Advice please

themacdaddy · 27-05-2015 05:00PM #1

Hi All,

I am a complete novice when it comes to servers and systems. I can build PC's but I know very little about servers.

I want to get/build a system where I can access central file storeage from multiple machines from one location. I also want to ensure I can use raid in case one of the hard drives fail. So from my PC or Laptop I want to be able to access files from the server and lets say watch movie or view photos etc.

I was looking at this machine and was going to put 2 x 4GB hard drives for it.

Could someone advise if this would be appropriate?

What else would I have to consider? Could I connect my devices wirelessly to the server or would it have to be wired?

What software would you recommend? Windows Home Server?

I realise some of these questions may seem stupid so please bare with me.

Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

seamus · 27-05-2015 05:18PM

I assume you meant 2 x 4TB hard drives

Modern NAS machines basically operate as home servers these days, and usually come with all sorts of media features built-in and available to download.

Synology Diskstations I highly recommend, you basically plug it into the network and it becomes a home server with minimal setup. Features a custom-rolled linux operating system. You can operate it via a slick web interface, or if you really want to do proper server admin stuff, you can SSH onto the underlying linux OS and do what you want. But for 99% of stuff, the web interface is perfectly good.

The server itself usually has to be wired - some will come with wireless NICs, but for reasons of speed it would always be recommended that you connect a NAS or home server directly to your router. Wireless clients like phones will still be able to use the server over the home network.

themacdaddy · 27-05-2015 09:19PM

Thanks Seamus. Really appreciate the detailed response. Will do some research on them now.

Stuxnet · 27-05-2015 10:28PM

Drobo might suit you

Advice please

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