Analysis Paralysis: Can You Point Me in the Right Direction?

[eyal8r]

Hey guys-
Been reading for a few weeks now- and I'm overwhelmed. I've built a number of computers in the past, have lots of computer experience- but never done anything NAS related.

I'm really confused now, if I want a NAS system for RAID and file storage (file server), or, just a basic backup system and keep the files stores on each PC.

Essentially, do I want to store all my documents/pictures/videos/files on a NAS and use RAID for 'security', or keep all those files spread across multiple drives/computers, and use NAS as a backup solution?

Here's my current setup-
Netgear Range Max WNDR3700 Router

Laptop 1:
- 500gb Drive (Internal) - 60% Full
- 2 TB Drive (External) - 75% Full

Laptop 2:
- 500 GB Drive (Internal) - 70% Full & Growing

PS3 System:
- 500 GB Drive (Internal) - 70% Full & Growing

Currently, I use the 2TB External Drive for 3 reasons:
1) A Backup Storage Space for all my media files I store on the PS3 Unit (Movies mainly) - I also will stream these to the PS3 occasionally
2) Storage of all my Music/iTunes music - also will stream to the PS3 occasionally
3) Backup PC1 and PC2 Files.

Right now I am using Mozy.com for automated backup. I am quickly adding more and more space to the account as I add more and more files to my system- so the price is increasing as well. I'd like to eliminate this expense.

Here's my questions:
I'm debating between keeping all files in a central location (ie- NAS or Drive) and off of the Laptop PCs, or keeping the files on the laptops and use NAS as a backup solution. Many of the 'work' related files will need to stay on the laptops- while the media (movies, pictures, music, etc) could easily be relocated to a server type setup. However- there's not enough space to store ALL media on the internal drives of the laptops, so I'd always need an external drive to store it on (or a NAS). Which is the best way to go here, or can I use NAS for both?

I'm also looking at building an HTPC in the future- where, most, if not all, media files can be stored on that setup. That would replace the PS3 system (since I don't do any gaming) for media distribution. Would I then store all media on the HTPC instead, and use the NAS as ONLY a backup system? OR- is it best to use NAS as a server setup and then look at backup configurations with that as well?

I have 4 old ATX PC's I can scrap for parts (or, most likely will sell on ebay and use the money to buy new hardware as I need to).

If I am building a system, cost is ALWAYS a factor- with heat/power/noise running a close 2nd, 3rd, 4th. From what I can see, I need a solid 4-5TB to be backed up, and would need to expand as I need in the future. I've been reading a lot about FreeNas and whatnot as well. I'm open to either that and/or hardware raid, depending on prices...

So with all this being said- is it best to use a NAS system for a File Server, or as a Backup System, or can it be used for both? What's the best way to set this up?

Thanks for your time!

 

[thiggins]

There are lots of ways to go. But the key thing to avoid is having a single point of failure. You want multiple copies of files on different devices.

I would keep cloud storage in the mix, but not use it for large media files if I could avoid it to keep costs down.

 

[eyal8r]

Tim-
Thanks for the response. Can you give examples of that for me?

I'd like to keep it simple and trustworthy. I don't know of anywhere that has Cloud Storage that large and cheap???

 

[thiggins]

One approach is to keep files distributed as they are, on individual machines, and use the NAS as backup.

If files are on CD/DVD or purchased from cloud-based providers, you don't really need to back them up or they can take lower priority. Replacing these files can be done, it's just takes longer.

There are many, many other ways. Again, the main point is don't have a single point of failure for any file you don't want to risk losing.

Look at Backblaze, who recently lifted limits on filesize.

 

[eyal8r]

Gotcha. So what you're suggesting lines up with what I was thinking initially when I got into this... keep all the files as-is on their individual machines/drives- then use NAS strictly as backup. I like that plan the best.

With that said- does that mean that the NAS would also utilize RAID somehow? Assuming I have say, 4TB of data, how would you setup the NAS system (Raid 0-6? No Raid? etc).

Thanks for the help!

 

[thiggins]

The primary use for RAID is creating a larger virtual volume out of smaller ones. You always lose capacity when using RAID, since part of the volume is used for keeping track of where everything is.

With 3 TB drives available, you can get a LOT of data on a single physical drive. If you keep drives as separate volumes, you might end up with some unusable space on each drive. But when a drive fails, it takes only the data on it away, not the entire volume.

I'm a fan of KISS, so prefer to stay away from RAID if I don't need it.

 

[eyal8r]

Ahhh- ok, makes perfect sense. I agree with you on KISS, too...

How do you feel about using FreeNas?

Any suggestions on hardware, or should I start a new thread for that? Thanks!

 

[GregN]

How do you feel about using FreeNas?

Any suggestions on hardware, or should I start a new thread for that? Thanks!

Probably want to start a thread in DIY, lots of help available.

I can also recommend reading what other folks have written.

 

[eyal8r]

Will do. Thank you!