qnap vs synology vs other and other general advice

[james2013]

I have a very general question.

I will be taking college coursework in networking soon. It will enable me to get free Microsoft server software for educational purposes. I plan to install Windows Server 2012 for home use, build a ridiculously overcomplicated home network for educational purposes, and try to learn from it. After I feel comfortable with Server 2012 I plan to get a high powered NAS, mostly just to see what I can do with it.

Down the road, I hope all this educational effort will lead to productive employment. At this time, I am focusing on small business and the ultra advanced home markets. I am not interested in being a cog in a large IT department.

Both Synology and QNAP appear to have powerful software support. However, Server 2012 also offers the ability to duplicate some of these functions. Given what I'm about to describe, which would be a better selection?

Also, What would be some good educational objectives to consider over the next few months? What professional level objectives and technologies should I become familiar with so that I can consider myself knowledgeable in working these two technologies together.

I'm not asking for general suggestions like learn active directory or read about storage spaces. I understand home networking and network theory pretty well. I'm asking for suggestions such as "Learn about A taking into consideration technology B and system feature C and you will have objective D nailed".

For this purpose, would QNAP, Synology or another be a good choice?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[thiggins]

Good choice for what?

Commercial NASes are Linux based and internally very different from Windows server. Basic principles will apply, but specifics will be very different between the two platforms.

 

[thiggins]

All modern operating systems support SMB (SAMBA). So whether you use Windows Server or a NAS, they will all be able to access files shared on the server. The difference is more user admin and file access permission methods.

For home, the permissions and feature sets provided by NASes are fine. For small businesses, it depends. Consultants who come from a Windows Server background go that way. Folks used to open source and taking a less expensive route, go with NASes.

Windows server took an all in one approach with running everything through the server, VPN, remote access, permissions, file serving, even internet sharing.

You can do the same thing with multiple devices today, separating the networking from the file serving and access permissions.

Different strokes...

 

[stevech]

If your goal is learning for professional reasons, expertise in Windows Server software is more broadly appealing to prospective bosses than NASes. Unless you are to be a NAS ex-spurt working for small businesses. But as said, even small businesses often stay in the Microsoft box.

 

[stevech]

If you're learning Win Server to enhance your resume, you'll learn a lot more and faster by reading books, taking community college classes, etc.

 

[TonyH]

Hi,
Not interested in FreeNAS assemblying own hardware? It'll be under your budget for sure.

 

[stevech]

I found FreeNAS to be missing most all features that COTS NASes have.
OK if you just want file sharing.