Firstly, let me say I'm a big fan of this site. The articles have been incredibly helpful. This is my first post in the forums.
Having read "Smart SOHOS don't do RAID", and a bunch of other useful stuff, I sat down and really thought about what I need.
While I might consider a NAS file-server + second NAS for backup in the longer term, I have to face the fact that I have a house full of laptops and desktops that have no backup strategy at all. (Yes, I know.. but I'm here, aren't I? Got to start sometime).
Therefore the primary purpose of any NAS I might buy will be to backup many gigs of data for my family.
So, given that, I need something that I can attach to the wireless network and schedule backups without needing my family to "do" anything. Something that works regardless of whether they install software on their machines or not.
After reading the articles on this site, I'm now less concerned with the NAS's performance (primarily, the network will be the limiting factor ).
What concerns me now, is the quality of the Backup Software. A year or so ago I got one of those WD external USB "Book" drives and I found Memeo to be intrusive, feature-starved, and when the "trial" ended, I was "locked out" of my backups. I would ideally like something that is free or, at least, comes pre-installed on the NAS and is not client, or time-limited. Ease of Use is another big factor. I can get around a linux command prompt if I absolutely have to, but I'd prefer something my wife could use.
Are there any knowledgable folks here who recommend something like that?
Thanks in advance
Having read "Smart SOHOS don't do RAID", and a bunch of other useful stuff, I sat down and really thought about what I need.
While I might consider a NAS file-server + second NAS for backup in the longer term, I have to face the fact that I have a house full of laptops and desktops that have no backup strategy at all. (Yes, I know.. but I'm here, aren't I? Got to start sometime).
Therefore the primary purpose of any NAS I might buy will be to backup many gigs of data for my family.
So, given that, I need something that I can attach to the wireless network and schedule backups without needing my family to "do" anything. Something that works regardless of whether they install software on their machines or not.
After reading the articles on this site, I'm now less concerned with the NAS's performance (primarily, the network will be the limiting factor ).
What concerns me now, is the quality of the Backup Software. A year or so ago I got one of those WD external USB "Book" drives and I found Memeo to be intrusive, feature-starved, and when the "trial" ended, I was "locked out" of my backups. I would ideally like something that is free or, at least, comes pre-installed on the NAS and is not client, or time-limited. Ease of Use is another big factor. I can get around a linux command prompt if I absolutely have to, but I'd prefer something my wife could use.
Are there any knowledgable folks here who recommend something like that?
Thanks in advance