What is a NAS?

[HEXUS]

The ins and outs of network-attached storage.

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[jim]

I decided to go self-built because I wanted to use the added versatility of having a full-blown OS alongside my data. I can run whatever DLNA, backup, etc software I like, and anything I want to offload from my desktop.

I have used NAS units in the past though, and for the ease of setup, compactness and value I can very much see the attraction - they just don't quite fit my usage scenario right now.

[Biscuit]

I, like many, went with the HP microserver. After the cashback deals these things come out significantly cheaper than any other 4bay NAS solution.
Softwarewise, personally i think Free-NAS 8 is hard to beat. Whilst not perhaps quite as easy as a Thecus or a QNAP, its a Free-BSD based system that's matured to the point that (with the assistance of the manuals and guides) its pretty easy to get configured.

Edit - seems its on freenas 9 now, might need to look at updating that.

[fteoOpty64]

I think 2 bay and 4 bay units from QNAP, Thecus and Synology are really the way to go. Not only do you get convenience and reliability, you get performance and apps supplied for smartphone tablet management of these devices as well. Besides, it is hard to beat the power-saving nature of these NAS units compared to self-built models. One suddenly realise that backups are far more important now that you are storing plenty of data in one place, so having additional disks to make a couple of archives would be vitally important.

[Splash]

Edit - seems its on freenas 9 now, might need to look at updating that.

As FreeNAS 9 uses ZFS by default the system requirements are a chunk higher, so bear that in mind if migrating (though it can still support UFS).

[Biscuit]

As FreeNAS 9 uses ZFS by default the system requirements are a chunk higher, so bear that in mind if migrating (though it can still support UFS).

Freenas 8 did aswell, it was pre-8 that didnt have ZFS