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Typically they are both one and the same - they both host data available over the network and in many cases, provide additional features and functionality to the local network. I would classify the two as follows:

 

NAS - typically a purpose built unit you buy with or without disks (adding them if you get without). Most often running some flavor of Linux, web managed system. In addition to hosting data, many provide backup services to local devices, various streaming options, remote access in some cases and such... There is usually nothing to be done with the box itself, being a purpose built solution.

 

Home Server - typically a solution you build yourself from PC/Server hardware, that you then run a "home server" software on. These solutions are much more configurable and customized. They can provide much of the functionality of a traditional NAS but also go beyond. For instance, Windows Home Server will allow you to install pretty much anything else on it as well.Solutions like unRaid and FreeNAS have various RAID settings and options, have tons of plugins, etc. 

 

Most people who have a bunch of hardware lying around the house will go for the home server solution, because it saves costs. More "customization" but also your technical expertise may need to be a bit higher. A NAS, you can go buy, add disks, bit of web config and is ready to go.

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Folding/Boinc Info - Check out the Folding and Boinc Section, read the Folding Install thread and the Folding FAQ. Info on Boinc is here. Don't forget to join team 223518. Check out other users Folding Rigs for ideas. Don't forget to follow the @LTTCompute for updates and other random posts about the various teams.

Follow me on Twitter for updates @Whaler_99

 

 

 

 

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Typically they are both one and the same - they both host data available over the network and in many cases, provide additional features and functionality to the local network. I would classify the two as follows:

 

NAS - typically a purpose built unit you buy with or without disks (adding them if you get without). Most often running some flavor of Linux, web managed system. In addition to hosting data, many provide backup services to local devices, various streaming options, remote access in some cases and such... There is usually nothing to be done with the box itself, being a purpose built solution.

 

Home Server - typically a solution you build yourself from PC/Server hardware, that you then run a "home server" software on. These solutions are much more configurable and customized. They can provide much of the functionality of a traditional NAS but also go beyond. For instance, Windows Home Server will allow you to install pretty much anything else on it as well.Solutions like unRaid and FreeNAS have various RAID settings and options, have tons of plugins, etc. 

 

Most people who have a bunch of hardware lying around the house will go for the home server solution, because it saves costs. More "customization" but also your technical expertise may need to be a bit higher. A NAS, you can go buy, add disks, bit of web config and is ready to go.

Is Windows Home Server still relevant?

Anything built with screws is meant to be disassembled.

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For some yes, I know a large user base are still using the old version of Home Server with the drive extender technology. The newer Home Server doesn't have this functionality. Windows Server Essentials and Windows 8 have the new solution called Storage Spaces. Getting more and more popular now are things like unRaid and FreeNAS.

Forum Links - Community Standards, Privacy Policy, FAQ, Features Suggestions, Bug and Issues.

Folding/Boinc Info - Check out the Folding and Boinc Section, read the Folding Install thread and the Folding FAQ. Info on Boinc is here. Don't forget to join team 223518. Check out other users Folding Rigs for ideas. Don't forget to follow the @LTTCompute for updates and other random posts about the various teams.

Follow me on Twitter for updates @Whaler_99

 

 

 

 

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