Network for my family

[LateX'Dog]

Hello guys, this is a complicated one for me, so i'll try and explain.

Basically i want to have a network so we can store all our files in a central location.

So my partner has a laptop, i want to remove the hard drive, replace it with a 32gb SSD drive and have her store her files on a network shared set of hard drives.

Then do the same with my self and my son when he is older.

Is this possible and would it be difficult?

 

[SeeKified]

It is very much possible and no, it doesn't have to be difficult. What you want is a NAS - Network Attached Storage. It's basically a small computer with a few hard drives in it that consumes very little power and can share these drives over a network. I'd recommend Synology myself. How much space do you need, and do your wireless devices support Wireless-N?

 

[LateX'Dog]

It is very much possible and no, it doesn't have to be difficult. What you want is a NAS - Network Attached Storage. It's basically a small computer with a few hard drives in it that consumes very little power and can share these drives over a network. I'd recommend Synology myself. How much space do you need, and do your wireless devices support Wireless-N?

Well i'm looking at about 1Tb per person (i know its overkill for the most, but i like wriggle room). My partners laptop i think supports wireless N and if it doesn't, we'll probably buy a card for it.

How much am i looking at for say a NAS with 3TB space?

Thank you for your feedback.

 

[SeeKified]

Well i'm looking at about 1Tb per person (i know its overkill for the most, but i like wriggle room). My partners laptop i think supports wireless N and if it doesn't, we'll probably buy a card for it.

How much am i looking at for say a NAS with 3TB space?

Thank you for your feedback.

Probably wise. You can get a one-drive DS110j for £118.98. The DS212j (the one I've got) is a two-drive version that costs £169.99. You should be able to stick a 3TB drive in the DS110j, though you may want to look up its specifications on Synology's site to be sure. I have two 2TB drives in my DS212j.

I mention Wireless N because using a NAS over 11g isn't very fun.

EDIT: A good 3TB drive will run you about £160 - I like Western Digital so I'd go with this. Do note that hard drive prices have almost doubled because of the floods in Thailand where everything's manufactured, so if you buy one right now you'll be paying a chunk more than you otherwise would.

 

[23JMZ07]

If the files are going to be in constant use then I would suggest a microserver rather than a NAS. Something like the HP ProLiant would be best for this application. The thing with NAS is that its meant for storage not really best suited to multiple computers streaming their media from it.

Also HP are still running their 100 quid cashback on the ProLiants so they only end up costing £150..

Also please dont buy a hdd now.. The prices are stupid..