is a nas really worth it?

[Zach's Tech Tips]

hey linus community, i was just wondering if you guys recon a nas is really worth it for just an average person like me

All i really need it for is for content backup for documents and photos, but thats really it

Thanks

Zach

[Minzo]

Do you feel like you need one? Could you just backup on a spare drive instead? Do you think the price is worth it?

[siberiansteel11]

I have something similar. I call it a "Media Server". it's basically a Nas without the Software. more of like a Computer Storage. it's got 10 TB's and it stores all my Steam Backups,Movies,Music. it's running windows 7. it works for me.

[manikyath]

i dont have a *NAS* personally, but i have a frankensteined home server i keep my data on.

 

a nas has the following advantages over an extra HDD in your system:

 

- main system is more quiet.

- data is accessible by all computers on the network.

- a decent NAS (not my frankensteined monster) usually has means of protecting your data against getting corrupted or lost.

- no mess with data drives when upgrading/replacing your main system.

[Robin88]

If you have more than just 1 computer in your house and you like to watch films on your phone/tablet and don't want to leave your main rig on all the time, then yes, a NAS is totally worth it.
I have more of a media server than a NAS, and it allows me to watch my 200+ film collection, all of my photos, music and TV shows on any device without having to copy them, and it makes it very easy to keep track of what files are where, especially as I have a tablet, a phone, a PS Vita, a desktop and a laptop, and our lass has a phone, a desktop and a laptop, and keeping track of that many devices would be impossible without the NAS to centralise everything.

But if you only have 1 or 2 devices then it might not be worth having. Another advantage is if you set up a NAS properly you can securely access it remotely from outside your network and play your own files as you're out and about, which means you don't have to pay for a streaming service (as long as your broadband is quick enough to stream files in the first place)

[f5alcon]

Are you backing up multiple devices? That is the best use for NAS, access from more than one system. 

[Captain_WD]

hey linus community, i was just wondering if you guys recon a nas is really worth it for just an average person like me

All i really need it for is for content backup for documents and photos, but thats really it

Thanks

Zach

 

Hey there,

 

NAS devices are great for remote backups and data storage that you can access pretty much anywhere. If you feel the need of such a thing, then you should go for it. You have the option between a pre-built NAS and building one on your own. I can suggest checking out WD's NAS solutions and see if any of them meet your needs and budget: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=anMQiA

 

If you need an external storage place just for simple backup and storage of media and documents, then a regular external drive (or multiple ones) should be sufficient enough. Even if you have multiple computers, external drives could work as long as you remember to create backups on them.

 

Captain_WD.