NAS at home

Rider99

First of all, is it network attached storage (NAS) I want?

Three computers in the family home - all connected to Sky internet via wifi.
1 linux desktop
1 Vista Laptop (soon to be 'upgraded' to XP)
1 Macbook 10.5 Leopard

We all want one destination to store/share photos, mp3s etc., so am I right in thinking NAS connected to the wifi router is what I'm looking for? We've got an Apple time capsule at work which I think would work a treat at home, but overpriced for what it is...

Are there any particular brands to avoid/look for? I'm looking for 500gb storage at least.

Any connectivity/compatibility/interoperability issues I'm likely to come across?

Thanks in advance,
Rider

trcooke

I have a Lacie NAS that works a treat. Don't be sucked into paying extra for a Gigabit NAS as your Sky router has only 10/100Mbps networking on it. The gigabit NAS will still work but you'll not see the benefit.

totalsolutions

I have a Netgear SC101 works ok and is cheap on the second hand market. You just add your own drives.
Yes it does need a driver on each PC though. Some NAS are very expensive

rnc

Hi,

I use one of these companies models:
http://synology.com/enu/index.php

Specifically:
http://www.synology.com/enu/products/DS107/index.php

We have a linux laptop and Windows XP desktop. Both systems can access the photos and music on the synology box fine. It also acts as a printer server so I can print remotely from the laptop. Note its a bare box - so you have spend extra and buy a hard drive - but that does mean you can buy the size you prefer. There are recommended makes on the site which has an active forums and helpful support.

Hope that help

Nick

kevsan

I've used a buffalo linkstation pro for over 2 years and can't fault it.

a similar one, although more expensive would be:
http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=5CMG&CategorySelectedId=11026&fb=327&NavigationKey=11026&InMerch=1

Rider99

rnc wrote: »

Specifically:
http://www.synology.com/enu/products/DS107/index.php

We have a linux laptop and Windows XP desktop. Both systems can access the photos and music on the synology box fine. It also acts as a printer server so I can print remotely from the laptop. Note its a bare box - so you have spend extra and buy a hard drive - but that does mean you can buy the size you prefer.

Nick

I like the sound of this, and if things do get too screwed up (invariably they will), can always call on bruv in law who works in 'it'. Cheers Nick

Rider99

kevsan wrote: »

I've used a buffalo linkstation pro for over 2 years and can't fault it.

a similar one, although more expensive would be:
http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=5CMG&CategorySelectedId=11026&fb=327&NavigationKey=11026&InMerch=1

Hmm, yes does tick most boxes (no mention of Linux compatibility) but jeez how much do they want? The shirt off my back too?

But I do like....

Leopard

The difficulty you will encounter is using an NAS, which normally has hardware that employs Windows file protocols, to store the MacBook's files - because those are created in Apple File Protocol.

Although, some NAS devices (e.g. LaCie's) address this issue, most of them don't.

What you are considering is possible but it will involve some compromises in file-naming and the protocol with which you format the NAS - which you may find restricting.

SomeOne_2

I have a Linkstation Live 500GB (The older model.)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Buffalo-LinkStation-Network-Storage-HS-DH500GL/dp/B000N9508K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232037619&sr=1-2

I am perfectly happy with mine had no problems so far. I use mine in an XP environment but it is supposed to be able to work with Linux & Apple.

Rider99

Leopard wrote: »

The difficulty you will encounter is using an NAS, which normally has hardware that employs Windows file protocols, to store the MacBook's files - because those are created in Apple File Protocol.

What you are considering is possible but it will involve some compromises in file-naming and the protocol with which you format the NAS - which you may find restricting.

Actually have a similar problem but in reverse. Using office and creating a document on a macbook and saving onto time capsule is very problematic (better to save locally then copy the file).

Not especially bothered about file naming restrictions, but of course it depends what they are...Will check lacie out though. Thanks

cuppajoe

Been using an HP MediaSmart Home Server (EX475)for almost a year and it's been a treat.

PC/MAC compatible, think Linux too.
Remote access from anywhere on the internet
iTunes streaming
1TB storage for music, photos, movies and pc backups
Gigabit conectivity for LAN

http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/mediasmart-server/