After a NAS that supports Usenet

ps3ud0

ps3ud0

ps3ud0

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Hi Guys,

A while ago I was thinking about putting a home media server together with some old parts but decided against it as Im probably too lazy/dumb to get it setup properly.

So Im now thinking of a NAS (either populated or not) but wanted to understand if the below exists or is possible for someone like me and the costs involved:

NAS with at least 2 bays - able to work with one HDD; each bay to be able to hold largish TB SATA drives
JBOD or RAID setup - could the JBOD be setup so one is backup the other is media? Do they need to be the same size HDD for JBOD?
Connect to both Win and Mac computers - also automatic backup (time machine and win backup?)
iTunes server - so my main media is centralised on the NAS
DLNA so it can connect easily to my PS3 - do I need to consider UPnP?
Usenet service so I can download directly via the NAS
Ports - USB, eSATA and a 1Gb port

Also I guess my existing WRT54GS router would need to be replaced? Any recommendations?

I have seen the WD My Book World Edition II NAS which seem to be cover most of that (apart from Usenet) - is that my best bet? Its where Ive made a lot of my requirements from :p

TIA :)

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
So are the prices! If Im after a Home Media Server which of their products should I look into? I do have a 500Gb HDD just lying about so could pop that in for now til HDD prices go back to normal...

Might be the best bet to get an unpopulated one and work from there - I just dont need anything too over the top

EDIT: Hmm Synology DS212j/DS212 seems to fit the bill - need to further research...

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
Last edited:
Hmm think the DS212j seems very much what I need - have unpopulated NASs gone up due to HDD prices or not? I guess £150 isnt that bad...

Will look at Qnap - though I get the sense the Synology NAS are more favoured...

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
Im using the HP Microserver at present, as ive stated in the past on these forums it does everything i need.

im running windows on mine currently but you could run linux or whatever OS youd want.

i have my itunes library stored on there, i have utorrent for RSS downloading, host a website on there for my workplace and have 2 hard drives in currently so still space for another 2 when they come down in price.

i bought mine for about 240 with 100 cashback so 140 for an affective server is a major bargin here is the link below for the cashback. all you need to do is find a supplier.

http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/pdf/PA0058_Microserver_Offer_December_11_tcm_183_1140670.pdf

just had a quick look and they're still available for 239.99 from a major E-taylor.

there is a huge thread about different options, OS, memory expansion on here so might be worth a read.

StevenG
 
Cheers for the input StevenG, much appreciated as its a suitable cost alternative. Just need to understand which of the differing advantages would be actual pluses for me over and above a NAS (definitely having 4 bays is one). Didnt even know there was a thread on it :o

I do like the idea of a NAS being self-contained and childs play to setup, just worried about future requirements not being met...

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
In much the same boat as you a few weeks ago ps3ud0 :)

Could not decide between a NAS/Home build server or something else.

Finding a NAS to do all the things that you want right now will be quite hard. The Synology range are the best in terms of features and ease of use but I'm not sure they will fulfill all your requirements. You'll find some good hands on reviews of different Synology models at Vortez.net :)

I myself actually went the HP MicroServer route. :)

It's more hands on, in terms of you have to load the OS yourself, but it seems, so far, to be the most flexible option in terms of future expansion and changing features to suit myself
 
Im very much long in the tooth, so nowadays anything that makes things easier is a higher priority than something that might serve me better overall. Ive got too many bits and bobs lying around doing nothing, so it erks me to spend money on something Ill need to spend time on getting right - though in all probability Ill have to do that with the NAS somewhat too...

Think I need to have a good read what the microserver could do for my situation the NAS couldnt do - the support Synology give though does make me think the NAS route isnt as limited as it could be and that DS212j seems to tick all boxes bar eSATA which isnt that important...

I know I kinda sound backward going for something that might be limited but pretty much works out of the box, but I do want something that enhances my setup now, rather than something I have to fiddle with...

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
Cheers for all the advice guys, still mulling it over but the NAS is in the lead just because of the quicker setup and easier mantainence. I found the N40L thread and just been reading it - seems quite involving in setting stuff up, something I just wish I had the passion for, the threads a great resource, but I do feel out of my depth and probably end up just leaving it boxed up or not using the additional flexibility...

Got a couple of weeks to decide I guess, with HDD prices as they are anyway Im not in a real rush or need that much storage - though the DS412J might tempt me when it comes out as RAID 5 is always nice, hopefully it comes with eSATA/USB3 too (good for portable physical backup)

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
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