Benefits of NAS?

backtothefuture · 20 May 2010 at 07:20

Just noticed that this Network Access Servers (NAS) have started cropping up... apparently used for centralised storage of media and hence can access from TV/PS3/other PCs etc...

not sure why we need the above if all PCs nowadays have network ports, so technically you could access all data from the PC itself (though a router etc)... am I missing something? :confused:

Jokester · 20 May 2010 at 07:22

I use my NAS for bulk storage in another room so I don't have to listen to the constant whine and click of the disks.

paradigm · 20 May 2010 at 07:39

You mean Network Attached Storage.

Daegan · 20 May 2010 at 07:50

If you're happy to leave your PC on all the time, if you're happy to set up shares on it for other people to use, if you're happy to have the hard drives churning away when you're using it for something else (like gaming), then you don't need a NAS.

Yakyb · 20 May 2010 at 10:41

Nas's originally filled a very specific role of sharing data across the network think of it like an external Hdd that all can access. now the benefit is that if you have a PC and your girlfriend a Laptop and you both shared a HTPC in the front room and you wanted to look at some family photos, if the photos where on the NAS you would be able to access these files when ever and where ever.

if they where say on the PC and your GF wanted to look at them on the laptop both machines would need to be on. now then multiply this issue out by saying a number of documents are stored on the laptop and a number of videos on the HTPC if you wanted to watch a video whilst working on a document on your PC you would need all three machines on.

Nas's now offer a number of other benefits such as FTP and BT clients also

backtothefuture · 20 May 2010 at 12:01

ok, thanks for the clarifications

matthewhotdude · 20 May 2010 at 12:44

I use a server instead of a NAS cheaper to leave one computer on all the time than all of them,

Plus I use it for home automation and CCTV

Zarf · 20 May 2010 at 12:58

8 disks can make a fair amount of noise, I use a NAS so that they can be put in the spare room. It also saves space in my main PC so I can use a small form factor case.