How to Choose the Best Network-Attached Storage System for Your Home

Network-attached storage, commonly known as NAS, helps you share your files across a network. NAS works like an external hard drive or a server performing the key function of network storage with no programs running on the hardware. Read on to learn more about choosing the best NAS system for your home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Groups of users requiring access to large files

1. Estimate the required storage space for all the computers in your network. NAS is available in various sizes of storage.
2. Determine the type of files for which you need NAS. Ensure that the system has an advanced backup facility and reasonably good restore capability.
3. Plan your budget.
4. Make sure the system that you select has a maximum level of security. It should allow users access only to the areas appropriate to their needs.
5. Go online and browse for Web sites that sell NAS systems. Look for top brand names. IBM, Seagate, Western Digital, Sony, HP, Plextor and EMC are some of the popular companies that manufacture NAS.
6. Compare prices of different brands and look for customer reviews. Look for durability and data security when it comes to choosing between two NAS programs that have similar specifications.
7. Find out if the system offers reporting tools and anti-virus software.
8. Buy a NAS system that is easy to store and portable.

Tips & Warnings

• Evaluate the best NAS system based on past performance, reliability and warranty.
• Look for a system that allows you to change permissions according to groups, making it simpler to make changes for multiple users.
• Stay away from single drive solutions, particularly in case of business solutions.

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