Network Storage Options and ideas?

scoobysmak · 05-06-2008, 07:56 PM

I have been looking at using a NAS but wonder if it would be better to basically build a computer as a server to be more flexible later.

For my personal goals I would like more than 1TB of storage that has a backup (RAID 1 or RAID 5). I have a lot of photos to store and for my clients sake want a backup at all times. I may also later choose to post a website and be able to view the photos incase they see something else they would like.

My home network consist of 3 computers, two Windows XP Media and one Windows 2000 Pro. I would like for the other computers (family members) to access the NAS and store some things but limit the amount of storage and keep them away from my important photos (basically if they didn't see the folders would be best but just some access denied is fine).

I have enough computer knowledge to be dangerous (in other words I know enough that I realize I don't know anything). I realize building another PC just as a server means it will be running 24/7 drawing power for everything Vs have a NAS and just running the hard drives 24/7. I think the PC may have better security options and be upgradeable in the future. The NAS may depend on what brand. My other question would be speed, which option would be faster to access and transfer the data. Finally what would make better plan to possibly create a website to view my work online, or access remotely. Thanks

prestons · 05-06-2008, 09:14 PM

Wow! you need to check out: http://www.freenas.org/ We (at the computer shop) have been using this on a dedicated pc, with 4 sata hard drives configured in a RAID5. It supports multiple levels of security for multiple users, as well as remote access. Support if good through the forums. check it out, i think it may be a great way for you to solve your issue. Post back if you have further questions. Hope this helps!!

johnwill · 05-07-2008, 08:23 AM

FWIW, I use the D-Link DNS-323, it's an excellent unit and very fast. It will only support RAID-0 or 1, but that should do the job. Also, it's much lower power consumption, and of course it requires no periodic administration.

05-06-2008, 07:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
scoobysmak Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1 OS: XP Media	Network Storage Options and ideas? I have been looking at using a NAS but wonder if it would be better to basically build a computer as a server to be more flexible later. For my personal goals I would like more than 1TB of storage that has a backup (RAID 1 or RAID 5). I have a lot of photos to store and for my clients sake want a backup at all times. I may also later choose to post a website and be able to view the photos incase they see something else they would like. My home network consist of 3 computers, two Windows XP Media and one Windows 2000 Pro. I would like for the other computers (family members) to access the NAS and store some things but limit the amount of storage and keep them away from my important photos (basically if they didn't see the folders would be best but just some access denied is fine). I have enough computer knowledge to be dangerous (in other words I know enough that I realize I don't know anything). I realize building another PC just as a server means it will be running 24/7 drawing power for everything Vs have a NAS and just running the hard drives 24/7. I think the PC may have better security options and be upgradeable in the future. The NAS may depend on what brand. My other question would be speed, which option would be faster to access and transfer the data. Finally what would make better plan to possibly create a website to view my work online, or access remotely. Thanks

05-06-2008, 09:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
prestons Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 53 OS: Xp Pro Sp2 & MacOS X My System	Re: Network Storage Options and ideas? Wow! you need to check out: http://www.freenas.org/ We (at the computer shop) have been using this on a dedicated pc, with 4 sata hard drives configured in a RAID5. It supports multiple levels of security for multiple users, as well as remote access. Support if good through the forums. check it out, i think it may be a great way for you to solve your issue. Post back if you have further questions. Hope this helps!! __________________ "The failure rate of hard drives is 100% — so it's not if your hard drive will fail, but when..."

05-07-2008, 08:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,329 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Network Storage Options and ideas? FWIW, I use the D-Link DNS-323, it's an excellent unit and very fast. It will only support RAID-0 or 1, but that should do the job. Also, it's much lower power consumption, and of course it requires no periodic administration. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience