Clearos to Truenas SMB server migration Summary
Motivation:
Clearos 7 reached its end of life  and showed performance problems.Clearos to Truenas was necessary for better storage performance, reliability, scalability, and support.

Step 1: assess your current setup
The existing setup was a Clearos as a file server  in CAT computer lab in South Africa. Its primary function is hosting windows shares for exam purposes.

Step 2: backup your data
An external USB drive and scp achieved this quickly and reliably.

Step 3: install Truenas
Create a bootable usb  and  install Truenas
It needs a dedicated OS drive.

Step 4: configure storage in Truenas. We created a raid1 mirror with 2 data drives.

Step 5: Create datasets (logical folders within zfs for better management). Then configure smb/nfs/afp shares in Truenas for grades and exam groups

Step 6: Transfer data from Clearos to Truenas with rsync
Step 7: set up user and role based  accounts & permissions for learners and teachers
Step 8: verify & test access from all versions of client OS’s Win 10 and 11
Step 9: retire Clearos server or repurpose it.
Final thoughts:
Migrating from Clearos to Truenas provides better data protection, performance, and long-term support. There is a more fine grained permissions and Access control  system.  All in a very smooth migration.