The amount of information that must be stored on the hard drive, for any user is growing at an amazing rate. Those memory volumes that a year ago seemed unrealistically large are now filling up in a few weeks. And if for home use you can solve the problem for some time by buying another hard drive, then for organizations and enterprises, for those who are big
memory volumes are necessary for professional activities, the only solution can only be network storage. This system, in addition to
storing information, also ensures its security, which is also quite relevant.
In practice, network storage is a specialized computer, the components of which are selected in such a way as to optimally solve the tasks: storage and security of information. This system also provides quick and convenient access to the necessary data. For home use it is quite possible to convert an old computer, but this option has only one plus: a relatively low price. But there are much more minuses: problems may arise
with the installation of new disks, their cooling, administration. Often the motherboard of a conventional computer does not allow you to connect two Ethernet inputs or a second power source. All this does not allow the industrial use of such home-made storage facilities.
Large corporations specializing in the production of computer equipment have developed special computers - network attached storage. They differ mainly in the number of installation locations (slots) of disks. It is traditionally believed that the more drives you can install, the higher the class of the device, but this is not always true. There is also such a criterion as a list of features, software and design.
The usability of network storage is determined by the method of installing the drive: the higher the class the device has, the more comfortable and easier the element is inserted / taken out. When choosing a network storage, pay attention to the presence of a cooling system and the quality of its performance. These two parameters mainly determine the comfort of use. Of course, you must also ask about the software. To date, NAS NAS is mainly Linux-based. Microsoft is lagging behind its main competitors: its products have rather high requirements for the hardware with which it will work. Does not add popularity to the brainchild of Microsoft, a mistake made by developers, which can lead to the loss of stored information. But Linux can bring surprises: sometimes in unexpected places mysterious signs appear that can scare the average user. In general, choose what you like best. Sometimes additional options may affect your choices: NAS can have several additional communication options. As a rule, these are USB ports through which you can connect flash drives, additional drives, printers,
Wi-Fi adapters and other devices. Usually there are two Ethernet ports, but there are more exotic options.