
#Should i install intel smart connect technology software
Every NAS should come with software that can automatically back up PCs. Normally, you’d buy one, two or four separate hard drives to slot into the empty drive bays, depending on how much storage you need. When you buy a NAS, you’re paying for the box, processor, memory, disk controllers and software. Everyone in the house can load, stream or store files when they need them, usually via Wi-Fi. The NAS connects directly to your Wi-Fi router, not your PC, and is always on. Most run a small version of Linux because it’s very reliable, runs on cheap ARM chips, and is free. The second problem is that Microsoft dropped a feature everyone liked, which was the ability to expand a Windows Home Server by plugging in external hard drives.Ī NAS is basically a computer with the slowest processor and smallest memory that the manufacturer can get away with, but has bays to hold from one to four hard drives. The first problem is that Microsoft announced that Home Server 2011 would be the last. I wouldn’t recommend buying an Asus Home Server or similar device at this point, though current users have no need to change: it’s exceptionally easy to use. IainĪ NAS (Network Attached Storage) box is not only the obvious solution, it’s the best solution. The obvious solution seems to be to add a NAS, which could be done fairly cheaply using something like the D-Link DSN-327L, but I’m also wondering about the Home Server option – something like Asus Home Server.


I’m not really bothered about media streaming, but may want to do that in the future. My main concerns are adding more storage capacity and automating backups, as I am not good at doing that regularly. Also on the home network are a couple of former XP machines now running Windows 8.1 (used by my daughters for homework), various mobile devices (mostly Android), a smart TV, Raspberry Pi etc. The 1TB drive on my Windows 7 PC is over 90% full, and a bit of housekeeping will only delay the inevitable.
