TrueNAS Core 13.3 Released: Upgrade Or Move To TrueNAS Scale?

Summary

In August 2024, TrueNAS CORE 13.3 was released as a patch for community users seeking FreeBSD 13.3 jails, BeHive, OpenZFS, and Samba fixes. However, it won't update automatically, and the current 13.0 version will continue to receive security and hot fixes. For those without legacy encrypted pools, upgrading to TrueNAS SCALE, especially with the upcoming Docker-supported Electric Eel release, is recommended. The shift to Linux in SCALE was due to Docker's popularity and developer support, signaling a move away from FreeBSD jails. The video discusses the state of development, the benefits of SCALE, and encourages viewers to share their thoughts on the forum.

Takeaways

• 💡 TrueNAS Core 13.3 has been released but must be installed manually; it won't automatically appear in updates.
• 🔄 13.3 is primarily for community users looking for fixes related to FreeBSD 13.3 jails, Bhyve, OpenZFS, and Samba.
• 🛠️ TrueNAS Core 13.0 U62 will continue to be supported with security and bug fixes.
• 📈 Users have the option to upgrade to TrueNAS Scale 'Dragonfish,' especially if they don't use legacy encrypted pools.
• 🗓️ The next release, 'Electric Eel' (version 24.10), is expected around the end of October 2024.
• 🐳 Electric Eel will focus on Docker support and remove Kubernetes dependencies, making it more streamlined.
• 👍 Upgrading isn't mandatory if your system is running smoothly; if it isn’t broken, there’s no rush to fix it.
• 🔧 Many businesses opt to upgrade during hardware refreshes, replacing older TrueNAS Core systems with TrueNAS Scale.
• 🧑‍💻 The transition from FreeBSD to Linux-based Scale was driven by developer shortages and better Docker support.
• 📉 The open-source community faces a developer shortage, making it difficult to maintain separate FreeBSD and Linux projects for TrueNAS.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the August 2024 announcement regarding TrueNAS Core 13.3?

The announcement focuses on the release of TrueNAS Core 13.3, which is primarily for community users looking for incremental fixes related to FreeBSD 13.3 jails, bhyve, OpenZFS, and Samba.

Why is the TrueNAS Core 13.3 update not automatically available?

TrueNAS Core 13.3 is not available as an automatic update. Users must manually install it because the system will not update beyond version 13.0, which is still supported with security fixes and bug resolutions.

What are the key factors to consider before upgrading to TrueNAS Scale or Dragonfish?

Users should consider upgrading to TrueNAS Scale or Dragonfish if they do not have legacy encrypted pools and are looking for more modern features. Staying with the current version is fine if the system is stable and there is no need for new features.

When is TrueNAS Electric Eel expected to be released?

TrueNAS Electric Eel, version 24.10, is expected to be released at the end of October 2024, though it may occasionally be delayed into November if there are outstanding bugs.

What is one of the major changes in TrueNAS Electric Eel?

One major change in TrueNAS Electric Eel is the shift to full Docker support, eliminating the need for Kubernetes for container management.

Why is Docker considered a better choice than FreeBSD jails for containerization?

Docker is considered a better choice due to its wider popularity, larger application ecosystem, and stronger developer support compared to FreeBSD jails. Docker also has more extensive documentation and community backing.

What challenge does the open-source community face that impacts TrueNAS development?

The open-source community faces a shortage of developers, which hinders the ability to continue developing both FreeBSD-based TrueNAS Core and Linux-based TrueNAS Scale at the same pace.

How does iXsystems fund the development of TrueNAS?

iXsystems funds TrueNAS development through hardware sales. The company offers the software for free but relies on hardware sales to support ongoing development and improvements.

What has been a major issue with Kubernetes in TrueNAS Scale, and how is this being addressed?

A major issue with Kubernetes in TrueNAS Scale has been breakage during updates, causing applications to malfunction. This is being addressed by moving to Docker, which is simpler and better documented, reducing the risk of such issues.

Is it necessary to upgrade from TrueNAS Core 13.0 if the system is stable?

No, it is not necessary to upgrade from TrueNAS Core 13.0 if the system is stable and meets the user’s needs. However, users will miss out on new features, and upgrading may be more appropriate during a hardware refresh.