What can you match with a NAS?

- NAS (Network Attached Storage) is actually a hard drive that includes a network connection. This makes files stored on a NAS available to all users on your home network. What else is possible with NAS and what to look for if you want to buy this?

A NAS is actually a simple PC that usually runs on a version of Linux. The primary function of a NAS is file sharing. Because a NAS today is more a mini-server, there is much more possible. A NAS is not only to use for yourself, for example your family. You can create a user account for each user and ensure that users can not at each other's files, and you can also create folders where all family members just reach. There are NAS devices in different price ranges that stand on performance and functionality.

Like a computer containing a NAS processor and RAM. Do you use a NAS mainly for storing files and / or stream it to a limited number of devices, you will meet a NAS with a single core processor and 512MB RAM. Even with 256 MB of RAM, you can probably still from the feet. But if you want to stream to multiple users simultaneously, or use the NAS for multiple tasks simultaneously, such as streaming, download and view photos, then a copy with a dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM more appropriate.

 NAS'en there are a different number of drive bays, here are four and two.

NAS devices are writing in versions for different numbers. There are versions for one, two, four or five drives. Obviously applies more or less that the more drive bays, the NAS, the more expensive the equipment is and the more you can save it. In addition, a NAS with two or more disks, the ability to protect the data against the failure of a disk by means of RAID.

For home use is a NAS with two bays a good compromise between price and capabilities, already NAS systems with four drive bays also becoming popular. Nowadays there NAS'en for sale with a storage capacity of 4 TB. You would on a dualbay NAS (two disks) so 8TB can lose. Many users opt for the protection of RAID1, resulting in 4 TB fits. Are you going to only use the NAS to share minor things like movies and music, then a NAS may suffice without this security technology.

Dutch users, Synology forum: www. Synology forum. en English User Forum Synology: http: // forum. Synology. com English User Forum QNAP: http: // forum. qnap. com English User Forum Netgear: www. ReadyNAS. com / forum English User Forum ASUSTOR: http: // forum. asustor. com English User Forum Thecus: http: // forum. Thecus. com

NAS'en be sold with or without storage. Choose an empty NAS enclosure, then you will have to buy their own hard disks. You can basically stop any SATA hard drive into a NAS, but it is wise to check whether a disc compatibility list of the NAS stands. The NAS-manufacturer, the hard disk has then been tested for proper operation in conjunction with the NAS. Both Western Digital and Seagate make you happy simply to find a suitable drive.

Both manufacturers have a number of hard drives that are specifically designed for use in NAS and usually stand on the mentioned compatibility lists. Western Digital calls its NAS drives WD Red, with Seagate you should look at NAS HDD. Also HGST, a subsidiary of Western Digital offers NAS drives under the name Deskstar NAS. A NAS drive with 2TB of storage costs about 90 euros, 3TB you have for 115 euros and a 4TB drive is about 160 euros for sale, but prices change rapidly.

 A dedicated NAS drive such as the WD RED is a safe choice for your NAS.

Almost all NAS devices come with one or more USB ports. The cheaper ones have usb2. 0 ports while the more expensive NAS devices have faster usb3. 0 ports. USB ports can be used for connecting USB storage so you can back up the data on the NAS. Conversely often: you can transfer information from a USB disk or USB stick simply to copy a NAS. In addition, many NAS devices built-in print server so you can share a USB printer with your network. To use this feature, make sure to purchase if your USB printer is compatible with the server on the NAS. In practice, namely, does not every USB printer with every print server. The more luxurious NAS devices contain, in addition to the USB ports also an eSATA connection, so an additional drive can be much faster.

 Modern NAS devices contain usb3. 0 ports where the more expensive versions also support eSATA.

Although most NAS devices run on a version of Linux, you're dealing with little in practice. A NAS management you like a router through a web interface. You reach the interface via an IP address, and most manufacturers provide tools which agitate this IP address automatically detect for you. It is wise to your NAS to a fixed IP address, so you can always reach him easily. The NAS manufacturers web interfaces will increasingly resemble complete operating systems. You can set up the NAS via the web interface, manage files and install extensions. also contain NAS'en applications to movies, music and view photos in a browser.

 The web interfaces NAS devices seem to be getting more complete operating systems.

Synology live demo: http: // ct. link. ctw. com / syndemo QNAP Live demo: http: // ct. link. ctw. com / qnapdemo Netgear Live demo: http: // ct. link. ctw. com / netdemo ASUSTOR Live demo: http: // ct. link. ctw. com / asus demo Live demo Thecus: http: // ct. link. ctw. com / thedemo

Each NAS is designed for file sharing and DLNA media server is almost always present, so you can easily play media in your network. But if you want more, then you should opt for a NAS that can extend itself with new capabilities. The forerunners in this field are Synology and QNAP, but other brands like Netgear, Thecus and ASUSTOR provide ample expansion opportunities. We briefly discuss the main features of NAS devices.

A NAS is an ideal device for storing a film and music collection. Almost every NAS therefore contains a built-in DLNA media server so you can stream media files to your media player or smart TV. Video game consoles like the PS3, tablets and smartphones can handle DLNA. More advanced NAS devices you can install additional media servers such as Plex.

 Almost every NAS includes a DLNA media server.

Almost every NAS itself can download files, which is very convenient. BitTorrent is usually supported and more advanced NAS'en also support downloading from newsgroups. NAS devices you can expand with packages for additional functionality (such as models from Synology and QNAP), you can also download programs as additional SABnzbd, Sick Beard and Couch Potato install.

 Some NAS devices can easily install their own download programs like SABnzbd.

If your pictures are put on a NAS, you can give everyone access to these pictures via a shared network or DLNA. Some NAS devices also offer built-in photo website where pictures are presented in a clear manner. This is not only useful for yourself, it's also ideal to show pictures to other people.

 Some NAS devices such as Synology contain an embedded photo website.

The more advanced NAS'en example Synology, QNAP, Netgear and ASUSTORE you can also add additional features and applications. These packages are not only developed by the NAS manufacturer, but also by the users themselves. The packages are available on the websites va those marks.

 More advanced NAS devices can be expanded with packages.

Some NAS devices, it is possible to host a website and you can content management systems like WordPress, Drupal and Joomla! install. You can offer a (test) site within your own network. It is a modern NAS also relatively easy to make the device so the website through internet access.

 Synology Web Station, with which you can create a website.

Cloud services are very popular because they make simple apps available through all your documents and files across all your devices. Also, NAS manufacturers jumping into this market and offer features and mobile apps that lets you use a NAS as a personal cloud. Want a private cloud, you can include contact the LaCie NAS manufacturers, Synology, QNAP and WD.

 Some NAS devices can act as a personal cloud.