NAS Advice - which to go for etc?

Heartless_King

Heartless_King

Heartless_King

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Hi guys,

The family network is in need of a centrol storage space. Also somewhere where we can backup important files etc.

Intially I had my eye on one of the WD net centers. But, I really like the idea of getting a NAS enclosure and fitting my own HDD. As im new in this area I wanted to ask for any particular good/popular enclosure along with any advice/things to look out for.

Regards,
King :)
 
I'd go for either the WD Netcentres or the Synology boxes if you want something a bit extra. If you just want something basic then the Akasa/IcyBox isn't bad but it isn't totally NAS based as you have to install some software for it to be recognised.
 
Get a Linksys NSLU2. Fully fledged Linux machine with 266mhz processor!

53006nslu2cg3.jpg


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_NSLU2
 
Do you have an old PC which isn't used kicking about?

I've got my file server running off a P3 500 / 256Mb

As most of the bits I had were spares all it cost me was 5 SATA HDDs and a RAID card (that and a bit of time installing Linux)
 
Wyvern971 said:
Do you have an old PC which isn't used kicking about?

I've got my file server running off a P3 500 / 256Mb

As most of the bits I had were spares all it cost me was 5 SATA HDDs and a RAID card (that and a bit of time installing Linux)
Click to expand...

Definately the cost effective way forward, build it up shove it in the cellar/loft and forget about it fantastic.
 
What I've done. And you can have as many HDU's as ports/PSU can power.

Also you get RAID capabilities.
 
Yup - look into things like ReadyNAS, FreeNAS, Openfiler, CentOS etc.

I'm currently running Windows 2003 on trial whilst I get to grips with Linux, so that when I run out here (6 months), I can transfer across expertly having actually read up properly. Cheeky, yes, but I'm actually really liking 2003 and might purchase it at the end, depending on finances. I mean HP and a few others use that as their NAS O/S (actually a component of Windows 2003 called Windows Storage Server 2003) and it is rock solid - but then again will cost about £300 - i.e. the same as probably all the hard drives I've got to install.
 
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Thanks guys,

I think I'm gonna look into it. A computer this xmas will be getting upgraded, therefore I will have an old Athlon XP TBred sitting around. Might be a better idea.

Though I need to take a serious look into putting electricity safely into the attic!

King :)
 
Not really - just scout about - usually all you need is the manual for the Linux Distro used. It's not too hard though and there is a whole community to help.
 
It depends really. FreeNAS is still kinda beta, hence I've been looking into Openfiler. ReadyNas is pretty good too but not free.
FreeNAS is great as you can boot from a USB flash disk - saves power etc.
Openfiler or CentOS is completely configurable.
 
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