Doing more with your NAS
What else can they do?
A NAS device isn’t only useful for making backups; newer NAS servers are much more versatile. For example, they allow you to share music, plus you can use them in the cloud and install dozens of plug-ins on them.
NAS servers
A good NAS server contains one or more hard disks and is connected to your network through a network cable. NAS servers are manufactured by, e.g., Synology ( http://www.synology.com/en-uk ), QNAP ( http://www.qnap.com ), Netgear ( http://www.netgear.co.uk ) and Seagate ( http://www.seagate.com/gb/en ), with prices ranging from £85 to £125. Tip. We recommend buying a NAS with room for at least two hard disks, so that if one disk breaks down, you still have all the data on the second one. If you own a NAS that is less than three years old, install the latest software on it. This can be done through the update function on the NAS itself (which you can access via your browser) or by downloading a free update file from the manufacturer’s website.
In the cloud
The most recent NAS servers offer full integration with cloud storage services - this is often called hybrid cloud . You should configure your cloud accounts on the NAS itself, after which the NAS will be synchronised automatically with your cloud account. This means you no longer need to install any cloud software on your computers.
Note. If you opt for this solution, it’s important to synchronise your computers with your NAS server regularly, for example using the free GoodSync tool ( http://www.goodsync.com ).
Audio and video
Recent NAS servers also contain an “app store”. This will contain various media plug-ins, e.g. for organising your photos. This software then automatically creates photo albums on your NAS which you can not only view within your network but also share with friends or family. The advantage is that you don’t need to upload your photos first. Tip. This works well only if you have a fast Internet connection. Plus, you will have to open a couple of ports in your router - see Portforward ( http://www.portforward.com ). Alternatively, you can turn your NAS into a UPnP music and video server and make your music and films accessible anywhere in your network. You only need to install the Media Server app for this purpose and use a UPnP-compatible media player - for example XBMC ( http://www.xbmc.org ) - in order to stream video directly. Tip. Some manufacturers offer dedicated apps for this purpose, for instance DS video for Synology NAS servers ( http://www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/home_mobile_support_ds_video ).
Even more apps
Some app stores offer dozens of other useful apps. For example, you can run a full-blown webserver on your NAS, a webshop, a WordPress blog, or a server for managing your webcams. Tip. Another app we can recommend is Wonderbox ( http://www.wonderbox.net.tw/en ), for easily sharing folders within your network and over the Internet.
Create your profile to unlock this advice and many more.