NAS - the lean solution for the Desk
NAS systems have been enjoying a few years of great popularity. NAS stands for "Network Attached Storage". The biggest advantage of this data store is that you can reach It conveniently over the network from any Computer. You need to also worry about your operating system, NAS systems are now working equally well with Windows and Mac. Also playback devices for music usually have no Problem with the data from the network storage. The advantages at a Glance:
- The cost of NAS systems are low: they are cheap and consume less power than a Server. This is especially the case in long run times.
- The establishment of the NAS is pretty simple. Many providers provide you with convenient access via a browser page. From there, you can set with the help of a graphical interface for everything.
- In the operation of NAS systems and less as a Server: you can run silent network storage easily in the living room next to the Media Station or the HTPC, without being disturbed by fan noise.
- Your data is stored on a NAS with a RAID System relatively safe. In the case of two hard disks, you can have your data reflect, in the case of three or more disks in a RAID 5 array is even. Single disk failures, you can compensate for this.
- You have a NAS with an easily accessible Back-Up media on-site. Many devices even offer an automated Back-Up function, so you need to set it up only once. Also, Apple Users are not tied to a Time Capsule. Your Mac recognizes a NAS in the rule as TimeMachine.
NAS-System (image: Amazon)
With so many NAS, you can apply today, even simple server tasks. The Synology media server with iTunes support offer you the ability to stream music anywhere in the network. QNAP equips its devices with Features such as a simple access control with LDAP. And while you are out of the house, the NAS is more your Torrents download. A review of many NAS systems can be found in the CHIP-Estonians list.
Classic Server for larger data
If you the Features of a network storage are no longer sufficient, you can think about a separate Server in the home network. This must not necessarily be a gigantic, noisy computing monster - an old Laptop or a mid-range PC I use as a Server pretty well. These are the benefits of a Server:
- You are the Lord of the operating system and can customize everything exactly to your needs. This is especially true, if you want to install special Software. A Wiki for your cooking recipes in the home network? With the classic Server no Problem.
- Over SSL, or the screen service VNC you can make a Server even from Outside control. This is handy if you are often on the go, but your home Computer want to use. Simple data sharing works with NAS systems.
- With Windows Server and Active Directory, you can manage even office networks themselves - their own work and knowledge provided. Personal Logins and a Central DNS service for the network to come in range. But be careful: This is only for Advanced!
- You need a reliable web server, then have a look at the Best in professional service providers. The protection and maintenance of a web server is time-consuming and complicated, leave it to the experts.
A PC as a Server also
Conclusion:
A classic Server offers you so many options within the network, he is causing more work and costs. If you don't need the performance of a server, is always the transition to network storage. They are, however, versed enough, and the Server makes you to save more than just data, the Server is the better choice.
Tip: The hobbyist solution - Free NAS
The FreeNAS Project offers a free, Open-Source Alternative to a purchased network storage. A little skill and the appropriate Hardware you need to bring. FreeNAS as an operating system on normal computers install and transforms it into a NAS, this is its Features of buying systems that. So you can give an old PC new life.
- The power hunger of an old computer, you can get by under clocking the processor before, because FreeNAS needs in the default settings, hardly any resources. Things get a little trickier if you want to use FreeNAS for data encryption. Because a processor has to crack a little more and you should better choose a newer model.
- With FreeNAS, you have the intermediate solution between the Server and the network storage. You can configure everything yourself and determine - from Hardware to Software. As a professional, you can even write your own Plugins for the System. However FreeNAS also gives you the most work and often the purchase of new Hardware is not worth it. Especially if you need a good RAID System, you come away with a finished NAS cheaper.
FreeNAS is a open scource solution
By the way: If you have a Fritz-Box, you do not need to search for perhaps even a long time after a network storage device. Read how the Fritz Box as a NAS System . If you are not a Fritz-Box, our comparison between QNAP and Synology more.
