NAS stands for network-attached storage and its most commonly used to store digital media. A NAS server can host several Hard Drives, allowing owners to expand storage when needed. Another excellent features of the NAS is it’s connectivity to the home network. This allows users to store and access all their media as long as they’re on the same network.
Who benefits the most from using a NAS storage device?
Photographers – High quality photos take up a lot of storage space. This is where NAS storage comes in handy, which allows photographers to store all their life’s work.
Video Editors – Videos are very storage intensive, which forces editors to use up a lot of space. Having a NAS server allows editors to store their videos and also work right off of the server if they choose to do so.
Engineers – Backing up engineering plans, drawings, and calculations is very important in the field of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Some of these drawings and calculations can be used or modified later in one’s career. NAS server can be utilized to quickly backup PDFs, word documents, CAD files, pictures, and P.E. calculations.
Data enthusiast – If you love storing all your favorite books, TV shows, and movies then you deserve a NAS server! Not only can it hold multiple terabytes of information but you can binge your media from anywhere in the house with network access.
These are just some examples of people who could benefit from large storage that is accessible through the network. NAS servers play a big role in small businesses such as accountant firms or doctor offices. It allows the accountants or doctors to access the same information as their support staff when needed.
Here are five quick tips when setting up your first NAS!
- Buy more storage space then you are using right now. A good factor would be to buy at least 50% more storage then you are currently utilizing. This will allow you to grow your storage without having to add new drives or upgrade your NAS server.
- Enable data scrubbing so that your NAS can self-check and fix any errors.
- Enable snapshotting.
- Enable S.M.A.R.T. self-test.
- Always keep your NAS server’s OS/Software up to date by installing latest updates and patches.
Here are some Network-Attached Storage (NAS) servers that we highly recommend. Please be advised that these may have affiliate links in order to help support our website. We always stand by our recommendations!
- Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220j (Diskless), 2-bay; 512MB DDR4
- Synology 4 bay NAS DiskStation DS418 (Diskless)
- WD Diskless My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage – NAS – WDBVBZ0000NCH-NESN
These are just starter NAS servers which we find to perform will for their price point. Remember, these are diskless! You’ll need to spend additional money buying the hard drives to put inside them.