Comprehensive Guide to Installation and Configuration

Introduction

TrueNAS is an industry-leading open-source operating system for network-attached storage (NAS) devices. It offers advanced file management capabilities, data protection, and virtualization features. Filebrowser is a web-based file manager that provides users with a convenient and secure way to access and manage their files stored on TrueNAS. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing and configuring Filebrowser on TrueNAS.

Benefits of Using Filebrowser with TrueNAS

Integrating Filebrowser with TrueNAS offers numerous advantages, including:

• Remote File Access: Filebrowser allows users to remotely access their files from any device with an internet connection.
• Intuitive User Interface: The user interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making file management effortless.
• Advanced File Management: Filebrowser supports various file operations, such as creating directories, renaming files, downloading, and uploading.
• File Sharing and Collaboration: Users can easily share files with others by generating shareable links or setting up user accounts.
• Security: Filebrowser implements industry-standard security protocols to protect data from unauthorized access.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Requirements:

• TrueNAS server running TrueNAS Core or TrueNAS Enterprise
• A TrueNAS user with root privileges

Installation:

1. Log in to the TrueNAS web interface as a root user.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Catalogue in the left-hand menu.
3. Search for Filebrowser in the search bar and click Install.
4. Once the installation is complete, click Start.

Configuration:

1. Navigate to Settings > Plugins > Filebrowser in the left-hand menu.
2. Set the base directory: This is the directory where Filebrowser will access and manage files. By default, this is set to /mnt/tank/ for the main storage pool.
3. Enable user authentication: This allows users to log in to Filebrowser using their TrueNAS credentials.
4. Set permissions: Configure user permissions for read/write access to the base directory.
5. Click Save** to apply the changes.

Advanced Configuration

File Uploading:

• To enable file uploading, navigate to Settings > Plugins > Filebrowser > Uploads.
• Enable the Allow uploads option and set the maximum upload size.
• Specify the directories where users are allowed to upload files.

User Management:

• To create new users, navigate to Settings > Plugins > Filebrowser > Users.
• Click Add and enter the username, password, and access permissions.
• Users can be assigned to groups for granular permissions management.

Customizations:

• Theme: Change the appearance of Filebrowser by selecting from pre-defined themes or creating custom themes.
• Branding: Upload a custom logo and set the favicon to match your company's branding.
• Languages: Filebrowser supports multiple languages. Select the preferred language for the user interface.

Tips and Tricks

• Use the Command Bar (Ctrl + /) to quickly access common file operations and navigate directories.
• Create Bookmarks to easily access frequently used directories.
• Utilize the Drag and Drop feature to move and copy files within Filebrowser.
• Enable Timeline to track file modifications and restore previous versions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Remote file access from any device
• Advanced file management capabilities
• Built-in user authentication and permissions
• Extensible with plugins

Cons:

• Only available on TrueNAS operating systems
• Some advanced features require technical knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I access Filebrowser from outside my network?
   - Yes, by configuring port forwarding on your router, you can access Filebrowser from any internet connection.
2. How do I reset Filebrowser's password?
   - Reset the password for the root user in TrueNAS and Filebrowser will inherit the new password.
3. Is Filebrowser secure?
   - Filebrowser implements HTTPS encryption and user authentication to protect data from unauthorized access.
4. Can I install Filebrowser on TrueNAS version 12?
   - No, Filebrowser is only supported on TrueNAS versions 13+ and TrueNAS Scale.
5. What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?
   - The maximum file size is set in the Filebrowser configuration and can be adjusted as needed.
6. Can I use Filebrowser to access files on multiple TrueNAS servers?
   - Yes, by adding additional servers to the Filebrowser configuration and setting permissions accordingly.

Conclusion

Filebrowser is an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their file management capabilities on TrueNAS. Its intuitive interface, advanced features, and security protocols make it an ideal solution for remote access, collaboration, and data protection. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can seamlessly install, configure, and customize Filebrowser to meet your specific needs. Embrace the power of Filebrowser today and unlock the full potential of your TrueNAS device.