Whats the best way to add some network storage?

[RollWave]

Lookin for some help from the experts at AT. I'm

9:50PM EDIT: Oh and the purpose is so me and friends can share files with ease even if computers arent on...getting a spare computer doesnt seem like it will be feasible.

 

[thehstrybean]

I just have a computer that runs constantly with a shared folder off of a 300GB HDD...the cheapest, unless you want NAS

 

[Heisenberg]

Old computer + FreeBSD/linux w/Samba + big HDD = cheap, stable network storage

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

I've been looking into this all weekend. I guess the biggest question is what is your budget? Capacity needs? Is RAID required?

 

[fs5]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
Old computer + FreeBSD/linux w/Samba + big HDD = cheap, stable network storage

I used ubuntu. If I were to do it again I'd use http://www.freenas.org/

Best thing about old computer, you can keep adding hard drives (right now I have 6 old hard drives / hds off hot deals totally around 1.2 TB).

 

[RollWave]

Raid NOT required, budget = small as possible, space at about 200 or so gigs, as little as 160 is fine.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Then I would suggest either an existing box (something you already own) or an external drive (USB/firewire). From what I can tell, the cheapest actual NAS device (sans drives) is $300 (one that doesn't have huge flaws). The cheapest actual good NAS device with drives is $500.

 

[fs5]

Originally posted by: rnp614
Raid NOT required, budget = small as possible, space at about 200 or so gigs, as little as 160 is fine.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit...name=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

 

[RollWave]

NAS? Could you give me specific suggestions?

 

[RollWave]

Originally posted by: fs5

Originally posted by: rnp614
Raid NOT required, budget = small as possible, space at about 200 or so gigs, as little as 160 is fine.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit...name=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Oooh amazing. I already have a 200GB, this could be perfect.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: rnp614

Originally posted by: fs5

Originally posted by: rnp614
Raid NOT required, budget = small as possible, space at about 200 or so gigs, as little as 160 is fine.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit...name=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Oooh amazing. I already have a 200GB, this could be perfect.

Yeah. There are a couple of devices like that, and Linksys seems to be the best. Read the reviews online though, there are some severe limitations.

 

[RollWave]

Originally posted by: rnp614

Originally posted by: fs5

Originally posted by: rnp614
Raid NOT required, budget = small as possible, space at about 200 or so gigs, as little as 160 is fine.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit...name=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Oooh amazing. I already have a 200GB, this could be perfect.

Question about this product...how will this show up to the users on the network (both wired and wireless). How will they access it?

 

[RollWave]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: rnp614

Originally posted by: fs5

Originally posted by: rnp614
Raid NOT required, budget = small as possible, space at about 200 or so gigs, as little as 160 is fine.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit...name=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Oooh amazing. I already have a 200GB, this could be perfect.

Yeah. There are a couple of devices like that, and Linksys seems to be the best. Read the reviews online though, there are some severe limitations.

what limitations? I didnt really see anything in the review I read...security wise I guess there will be some but this info will not be sensitive for the most part