A network attached storage (NAS) is amazing and every tech enthusiast can benefit from having one. In this introductory article, I will explain what is it and what the benefits are.
Press enter or click to view image in full size
A NAS looks just like a boring cube with some hard drives in it. Because that is exactly what it is.
But as it is very weak compared to a gaming computer and consumes very little energy, it’s ideal for being on 24/7.
The compact nature combined with big hard drives, allows a person to have his own server at home, for very cheap!
But what would the use be for such a device? Most people just use the internal drive of their laptop and backup their photos to Google Photos or iCloud. And these services are great and should be used as a backup, although Google is phasing out unlimited backups and these storage costs can add up.
A NAS helps mitigate these costs by being a one-time purchase (aside from electricity) and having storage on the cheap. Then backing the most important things you don’t need access for on Backbaze for 60 bucks a year, allows to reduce costs.
And I know, people will be outraged and tell me that Google Photos and iCloud have nice interfaces to look at your pictures and you wouldn’t get that in a NAS by browsing folders, right?
Well, actually, you can have that and much more!
You can use Nextcloud to backup everything you need and these files will automatically synchronize with your NAS at home. Afterwards, the Nextcloud app provides you with a nice interface to look at your files and pictures.
Press enter or click to view image in full size
And the best thing is, your data is yours only and no company can spy on you!
But aside from that, what can a NAS else offer you? Well, a lot of things…
It can be used as your own streaming service by using Plex or Jellyfin so that you can watch your legally obtained *wink* Series and Movies on the go or allow friends to access them:
Press enter or click to view image in full size
You can even create automated processes to grab the newest episodes and movies using Sonarr and Radarr!
You can create an adblocker that works on your entire network using PiHole!
Press enter or click to view image in full size
>It’s possible to run Virtual Machines on the NAS and try out different systems, like Linux (CentOS, PopOS, Ubuntu) or even MacOS!
Or what about hosting your own website using your NAS? Very easy to do!
I hope I managed to convince some people to look further for a NAS and for that, you may read my upcoming guide for choosing a NAS!
https://emretokyuez.medium.com/what-kind-of-nas-is-right-for-you-73fe4c62a301