Which Qube and how to set-up using an Ethernet connected NAS

[GMueller]

Apologies for coming up with noob questions. My goal is to connect a Buffalo Linkstation NAS (LS-WXL288) with Ethernet port to my Qubes with most ease. I have read some posts on the topic of “NAS, file sharing, mounting, Template VS AppVM” (see also referenced below).

However they are often very advanced or not 1:1 to my situation and I am stuck with beginner questions. And I hope to get some guidance from you.

1. Template / App VM
On which Template / AppVM am I trying to set up access best with an Ethernet port to mount the NAS?

My initial thoughts: TemplateVM would be ideal, as I should then have access to all Qubes based on it.
Should I clone a TemplateVM or is it ok using an existing TemplateVM? I d have to add the Ethernet port device on the template, which is usually not foreseen?
On the AppVMs the settings are always lost. Unless I make files persistent https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/bind-dirs/. However, the settings seem very advanced, I may still have to try my hand.
Add on question: Would I always have to use HVM? Otherwise I have problems adding the Eth device. By default PVM is deposited, what are the advantages and disadvantages?

2. Mounting
I d like to have full access on the NAS and not just mount a single Media drive of it. For PC and Mac it is foreseen to install a software (LinkNavigator). I could not find any software / packages for Debian / Fedora etc.
I am aware the file management is not comparable to PC. I just seek s solution to get full folder access to my NAS to get access to documents, videos, pictures and to store Qube backups etc
I assume the “setting up Ethernet-connected printer” thread is not much of help since the solution uses the Printer Settings? https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/help-setting-up-ethernet-connected-brother-printer-scanner/4789
The following threads were also not too much of a help for me Storage Qube, Sharing Folder NAS, Mounting Buffalo Linkstation Ubuntu, Buffalo Linkstation for Linux Backup

I am aware there is never a clear a) or b) answer, but I d welcome some guiding directions / recommendations. Again, apologies when asking beginner questions. They are not to me

Any hints are VERY welcome. Thank you

[fsflover]

@GMueller

By default PVM is deposited, what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Standalones and HVMs

@GMueller

I just seek s solution to get full folder access to my NAS to get access to documents, videos, pictures and to store Qube backups etc

Just to link the posts which you have probably already read (I don’t know enough here unfortunately):

Sharing folder or nas

Hello everybody I love the CUBOS operating system … for a variety of reasons for ask to you one hand. I use it as a desktop and laptop … I’m having trouble sharing folders via SAMBA for standalone VMs running Linux Mint Deb. Also I would like to create a Free Nas machine to share with all other virtual machines in the same laptop. I state that I don’t want to touch the sys-firewall for security reasons. Can you give me a hand and show me how to proceed with a few clear steps? Thank you ve…

Best Way To Setup A Global Share Folder?

I want to setup a share folder all the appVms can access seamlessly. Is it possible to setup something up like this without opening a security hole? If so, how’s it done?

[ppc]

@GMueller

TemplateVM would be ideal, as I should then have access to all Qubes based on it.
Should I clone a TemplateVM or is it ok using an existing TemplateVM? I d have to add the Ethernet port device on the template, which is usually not foreseen?

templatevm shouldn’t used to running anything
it better to use hvm or standalone in this case

[deeplow]

@GMueller

Apologies for coming up with noob questions.

No need to apologize. Learning is a process and we all go through it Welcome to the community!