I'm a huge fan or rsync as a migration tool, but FreeNAS is ZFS-centric so I decided to take a shot at using some of the native tools to move data. I'm not sold on it for daily use, but ZFS Send and Receive is awfully useful for "internal" maintenance tasks like moving datasets and rebuilding pools. Since this kind of migration isn't well-documented online, I figured I would … [Read more...] about Migrating Data With ZFS Send and Receive
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How to Use Mac OS X Sparse Bundle Disk Images
I'm a big fan of "sparse bundle" disk images in Mac OS X. They allow me to create encrypted repositories for valuable data that can efficiently be rsync-ed between disks and don't waste a lot of space. So I thought I'd write up a bit on what they are and how they can be used. What's a Disk Image? I suppose I should start with a bit of background info on why I love sparse … [Read more...] about How to Use Mac OS X Sparse Bundle Disk Images
Keep Multiple Macs in Sync with Dropbox
Warning! This "symlink" technique is not compatible with macOS Sierra iCloud Sync, part of the "Optimize Storage" feature. It will result in data loss! Either turn off iCloud Sync or revert to the standard Dropbox folder locations! I love my 27" iMac, but it's a little tough to take it on the road. So I like to keep my Documents folder in sync between it and my MacBook pro. … [Read more...] about Keep Multiple Macs in Sync with Dropbox
Ramdisks: Back From the Brink of Extinction
Using system memory for storage is something of a lost art these days. Although system RAM capacity has become plentiful, cheap and quick disk storage is just as common. But many of today's I/O intensive tasks can still benefit from the untouchable quickness provided by a ramdisk. Happily, most operating systems are still capable of creating and using ramdisks. This article … [Read more...] about Ramdisks: Back From the Brink of Extinction
Iomega’s ix4-200d: A Killer Desktop Storage Array
Iomega is well into its second coming as EMC's entry-level storage division. First, they applied EMC's compact and full-featured LifeLine home storage software to existing gear, giving birth to the Home Media Network Hard Drive, StorCenter ix2, and StorCenter Pro ix4-100. Then they wooed the small-business community with the rack-mount StorCenter ix4-200r, adding iSCSI target … [Read more...] about Iomega’s ix4-200d: A Killer Desktop Storage Array