A NAS, or network-attached storage device, is a great way to store and share files across multiple devices on your home network. Rather than relying on cloud storage or external hard drives, a NAS allows you to keep your files on a dedicated device that any device on your network can access. The IBM DNES-318350 is one of the best server hard drives for your network attached storage system.
An old PC can be repurposed as a network attached storage device to centralize data storage, allowing multiple devices to access the same files and media. Additionally, it can be used as a media server to stream music and video to other devices, and as a backup solution for important data. It can save money by using an existing, older computer rather than purchasing a dedicated NAS device. If you have an old PC lying around that you are not using, turning it into a NAS is a great way to give it new life and add some useful functionality to your home network.
Things You Need to Turn an Old PC into a NAS:
Building a NAS from an old PC is a great way to repurpose an older computer and save money on new equipment. To convert an old PC into a NAS, you will need to follow some steps, such as installing the appropriate software, configuring the network settings, and setting up the storage. Below are the things that will help you turn an old PC into a Network attached storage device:
- Hardware requirements
- Software options
- Configuring your NAS
- Advanced features and customization
Hardware Requirements
Before you get started, there are a few hardware requirements that you will need to consider for building a network attached storage device. First and foremost, you will need at least one hard drive to store your files. Ideally, you should have at least two hard drives so that you can set up RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) for added data protection. Other hardware requirements include a network card and a power supply that can handle the power requirements of your hard drives. Additionally, you may want to consider adding extra hard drives or a RAID controller for increased storage capacity.
Software Options
Once you have gathered the necessary hardware, the next step is to choose a software option for your NAS. There are several open-source NAS software options available, such as FreeNAS and OpenMediaVault. Both of these options are free to use and offer a wide range of features for configuring your network attached storage device. FreeNAS is a popular choice for its ease of use and wide range of supported file-sharing protocols, while OpenMediaVault is a more advanced option with a greater degree of customization options.
FreeNAS
Pros:
Free and open-source software
It offers a wide range of features, such as data replication, snapshots, and encryption.
It has a large community and active development
Cons:
Can be complex to set up and configure.
It has no choice in the file system.
OpenMediaVault
Pros:
It provides a user-friendly interface
Has a web-based management interface
Cons:
Limited Hardware compatibility
Some features may not be advanced as other options such as FreeNAS
Installing and setting up your chosen NAS software is relatively straightforward. Both FreeNAS and OpenMediaVault have detailed installation guides that can walk you through the process. Once your software is installed, you will be able to configure user accounts and permissions, set up file-sharing options, and access your network attached storage from other devices on your network.
Configuring your NAS
When configuring your NAS, there are a few key settings that you should pay attention to. First, you will need to set up user accounts and permissions so that only authorized users can access your NAS. This is especially important if you are planning to share your network storage with others on your network. You will also want to configure file-sharing options, such as SMB (Server Message Block) and NFS (Network File System) so that your files can be accessed by other devices on your network.
The exact steps for configuring your network attached storage will vary depending on the make and model of your device, as well as the software it uses. It is recommended to refer to the device’s user manual for detailed instructions on how to configure it. It is always a good idea to ensure that the network attached storage device has the latest firmware update available, which may include security and performance enhancements.
Advanced Features and Customization
Once your NAS is set up and configured, there are a few advanced features and customization options that you can explore. For example, you can set up a media server to stream music and videos from your network attached storage device to other devices on your network. You can also set up a VPN (a virtual private network) to securely access your NAS from outside your home network. Additionally, many NAS software options allow you to customize the appearance and functionality of the user interface, so you can tailor your network attached storage device to your specific needs.
Maintaining your NAS is relatively easy, but there are a few things that you have to keep in your mind. Primarily, you need to keep your NAS software up to date to ensure that it is secure and functioning properly. Additionally, you will have to back up your files regularly to protect against data loss. If you run into any issues with your network storage device, there are several online resources and forums where you can find answers to common questions and troubleshoot problems.
Key takeaways
Using a network attached storage device to add storage to your home or small office network can be costly. However, if you have an old or unused PC, you can consider using it as a NAS device instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a professional system. If you are considering buying a server hard drive, please consider the IBM DNES-318350 server hard drive.
Turning an old PC into a network attached storage device is a great way to give it new life and add some useful functionality to your home network. With a few basic hardware requirements and the right software, you can easily set up a dedicated device for storing and sharing files. So, will you turn your old PC into NAS?
