The amount of information that must be stored on the hard drive, any user grows at an amazing rate. Those memory volumes that a year ago seemed unrealistically large, are now being filled in a few weeks. And if for home use you can solve the problem for a while by purchasing another hard drive, then for organizations and enterprises, for those who are large The amount of memory required for professional activities, the only solution can be only network storage. In addition to storing information, this system also provides its security, which is also quite relevant.
Practically, the network storage is a specialized computer, the components of which are selected in such a way as to optimally solve the tasks posed: storage and security of information. This system also provides fast and convenient access to the necessary data. For home use it is possible to convert an old computer, but this option has only one advantage: a relatively low price. But the disadvantages are much greater: problems can arise With the installation of new disks, their cooling, administration. Often the motherboard of a conventional computer does not allow you to connect two Ethernet inputs or a second power source. All this does not allow the industrial use of such self-made storage facilities.
Large corporations, specializing in the production of computer equipment, have developed special computers - network storage. They differ mainly in the number of installation locations (slots) of disks. Traditionally it is believed that the more you can install disks, the higher the device class, but this is not always true. There is another criterion, such as a list of features, software and design.
The convenience of using network storage is determined by the way the disk is installed: the higher the class has the device, the more comfortable and easier the element is inserted / received. When choosing a network storage, pay attention to the availability of the cooling system and the quality of its performance. From these two parameters, the comfort of use largely depends. Of course, you need to ask more and software. To date, NAS network storage is mostly running on Linux. Microsoft lags behind its main competitors: its products present quite high requirements for the "hardware" with which it will work. It does not add to Microsoft's offspring a mistake made by developers, which can lead to the loss of stored information. But also Linux can present surprises: sometimes in unexpected places there are mysterious designations which can frighten the ordinary user. In general, choose what you like. Sometimes the choice may be affected by additional features: the network storage can have several additional communication options. Usually, these are USB ports, through which you can connect flash drives, additional drives, printers, Wi-Fi adapters and other devices. Usually there are two Ethernet ports, but there are also more exotic options.