What is some hardware you would recommend for a single, small server for home use?
Given we're talking about Umbrel and their very slick, super simple user interface we'd likely recommend Synology. Synology is a little pricier than QNAP, but their software is chefs kiss and every bit (and better) than Umbrels. App stores, Docker containers, wizards, support communities you name it.
If they have <10 TB of data, then a small, 2-bay NAS like the DS723+ would do well. Buy 2 x 12 TB Seagate IronWolf drives, put them in SHR and that'll give you about 9TB of usable, fully redundant storage. If you ever out grow the 2-bay one you can buy a bigger NAS and keep using the old 2-bay one as an off-site backup.
If they have >10 TB of data, then probably step it up to a 4-bay NAS like the DS923+. Buy 4 x 12 TB Seagate IronWolf drives, put them in SHR and that will give you about 30TB+ of usable, fully redundant storage. Will do you for YEARS of fun!
FYI, probably best to steer clear of Western Digital NAS drives....
I have had a couple Synology NAS units and even one of their NVRs, their UI is awesome I agree. Synology DSM (their OS) is not open-source though :(
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We would love to see Synology DSM go full blown FOSS. Would be amazing as it's such a good OS
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