Newbie NAS help

[feeddagoat]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking on anandtech for quite a while but finally decided I need so help I couldn't get without directly asking. My problem is that my data is being split between 4 different computers and I really need way to have access to everything. Until recently memory sticks and drop box have worked but present their own problems such as getting lost or just not being big enough. The next best solution is a home server but this is where my I need help.

First of all my set up:

Main PC - AMD 6000+ x2, 4GB ram, GTX260, 320GB HDD + 1TB HDD (Main PC when working at home)

Secondary PC - AMD 5400+ x2, 4gb ram, HD4650, 250GB HDD. (Recently upgraded family PC. Main family computer and some light gaming done on it. Main use for me is the printer is connected to this.)

Laptop - Acer aspire one netbook (spend 90% of my time on this since most of my time is spent up at uni writing doing programming, research etc. Would bring it with me most places so its actually becoming my main PC

Spare PC - Dell dimension E520, Pentium D (3.2GHz I think), 2GB ram, 320GB HDD, ubuntu. (This was a family members old PC I managed to save and used it to play with ubuntu. I don't really have a use for itso was hoping to make it the basis of my server)

My plan was to use the spare PC and swap my 1TB HDD straight into it as a start. If I can get somewhere that can act as central storage, create back up of data stored on it and be used to connect the only printer to (epson DX5000 if it makes a difference) that's my main aim. What I need help with:-

1. Is it possible just to swap an HDD straight into another PC without any problems?

2. Is it worth using a pentium D as the basis of a server since they're not exactly known for being power efficient which is probably the most important thing for a server.

3. While not a primary concern atm would it be possible to to expand the server to handle TV recording duties?

4. What OS? I have access through uni to pretty much any OS for free (Apple use to be on the list but didn't see it last time I checked), so cost inst a problem.

5. What is the best way to handle backing up data? Is making a second copy the best way, or copying then compressing onto another HDD better?

While this is the easiest and cheapest way (After a PSU change since a dell one wold make me loose sleep) it leaves me with no expansion. Also the I know people always ask about raid and from research I would possibly be better avoiding it unless someone can make an argument for it. I don't have a massive budget (£250 target but can stretch to £400 if absolutely necessary) but want to do this right rather than cheaply. Any advice where to start or the best thing to do?

If you need anymore info or something cleared please ask.

 

[feeddagoat]

anyone?

 

[Icecold]

1. Is it possible just to swap an HDD straight into another PC without any problems?

Biggest thing here to be concerned about is how the drive is formatted. Fat32 pretty much works on all platforms. It's been years since I've dealt with NTFS on anything other than Windows, but last I played around with it it wasn't very reliable on linux.

2. Is it worth using a pentium D as the basis of a server since they're not exactly known for being power efficient which is probably the most important thing for a server.

Pentium D will be fine. Having the extra core will benefit the server vs a single core. A low power zacate platform, core i3, or Athlon X2 would be more ideal, but if you already have the machine I would just go with it.

3. While not a primary concern atm would it be possible to to expand the server to handle TV recording duties?

High def or standard? Cable or broadcast? What country do you live in?

4. What OS? I have access through uni to pretty much any OS for free (Apple use to be on the list but didn't see it last time I checked), so cost inst a problem.

A lot of people are happy with Windows Home Server, and it gives you a lot of additional backup options, etc. If it were me, I would just stick with Ubuntu that's on there. Unless you have some very specific need for Windows, Ubuntu makes a rock solid home server.

5. What is the best way to handle backing up data? Is making a second copy the best way, or copying then compressing onto another HDD better?

You want a whole second copy. There are all kinds of different automated backup solutions(and some built into windows home server). How much data you need to back up will answer a lot of questions on what would work best.

While this is the easiest and cheapest way (After a PSU change since a dell one wold make me loose sleep) it leaves me with no expansion. Also the I know people always ask about raid and from research I would possibly be better avoiding it unless someone can make an argument for it. I don't have a massive budget (£250 target but can stretch to £400 if absolutely necessary) but want to do this right rather than cheaply. Any advice where to start or the best thing to do?

In what way does this offer no expansion? As far as I can tell with a brief googling of that model of PC, it appears to have several drive bays as well as multiple PCI and pci express slots. Is this specific one a small form factor model that does not allow any expansion? Even if a small form factor, as long as there is a PCI express slot you can get something like this which will allow you to fit several more hard drives.

 

[feeddagoat]

Biggest thing here to be concerned about is how the drive is formatted. Fat32 pretty much works on all platforms. It's been years since I've dealt with NTFS on anything other than Windows, but last I played around with it it wasn't very reliable on linux.


Pentium D will be fine. Having the extra core will benefit the server vs a single core. A low power zacate platform, core i3, or Athlon X2 would be more ideal, but if you already have the machine I would just go with it.


High def or standard? Cable or broadcast? What country do you live in?



A lot of people are happy with Windows Home Server, and it gives you a lot of additional backup options, etc. If it were me, I would just stick with Ubuntu that's on there. Unless you have some very specific need for Windows, Ubuntu makes a rock solid home server.


You want a whole second copy. There are all kinds of different automated backup solutions(and some built into windows home server). How much data you need to back up will answer a lot of questions on what would work best.


In what way does this offer no expansion? As far as I can tell with a brief googling of that model of PC, it appears to have several drive bays as well as multiple PCI and pci express slots. Is this specific one a small form factor model that does not allow any expansion? Even if a small form factor, as long as there is a PCI express slot you can get something like this which will allow you to fit several more hard drives.

Firstly Thank you so much for your response!

1. I'm not sure what format the HDD is set at off hand but I'll check.

2. I'll look into the cost of other systems vs savings in power useage. ATM electricity here is around £0.15 per unit.

3. Sorry for leaving out information. I live in Northern Ireland. It will be Over the air digital from a roof ariel. Last time I checked HD cards where only just on the market so It will be an SD dual tuner card.

4. Sticking with ubuntu saves me wrestling with the Uni for downloads at least. It just posses a problem with drivers for the printer if I hook it up and TV card. I'm certain the driver for the printer exist and the TV card will just require enough homework before buying.

5. ATM It's 600GB of movie files plus what's on the HDD's of the other PC's. If a whole other copy is required it might be worth upgrading to a 2-3TB disk and mirroring it? The biggest problem with the Dell PC and upgrades is the fact it is mATX and the board is custom design. If you Mount a motherboard in a PC and set a mirror in front it and rotate 180 degrees, you get the way it is positioned in this. The Mobo has a PCI-e x16, pci-e x1, and 2 PCI lanes but one filled that's pretty much all the free space in the case used. If I got a new case I would need a new mobo too etc. As for the case, cooling is actually ok, it only has 2 HDD bays tho with their own HDD caddy tray things, a 3.5mm floppy drive (antique!! Lol) and 2 Front DVD drive bays. If it would help I could post a picture.