A ‘network attached storage’, or NAS, does not look out of place in any home network. But why should you actually buy a NAS? In this article we help you on your way to determine whether a NAS is also suitable for you.
You can actually compare a NAS with a small home server. It is a small computer that you place in your network and is always on – and therefore always accessible. This little computer does not run Windows, but for security and stability a special version of Linux†By the way, don’t let that put you off. A NAS is also accessible in use and everything is already installed.
What you have to take into account is that you place one (or more) hard drives in the NAS. Many NAS devices are 2 Bay or 4 Bay, which refers to the number of drives you can insert. It is also possible to connect an external disk or stick (temporarily or otherwise) via the USB port. Hence the name ‘network attached storage’. Because every device in your home network can access the files you have stored on the NAS drive. Regardless of whether you connect via WiFi or network cable.
Storage options
And that of course offers many possibilities. The obvious thing is, of course, your backup. This is possible from files on your PC, smartphone and tablet. Your NAS can also serve as a media center: by placing your movies and series on it, your smart TV can access and play them.
It is obvious that devices on your local network can access the NAS, but you can also ensure that it is accessible via the web, so that, for example, you can still display your backed up photos via your smartphone during your vacation. . Of course, make sure that you secure your NAS with a username and a (strong) password.
Advanced users can enjoy themselves, for example by turning their NAS into a VPN server, hosting a personal cloud storage, a download server or a website themselves.
NAS interface
A NAS is not a PC with a keyboard, mouse and monitor. After you have switched on the device and connected it to your network, you can access it via a web interface of your browser on your PC or via the corresponding app on your smartphone or tablet. The accompanying manual may help you on your way to access your NAS.
It is even possible to access your NAS via Windows Explorer, so that you can access the stored files as if it were an external storage medium.
Is a NAS also suitable for you?
A NAS is pre-eminently a suitable device for your backups, regardless of whether they come from your phone, tablet or PC. Backups are of course a point of attention for everyone. How did you arrange this? If you use an external drive for this, then you are less vulnerable with a NAS. If you use cloud storage, such as OneDrive, iCloud or Google Drive, keep in mind that you do not manage your storage yourself. You don’t know who can access it and if your account is deleted for any reason, you will permanently lose your access to files. An innocent photo of your own baby in a bath can trigger your cloud storage provider to suspend your account. With all its consequences.
Your backup is therefore more secure and under your own management on your NAS. But keep in mind that you can still lose access to your important files in the event of a fire. An extra external drive with a backup of files with a friend or relative is always recommended. This is called an off-site backup.
Which NAS?
There are several manufacturers that offer NAS models. The best known are QNAP and Synology, but Netgear and ASUSTOR are also reliable brands. Also keep in mind that you (usually) also need to purchase a drive. Brands like WD offer drives that have been specially developed for these purposes.
When you have your NAS running, whether it’s on your desk or your meter cupboard, a world of possibilities opens up. If you want to know more about these options or learn more about how to set up your NAS as desired, the Tech Academy offers a course. In the NAS management course bundle you will learn how to use your NAS as a media server, backup drive or your own personal cloud service.
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