Synology NAS vs Acer Easystore

[Trevelyan]

I'm looking at getting a small file server for my office. Basically, I'd like to accomplish the following:

* Have files located centrally in the office and available to several computers
* Backup for computers on the network
* Remote access of files

I'm open to other ideas, as I know there are some really cool things you can do with these devices. I'm just a little ignorant...

Also, one very important thing to me is the remote access of files. I think the easiest thing to do would be to map a network drive on my home computer that can directly connect to the NAS/Server at my office. I don't want to be stuck with just a web interface for accessing files remotely, although I DO want that ability (in case I'm at a coffee shop on my laptop and need a file).

Is this possible with both devices?

 

[imagoon]

For the type of connection you want, you want a VPN device that can connect to the office network and from there map a drive letter. Putting SMB / Drive maps on the open internet is an incredible security risk.

Both of those machines should handle general file duties fine however. I wouldn't put 50 people on them but 4-5 is fine.

 

[Emulex]

yes but you need to protect it with a vpn or firewall - go search the forums "my *** nas has been hacked". The problem is they don't upkeep the security on the products as fast as necessary and you are pwned so fast you don't know what hit you.

They are atom processors; less powerful than a google tv. with a custom sata driver that ignores all error reports and deals with them (rather than failing the drive). this is what makes the (QNAP,DROBO) superior to most free (openfiler,freenas). They freak out when you have TLER=0,TLER=ON, TLER=whatever. The QNAP and DROBO handle it their own way and they don't care if its a TLER(or similar) drive or an AV drive with no error correction or a consumer drive.

You could just use a VPN (WRT54GL) between your pc (on the road) and a VPN (office to office) between two WRT54GL - to have a nice stable PPTP vpn going - then firewall everything else and you will have a pretty fun device.

or rent some webspace and use web-dav (mobileme/idisk/dreamhost/google) and don't worry about the physical storage.

 

[Trevelyan]

Okay, so I use a VPN to accomplish that. That should be fine.

I looked at the Drobo FS. Seems to accomplish the same thing... but is also about twice as expensive as the other two. Is it really better?

Finally, there is one more thing I want to accomplish: I want to be able to put a file on the NAS in a public folder, and then have a direct HTTP link to download the file remotely. That way, I can send large files to random people. I don't want them to have to FTP in, or login to the server to download the file.

 

[RebateMonger]

The EasyStore is running Windows Home Server, based on Windows Server 2003. Server 2003 can host a VPN if you wish. Or you can use Hamachi if you want a zero-configuration solution. Or you can use a router-based VPN as Emulex suggests.

WHS' automated client PC backup capability is awesome. If you use another NAS you'll have to come up with a backup solution. Hopefully one that does system image backups like WHS.

Regardless of which storage system you choose, consider also keeping offsite backups of important data.

Regarding web-based file access, WHS includes IIS (MS' web server). You can set it up to allow "Guest" access (no password) to files of your choosing.

 

[Trevelyan]

The EasyStore is running Windows Home Server, based on Windows Server 2003. Server 2003 can host a VPN if you wish. Or you can use Hamachi if you want a zero-configuration solution. Or you can use a router-based VPN as Emulex suggests.

WHS' automated client PC backup capability is awesome. If you use another NAS you'll have to come up with a backup solution. Hopefully one that does system image backups like WHS.

Regardless of which storage system you choose, consider also keeping offsite backups of important data.

Regarding web-based file access, WHS includes IIS (MS' web server). You can set it up to allow "Guest" access (no password) to files of your choosing.

How easy is it to do all of those things? I have never setup a server before, but have pretty good general computer/network knowledge.

 

[JackMDS]

How easy is it to do all of those things? I have never setup a server before, but have pretty good general computer/network knowledge.

You have 4046 post on AT forums.

If the majority of them are Not on OT, and similar forums then I would Not worry about your capacity to learn to configure WHS.

In any case for what you need there is No much need to configure the WHS beyond default installation.

However the residual potential of WHS is far more than a similar Synology.

You can find good info here.

Getting Started ebook, http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=79C0CD3A-5D91-4F7C-B1CE-40EB07A98D54


http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/support.mspx

 

[RebateMonger]

How easy is it to do all of those things? I have never setup a server before, but have pretty good general computer/network knowledge.

As Jack notes, most everything is WHS is wizard-based. It was designed to be managed by homeowners. Client PC backups are super-easy, as are shared folders and remote access.

The VPN is not a "home-type" function, but there's a wizard in Server 2003 for it. You'll probably need to read the Help files or find an article on the web.

If you use most any kind of hardware- or software-based VPN, you'll need to study a bit and will need to configure your router. One of the advantages of the Hamachi VPN is it requires no router configuration at all.

 

[Trevelyan]

You have 4046 post on AT forums.

If the majority of them are Not on OT, and similar forums then I would Not worry about your capacity to learn to configure WHS.

In any case for what you need there is No much need to configure the WHS beyond default installation.

However the residual potential of WHS is far more than a similar Synology.

You can find good info here.

Getting Started ebook, http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=79C0CD3A-5D91-4F7C-B1CE-40EB07A98D54


http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/support.mspx

Haha -- thanks for the vote of confidence!

It's looking like WHS > Synology as far as I can tell then...

 

[boomhower]

I have a Easystore and love the darn thing. Keep in mind that WHS has a limit of 10 client machines.

 

[Jimmah]

I would like to throw a mention out to Amahi, a nice free Linux based home server.

 

[ViviTheMage]

i'd build a nas box, throw it behind a VPN firewall, or a drobo behind a vpn.