Computers and Software > Computers and Software - General
Network Attached Storage device
Sbrem:
I need a little help here, as when I try to read about it, I get way too much info to wade into, and thought someone here could make a suggestion. We have an old Mac Mini acting as a server, (kind of, not with server software or anything like that) where there is a folder for all of our art files. The old Mac Mini needs to be replaced, and a friend recommended BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 2-Bay. We want to use that the same way we are using the Mini's hard drive. There would be 4 computers/users accessing it. With 2 - 2TB drives, we want one to mirror the other, as a backup. Something this size would also let us put our entire archive of art files (20+ years). Is this basically as simple as loading all of art onto one of the drives, setting it to mirror, and making sure we all have read and write access? That first, then I can move onto the features and options. Thanks in advance.
Steve
mk162:
I am not familiar with that one, but we run a synology and it's good. It runs as a raid and we have all of the computers on the network mirror and backup to it and then all of that is saved in the cloud.
It mostly depends on the size of the drives. With it only being 2 bay you won't be looking at much storage. I would go minimum 4 bay.
blue moon:
we are all windows, but here's my experience
I would not get a 2 drive unit. You can look into the 4 drive Buffalo DriveStation (USB) or Linkstation (NAS). it will be easier to expand later if needed. They pop up on ebay for reasonable amount.
you will connect the drive to configure it as mirror (RAID 1) or RAID 5 (requires three drives). You can configure one of the drives as standby so it will automatically rebuild a failed drive.
Files are transferred after it's all configured.
We store all the files on the server and use the Buffalo for backup. I probably would not use it as the main storage device though. If your box dies you are out until you buy a new one (and holly crap are they expensive if you need it NOW!). I have a standby at home just for that reason.
It comes with NovaStor software for backups. 'not really impressed, but it does work.
So my suggestion would be to upgrade the drive in your mini or get an external drive for your mini. Something faster than USB. If you absolutely have to get rid of the mini, find a used older one. They should be pretty cheap. All the external enclosures I've messed with have always been iffy.
Also, 4TB drives are a sweet point now. You can get them for $90 or so. I just bought this:
https://www.microcenter.com/product/477374/ironwolf-4tb-5900rpm-sata-iii-6gb-s-35-nas-internal-hard-drive
heavier duty bearings for longer life.
If you are set on A Buffalo box, here's one on ebay. 4TB and if you configure as RAID 5 with standby it will give you only 2TB, but it sounds like that might be enough for you . . .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Bay-NAS-Buffalo-LinkStation-Pro-Quad-4TB-External-Drive/254362727615?hash=item3b393334bf:g:CagAAOSwUY9dNl2g
pierre
blue moon:
--- Quote from: mk162 on September 20, 2019, 03:53:03 PM ---I am not familiar with that one, but we run a synology and it's good. It runs as a raid and we have all of the computers on the network mirror and backup to it and then all of that is saved in the cloud.
It mostly depends on the size of the drives. With it only being 2 bay you won't be looking at much storage. I would go minimum 4 bay.
--- End quote ---
beat me to it!
Sbrem:
I think I might be OK with the 2 drives as altogether we have about 800GB to store. At the beginning of each year we move the previous year's files over to one of the Archives, and start fresh for the new year. Thanks all, I appreciate the input, a few concise options and not over my head, lol. Have a good weekend all.
Steve
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