I’m an intermediate TrueNAS user. Is HexOS for me?

[SuperWhisk]

I’m running TrueNAS on two separate servers. One is just a replication target for local backup, and one is an app server. The app server currently only running Nextcloud-aio (via docker, not apps), home assistant OS (in a VM), and Unifi Controller (also in a container, not an app). I want to install Immich in the near future.

I didn’t use apps because I wanted to write my own docker compose files so that I could have a bit more control (I run some of my apps in different vlans, so I used macvlan networks in docker). I also run my own OPNSense router and Unifi access points.

From what I know of HexOS, the above probably generally says HexOS wasn’t made for me. If not that, the fact that my day job is as a DevOps engineer probably does.

BUT, I’m not just looking for drop-in replacement of my current setup, and I may be willing to simplify a bit. I’m struggling to find the time to maintain my current setup. Nextcloud-aio, HomeAssistantOS, and OPNSense update themselves (at the click of a button), but beyond that, I’m still running TrueNAS 24.10 because I haven’t had the time to deal with all the changes to VMs and apps since that version, and it’s not exposed to the internet at all (not even Nextcloud), so it’s not been a high priority. I’ve come to realize that while I love to tinker, there’s a lot of value in “it just works without having to think about it”.

I’m also concerned about the bus factor with my current setup. If something were to happen to me, my wife and my entire family would be hopelessly out of their depth trying to deal with this system in it’s current form. The only viable path forward would be for them to abandon everything and go running back to Apple or Google or Microsoft (probably the first one). Basically all the files of any value are in Nextcloud, so my wife could at least figure out how to download them, but I’d rather she be able to keep using it if it was easy enough to maintain.

 

So with all of that said, is HexOS for me, or am I going to find myself limited and frustrated (or constantly dropping into the TrueNAS UI), without being all that better off in terms of bus factor anyway?

[Todd Miller]

I can't speak intelligently to the technical side of this question but I am sure the admins can give you more helpful information.  I can to the emotion/bus theory side though.  I am blessed in that the husband and wife combination who support my Unraid server have shown interest in HexOS.  I believe that between them and my password management app my wife will get by until she decides to go forward.  That being said I have a couple posts and a few more responses on who HexOS is for.  Your question really helps me reinforce that question.

Whether it was intentionally created this way or not I believe HexOS has a bit of an identity crisis.  When Linus put out the black friday video not only did he lend a little credibility to HexOS but he flipped on the light switch as it were.  Noobs heard him say "cool new product" and they jumped on.  Experts heard him say "no more setting up some of those tiresome pieces like datasets and security" and thought finally someone automated that repetitive stuff that takes some much time.  But i believe intermediate folks got the best of both worlds. Along with the experts they probably were remembering many tasks that just plain sucked and may have made them reconsider TrueNAS as a viable option to take them as far as they could dream.  And intermediates, like noobs, saw the opportunities to do things they didn't really want to tackle in TrueNAS alone. 

For beginners this product is tough because the setup just works.  You have a NAS up and running before you even have time to wonder how you will ever get it working.  Then when you pick some curated app, those installs just work as well.  Then that fateful day comes where they get the "server in not available" error and a couple forum members point to a post that tells them the "quick and easy" steps to clear it up.  They have to go into something called TrueNAS. and they have no idea what that is.  And when you get into TrueNAS and while following the guide and , oh lets say they click on a security setting they shouldn't have.  Well, in my best Illidan Stormrage voice I say 'You are not prepared'.

For experts you pretty have the measure of it.  HexOS does things it's way because it needs to if it wants to help those beginners.  But these decisions are limiting to advanced network or servers folks.  I don't think there is any situations HexOS creates that and advances TrueNAS person can't adjust for their needs BUT if they really are experts what do they need HexOS for?  The family knowledge gap is an even greater hurdle for them.  Multiple pools and vlans not only make sense, that are a necessity.  VM's (when they come) are nothing new and just another tool in the box.  Updating yaml files are second nature as is jumping from one docker management app to another because of a feature they ant to try is just part of doing business.  For experts the curation process is a neat idea (for someone else) but is needs to much work to convert to their standard so it's easier to just do it themselves.  I don't fit into this category so I am probably oversimplifying it but you get the general idea.  

To me intermediates get the most from HexOS overall.  And especially if they are nearer to beginner that expert.  HexOS becomes like a playground where you can try the things experts do regularly.  Wan to setup a Linux distro in a VM (again, when it's available) then do it.  Get it wrong, try again.  Get it right, then put those note in the file until a production opportunity comes along.  Better to learn now then when you really need it fast.  Want to true Tailscale, NGINX and Cloudflare to see who works best with your upcoming security ideas then do it.  Through HexOS, TureNAS of Docker, figure out what works for you.  All the while you can have Nextcloud, Immich (sigh) and Jellyfin up and running through HexOS so that beginner family member (son or daughter if possible) can learn with your help.  Then when your old and you notice your home server is down and that antique VCP if flashing 12:00:00 again, they can come fix it all for you.

I don't know if my posts are helping HexOS understand their customers or their customers understand HexOS.  But hopefully it open doors to get people to try new things.  Look around the forums because, for instance, there is a series of posts documenting one gals journey into the NAS world.  As well there are several folks highlighting youtube videos of crazy thing people are doing from what hardware they run their NAS on to how to make Jellyfin available outside your home network with reverse proxies, self certs a wing and a prayer.  And it works!  We may have to wait a couple years for us to fully exercise our dreams but what's a little time between friends?  Good luck on your decision.