I’m caught in a dilemma; either continue to archive files onto removable hard drives or rely on a third party and move everything online.
Backup Preview - Lists and reviews online backup services
I don’t want small amounts - I’m after something that could hold upto 200GB.
There has been a recent explosion of NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices released onto the market, as the major peripheral manufacturers start addressing the storage and network needs of home users and SMB (Small and medium sized businesses).
Previously these users may have used external hard drives as their primary back up medium, but as more desktops and laptops are deployed, users require more sophisticated features.
See my previous post about external hard drives
The disadvantage of external hard drives is that they must be attached directly to a PC and are not fast enough to support multiple PC’s.
The answer is to use a NAS device which is connected to the network and allows multiple users to connect to it simultaneously.
Users increasingly rely on external hard drives as back up devices connected directly to their systems using USB or Firewire interfaces.
Don’t think it won’t happen to you;
If your desktop or laptop hard drive stopped working right now, do you have a current copy of all of your files kept somewhere else?
There are essentially two main physical sizes which are used for Desktop use or Laptops (mobiles).
Typical products (as seen below) are available from Lacie or Western Digital
I recently found this Debian based home server which I think will be great for the home.
The Bubba Server from Swedish based Excito, can act as a local back up device, personal web server, FTP server and music server.
Key Points
Stylish small form factor enclosure in ivory white or sky blue colour options
Very quiet as there are no fans - only the noise of the hard drive
10w typical power drive - far less then other alternatives
Easy admin access via browser
