[Posting this for a reader who is having login trouble]
I've got a home-based business, which utilizes five PCs networked together (not connected to the internet), with one of the PCs designated as the "server" for database files (Access) with simultaneous multi-user use, spreadsheets (Excel) and documents (Word). The PCs currently use Windows 98SE as their operating system. I am upgrading to new PCs that use Windows XP Pro as the OS; also upgrading the software to MS Office 2003 (then eventually Office 2007). The new PCs have gigabit ethernet NICs to use with the new Netgear gigabit router -- the network will remain a closed one, with no connection to the internet. I also have an HP PrintServer to use with the new PCs, so I have no specific need for an NAS that has print server capabilities -- with the exception of having a general concern that there being no conflict with my HP PrintServer, should the NAS have print server capabilities. For backing up files, I am using a flash drive, which goes off-site with someone at the end of each day. I've just recently become aware of NAS devices, and they appear to be a good alternative to having one of my PCs as a designated server, though I must admit to knowing and understanding very little about them at this point.
In general, I would be looking for an NAS that:
1) is very simple and easy to set up and maintain;
2) allows me to create mapped network drives (e.g., G:\, H:\, I:\ ), such as I am able to do in Windows Explorer;
3) has a gigabit ethernet connection;
4) has 7200rpm as it's hard drive(s) -- as opposed to a BYOD unit;
5) has a second drive (or option to easily install a second drive) for RAID redundancy;
6) allows me to backup at a PC through Windows Explorer onto a flash drive ... I'd also like to have the option of having a port on the NAS where I could hook up an external USB HD for additional file backup capability;
7) has a power-saving mode, so the HD goes idle when not in use;
8) finally, it would also be nice to have the capability to set up User/Group permissions for the mapped drives on the NAS, though not absolutely necessary, as I can always do that in Windows.
I am considering the NAS devices listed below:
~ Netgear ReadyNAS Duo (#RND2150)
~ LaCie 2big Network (#301257U)
Not having any prior experience with NAS, and admittedly finding quite a bit of the technology rather confusing, I was wondering whether anyone had comments/suggestions regarding these units vis-a-vis my use of the device as a replacement for a dedicated PC as a server in conjunction with my software, as well as my above-stated device requirements. Any assistance/insight anyone could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much,
Miles
I've got a home-based business, which utilizes five PCs networked together (not connected to the internet), with one of the PCs designated as the "server" for database files (Access) with simultaneous multi-user use, spreadsheets (Excel) and documents (Word). The PCs currently use Windows 98SE as their operating system. I am upgrading to new PCs that use Windows XP Pro as the OS; also upgrading the software to MS Office 2003 (then eventually Office 2007). The new PCs have gigabit ethernet NICs to use with the new Netgear gigabit router -- the network will remain a closed one, with no connection to the internet. I also have an HP PrintServer to use with the new PCs, so I have no specific need for an NAS that has print server capabilities -- with the exception of having a general concern that there being no conflict with my HP PrintServer, should the NAS have print server capabilities. For backing up files, I am using a flash drive, which goes off-site with someone at the end of each day. I've just recently become aware of NAS devices, and they appear to be a good alternative to having one of my PCs as a designated server, though I must admit to knowing and understanding very little about them at this point.
In general, I would be looking for an NAS that:
1) is very simple and easy to set up and maintain;
2) allows me to create mapped network drives (e.g., G:\, H:\, I:\ ), such as I am able to do in Windows Explorer;
3) has a gigabit ethernet connection;
4) has 7200rpm as it's hard drive(s) -- as opposed to a BYOD unit;
5) has a second drive (or option to easily install a second drive) for RAID redundancy;
6) allows me to backup at a PC through Windows Explorer onto a flash drive ... I'd also like to have the option of having a port on the NAS where I could hook up an external USB HD for additional file backup capability;
7) has a power-saving mode, so the HD goes idle when not in use;
8) finally, it would also be nice to have the capability to set up User/Group permissions for the mapped drives on the NAS, though not absolutely necessary, as I can always do that in Windows.
I am considering the NAS devices listed below:
~ Netgear ReadyNAS Duo (#RND2150)
~ LaCie 2big Network (#301257U)
Not having any prior experience with NAS, and admittedly finding quite a bit of the technology rather confusing, I was wondering whether anyone had comments/suggestions regarding these units vis-a-vis my use of the device as a replacement for a dedicated PC as a server in conjunction with my software, as well as my above-stated device requirements. Any assistance/insight anyone could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much,
Miles
