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PJB

Hi All

I am looking to set up a hard drive and connect it to my router to share all types of files (word, excel, pics, vids, music).

I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to this so would like some advice on whether i just attach any external hard drive, or if i need to put certain software on it? Or do i just buy one of these systems that comes with the software etc on it, but they seem a bit expensive and do not seem to have a facility for adding more hard drives if needed later.

Any basic guide links would be very much appreciated as would comments on your experiences and advice!

Thanks for reading

Paul

scheming_gypsy

pick up a NAS - Network Attached Storage - unit.. It's just really an intelligent external hard drive that you connect to the router and access via the network.

tibbyuk

Seconded for a NAS. Look to pick one up with 2+ HDD bays, and buy the HDD's separately as this can save some cash.

They plugin to your router via network cable, and then you can map the NAS as a network drive, allowing you to store your files on there.

You can also stream media to any form of media device, such as an Xbox360 or a HTPC.

PJB

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

pick up a NAS - Network Attached Storage - unit.. It's just really an intelligent external hard drive that you connect to the router and access via the network.

Thanks, any recommendations? Would like one that i can expand later on if need be.

Like your signature, tempted to plagiarise it!

scheming_gypsy

I don't actually use one myself (i bought a decent spec PC, set it up as a media server and then sold it 8 months later without actually using it) so i can't recommend one to use....
You could either go for one with two drive bays as already mentioned or just get one bigger than you need and if you run out of space the prices will no doubt drop so you can buy another fairly cheap.

help yourself to the sig!

tibbyuk

I would take a look on SCAN website, and eBuyer. But generally you want to aim for:
- A gigabit network connection (although your router may not support this, it is worthwhile to have as it will futureproof you if your network grows and you need to stream multiple things at once)
- 2+ HDD Bays (and buy the HDD(s) as well)
- USB ports are a plus, as you can plug in a printer or an external HDD etc

If you simply want a centralised place to store things, and stream from you don't need to go top end. So something below the £100 should do as long as it hits the above factors.

hc25036

Not the cheapest, but I'd always recommend Synology (https://www.synology.com). Best thing is that the software is updated regularly, even for the older units, to provide new features and general improvements.

pcombo

No point buying a nas, Just buy a cheap hard drive and put it in a computer, And share the full drive and change permission to everybody can access.

Why spend £100 or so, When you can spend £30 on a hard drive that does exact same job.

For example, name of computer [URL="file://\\computer1\Share"]\\computer1\Share[/URL]

scheming_gypsy

pcombo wrote: »

No point buying a nas, Just buy a cheap hard drive and put it in a computer, And share the full drive and change permission to everybody can access.

Why spend £100 or so, When you can spend £30 on a hard drive that does exact same job.

For example, name of computer [URL="file://\\computer1\Share"]\\computer1\Share[/URL]

because it doesn't actually do the same job.

if the OP has a house full of laptops then it's not going to work
the PC with the drive in it will need to be on at all times
Having people streaming movies or music from somebody's PC is going to slow their machine down.

A standalone unit is hassle free

tibbyuk

pcombo wrote: »

No point buying a nas, Just buy a cheap hard drive and put it in a computer, And share the full drive and change permission to everybody can access.

Why spend £100 or so, When you can spend £30 on a hard drive that does exact same job.

For example, name of computer [URL="file://%5C%5Ccomputer1%5CShare"]\\computer1\Share[/URL]

This can be an annoyance, as it puts a dependency on that PC being on. This will ultimately result in higher power costs over using a NAS and the savings will be lost over a set time period.

Additionally you can setup your NAS to backup your computer(s), and they tend to be more robust than normal PC's as they are interacted with in a less brittle manner when compared to everyday usage.

Fifer

I agree that an always on, low power, low noise option is better than a share in a PC. I needed to run software (Squeezeserver), so opted for a low power mini-ITX box running linux - otherwise, I'd second the NAS route.