Windows Home Server is an option!
Being a systems administrator, I was looking for a trial version of windows server 2003 or 2008. I happened to come across Windows Home Server.
When I started my research I thought that this was going to be a rinky dinky system, and not able to control the ascpects that I was looking for. I was soon learn that I was wrong.
I was not interested in setting up an entire domain, and more interested in a standalone NAS server. I found the Acer Apsire H340 and I quickly purchased it online. When the unit arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at the level of control that I had over the system, and that I was able to place 4 2 TB drives into the unit.
Although the unit doesný have a proper raid configuration, I have been able to setup different backup types on machine, and the files are copied to different drives that are hot swapable. The noise coming from the unit is very low, and it is on all the time, as I primarily use it as a Media Server.
Installing the client onto my laptops enables me to easily connect to it, and have automatic backups of my machines performed and completed simplifing my life.
Since the drives are setup as shares based on types, connecting to the them is a snap even for unseasoned users.
I’ll go into the admin functions a little more as I use them more, and give you more info shortly.
Categories: Software Tags: Backup, Media Server, WHS
Why should I use a NAS?
A NAS is a device that sits on your home network, and it allows your to have a centralized location for all your files to sit. NAS stands for Network Area Storage, and that’s exactly what it does. It is a self contained box that plugs into your home netowrk, normally into your switch or router, and it provides a place to dump common files.
People use NAS devices for storing Photos, Music, Movies, and other programs. Some NAS devices will allow you to have access to the files from remote locations as well.
These devices can be used in a variety of configurations, and normally hold atleast 2 Hard Disks. They will allow for RAID configurations, such as:
RAID 0 – Striping – Faster Data access as data is written across both disks.
RAID 1 – Mirroring – copies the files from Disk 1 to Disk 2
RAID 5 – Striped Disks with Parity – Copies the information across the disks, but keeps one for parity information. Requires 3 disks at a minimum.
RAID 1+0 – Mirrored Data Set which is Striped – Minimum of 2 Disks needed.
Most NAS devices will only allow for 2 Disks (drive bays) to be added to the unit, but there are 3 disk versions which are normally a lot more expensive.
Having a NAs in your network is a great way to not only share files across multiple computers, but also to have a place to store files, so they are not residing on your personal pc. The best application is to use the NAS to store images of your hard drive, so if you ever experience a crash, your data can easily be recovered.
So what do you use your NAS for? Do you have a favorite manufacturer?
A NAS is a device that sits on your home network, and it allows your to have a centralized location for all your files to sit. NAS stands for Network Area Storage, and that’s exactly what it does. It is a self contained box that plugs into your home netowrk, normally into your switch or router, and it provides a place to dump common files.
People use NAS devices for storing Photos, Music, Movies, and other programs. Some NAS devices will allow you to have access to the files from remote locations as well.
These devices can be used in a variety of configurations, and normally hold atleast 2 Hard Disks. They will allow for RAID configurations, such as:
RAID 0 – Striping – Faster Data access as data is written across both disks.
RAID 1 – Mirroring – copies the files from Disk 1 to Disk 2
RAID 5 – Striped Disks with Parity – Copies the information across the disks, but keeps one for parity information. Requires 3 disks at a minimum.
RAID 1+0 – Mirrored Data Set which is Striped – Minimum of 2 Disks needed.
Most NAS devices will only allow for 2 Disks (drive bays) to be added to the unit, but there are 3 disk versions which are normally a lot more expensive.
Having a NAs in your network is a great way to not only share files across multiple computers, but also to have a place to store files, so they are not residing on your personal pc. The best application is to use the NAS to store images of your hard drive, so if you ever experience a crash, your data can easily be recovered.
So what do you use your NAS for? Do you have a favorite manufacturer?
What are System Restore points?
Have you ever wondered just what a system restore point was, and just why you need them?
Your not alone. A lot of people don’t know how to effectively use them, and they can be a great tool for backup. However; that being said, it should never be your ONLY form of backup of your system. System Restore points should be considered the front line of your backup solution.
System Restore points can be made in Vista or Windows 7 by opening the Control Panel and choosing System.
Select on System Protection
Here we are able to choose the specific settings of our backup. Choose configure, and Select the following options:
Restore system settings and previous versions of files.
The amount of Disk Space that is used, is up to you. I would normally recommend about 10% of your total Hard Disk. Once these options are enabled, then your system should be backing up the data. The default for the task in Windows is to run at midnight each day.
***NOTE***
I do not consider this to be a full backup of your system, however; if used correctly this can be used as one component of a full backup routine for your data.