NAS, or Network Attached Storage, this unknown!

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Joel Fulleda


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Anyone who works in a company, large or small, has probably subconsciously used a NAS. THE NAS (Network Attached Storage) they are devices, more or less complex, that allow you to share memory for the saving and archiving of files between multiple users connected to the same local network or connected via the Internet from remote locations.

The question then comes immediately: but having it at home what good can it do?

The answer is simple and intuitive: to keep all the important files we need over time and safely. It sounds silly as a concept, but it's not.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your hard drive with all the documents, invoices, jigs and jigs of photos broke? I've seen people cry after losing years and years of photos of their children. How many do you make backups (copies) of your data?

Also, wouldn't you like to be able to access your files from your TV, smartphone, tablet, or laptop whether you're at home or away? And wouldn't it be nice to be able to watch the movies you have on your PC on TV without having to make copies on DVD or flash drive and take them to TV?

Hence the importance of having a Nas at home that does all this.

Today on the market there are many models of many houses that produce them and which have variable price ranges from 100 euros up. Of course, the advice is to get one that has at least one space for 2 discs (to be put in raid 1). To have a basic solution that is respectable, you can spend 350 - 400 euro. It seems like a lot, but it is an investment for the future.

Of course, in order to use the full potential of a NAS, you must have one internal network (wireless or wired) and one Internet connection.

The main features that I recommend are the following:

  1. 1.5 Ghz CPU
  2. 500 MB Ram
  3. 2 "bays" for the discs
  4. 2 USB ports
  5. UPnP (Universal Plug and Play - network protocol that allows different terminals to connect to each other)
  6. torrent client
  7. wi-fi or possibility to configure a wi-fi key
  8. synchronization with Gdrive or Dropbox or other clouds.
  9. possibility of synchronization with other Nas.
  10. possibility of making periodic backups with other device sources (PCs, tablets, etc.).

If you then want to use the NAS purely forHome Entertainment I would add HDMI output. Possibility to insert and configure a key for the DTT. (so it can also become a VCR).

I recommend that you inquire on the internet and find the solution that best suits your needs. It is impossible to describe the configurations to be done as each house has its own operating systems and interfaces. The important thing is that there are excellent guides and above all dedicated forums where you can look for answers and where you can ask for opinions and dispel your doubts.

However, I leave you with a list of best NAS manufacturers:

  • Qnap
  • Synology
  • Fantec
  • D-Link

The NAS that have the ability to have many apps, and therefore to be able to expand their functionality, are to be preferred. From personal experience i Qnap they are definitely a great product and above all you can develop apps and install them on your NAS.

Your data is too important to risk losing it day after day!

Curated by Andrea

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