In the past, when your computer’s hard drive ran out of space, you had two options: delete some files or upgrade to a larger hard drive. Then came the era of flash memory, which was portable and easy to use, but prone to damage and threats like viruses and malware. With public cloud storage, privacy concerns and recurring licensing fees remain a constant issue. To address these problems, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices emerged as an advanced solution. This guide will help you understand NAS devices and provide tips to choose the right one for you.
What is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) Device?
NAS devices are external storage devices connected to your network. Connecting these devices to your network opens up a multitude of fantastic features that you can benefit from. This includes sharing files with your various devices, and using the NAS as a streaming service to play your videos, movie library, and favorite series on your TV or manage your photos with complete privacy.
Who Should Own a NAS?
In simple terms, anyone can own a NAS device. There are different versions of NAS devices, each offering certain features. There are NAS devices for regular users, small businesses, and even large corporations. For a regular user or someone who wants to use a NAS at home, there are different versions of NAS devices that can meet your desires and needs:
- Large Storage Capacity: If you’re someone with a lot of files, even a 256GB smartphone isn’t enough for all the data you own. A NAS device allows you to transfer files over the network and keep a backup. You don’t have to deal with deleting photos and other files because you can keep a backup that can be accessed from anywhere using a computer, smartphone, or laptop.
- Easy File Sharing: If you like transferring large files and want to access them easily, you and others on the network, with the ability to synchronize files and share them smoothly across different systems and devices, then you need a Synology NAS device.
- Easy User Experience: Besides backing up your files, Synology offers a smooth and simple experience. All their NAS devices operate through a very simple and easy-to-use user interface, so anyone can navigate and control their device the way they want without any problem.
- File Protection and Security: If you fear deleting your important data and want to preserve your files and precious memories from loss, Synology NAS devices will be your only safe haven. The best part about NAS devices is that they make a backup of your files.
How to Choose Your First NAS Device?
After understanding what NAS devices can offer you, it’s time to get a suitable NAS for you. However, the problem you face here lies in how to choose the best NAS device for you. There are several elements through which you will determine which NAS device is what you are looking for and meets your other needs and purposes:
- Processor: A NAS device is a small computer connected to your network. So, it has things like a CPU, RAM, and special slots for the hard disk. For the processor, you have a range of options. There are NAS devices that operate via a dual-core processor, which is sufficient if your uses are confined to data storage and file management. If you like running multiple tasks such as virtual simulators and heavy applications, you should think about getting a NAS with a quad-core processor that operates at least 2 gigahertz so you can handle such dense tasks without any problem.
- Network: NAS devices from Synology come with a variety of network options. Some devices have a single Gigabit Ethernet port, while others have two or even four ports for larger data transfers. If you’re a heavy user who needs to transfer large files frequently, consider a NAS with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Remember, choosing a NAS device depends on your specific needs and budget. Take the time to understand your requirements and compare different models before making a purchase.
