dummies guide to NAS

[ik9000]

Is there a simple intro/guide to NAS that anyone can recommend? My desktop case is getting a bit full, and while I can squeeze in one more HDD, with laptops etc in the house it would be good to have a central store for photos etc not tied to just the one machine. Is that what NAS is intended for?

[peterb]

In a word...

Yes

Effectively it is a server set up to deliver content, usually based on either a heavily customised Linux operating system (customised to make the administration and set up easy) or you can build one yourself if you have a bit of Linux experience. But there are windows based versions (windows home server) and Apple do one two, based on the Mac min.

Mine is Linux based, but as well as serving files, it does mail and web. The advantage of doing your own is that you can pretty well do what you want. The disadvantage is that you have to learn and configure it yourself (which for me was part of the point of doing it!)

[ik9000]

I'm keen to learn too. Going to try Ubuntu for a while on desktop to see how we get on. I know that isn't proper linux, but I'm told it's the easiest to transition to.

[dturtill]

hi that is the ideal use of a Nas it centralise's all your data for multiple devices, would recommend at least a 2 bay one so you have a backup and then maybe doing another backup to be stored off site if it is vital data

[peterb]

I'm keen to learn too. Going to try Ubuntu for a while on desktop to see how we get on. I know that isn't proper linux, but I'm told it's the easiest to transition to.

It is as proper as any other distro! Loads of help on here! Enjoy!

[Bonebreaker777]

Try Synology. Very user friendly, live demo still available online (I believe).
XPEnology is the 'community version' of Synoligy's DSM with loads of forum advice and helpful people. Mobile apps too.