TerraMaster is now offering the TOS 6 Public Beta for select NAS devices. This update introduces a redesigned web interface and improvements to both speed and security. Notably, TOS 6 also marks the transition to Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS, a big leap from the 5.15 kernel used in the previous TOS 5 release.
The redesigned TOS 6 interface aims to reduce clutter while making files, apps, and settings more accessible. TerraMaster has cleared away its messy desktop icons and now places all applications in the navigation bar where they won’t be obscured by app or file windows. People who still want to take advantage of the desktop are free to do so, as TOS 6 offers a new “shortcuts” system that can place multiple file paths or containers behind a single desktop icon.
A new “Start” button, which behaves like the Start menu in Windows, has also been added to the navigation bar. The new Start button houses your recently-used apps and allows you to power down your NAS. In any case, I’m more excited by the TOS file explorer, which now supports tabs and shows image thumbnails when browsing through photos.
TerraMaster also promises increased speed and security in TOS 6. Some of these improvements come courtesy of Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS—the upgraded kernel version introduces Multi-Gen LRU and a merged Kernel Memory Sanitizer for greater RAM optimization, a more reliable implementation of the Btrfs file system, and the ability to create user namespaces, among other things. While Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS is already a few years old, it’s still a major improvement over the old 5.x kernels.
Users gain “500%” more security with this update, per TerraMaster. I’m keen to point out that “500%” is an arbitrary measurement, though TerraMaster has introduced some genuine security upgrades, including a more robust permissions menu and the ability to place strict control over all executable programs (which may curb ransomware and other nastiness). There are also some new file-locking controls for enterprise users.
Interestingly, the TOS 6 update strips back some of TerraMaster’s startup disk requirements. You can now install System Disk data on whichever disks you want, rather than being forced to install it on all disks. And TerraMaster boasts an upgraded SMB Multichannel function, which should deliver quicker SMB transfer speeds to TerraMaster devices with multiple LAN ports.
As with all beta software, the TOS 6 Beta may contain “some defects” and isn’t intended for those who store critical data on their NAS device. It will also wipe some of your settings, which will need to be reconfigured. And if you use Docker, be sure to update the Docker app before moving to TOS 6.
Instructions for installing the TOS 6 Beta are available on the TerraMaster forum. You’ll also find a list of compatible NAS devices on TerraMaster’s forum post—at the time of writing, the TOS 6 Beta is exclusive to ×86/×64 models. Note that you must upgrade from TOS 5.1.123 or a later revision.
Source: TerraMaster
