if you want to use CCTV or Jdownloader, get HP Microserver. You can install windows server on this system and run any windows based stuffs on it. No cheap NAS can even come close to this.

As for the lack of RAID5 in the microserver, you can always go for software linux (or windows server) RAID system. All other cheap NAS are using similar linux RAID also just that those NAS have build a UI to manage it.

Personally, I find RAID5 to be inferior when it comes to data recovery. If you have had experience recovering from a RAID5 system (hardware or software), you will know it's not easy. In my Microserver, I am using now 2HDDs per RAID1 system. That means I have 2 logical RAID1 partition. No problems there as I don't really need my partitions to be in 1 big chunk. RAID1 is easier cause I can take out 1 hdd anytime and plug it into USB HDD casing or directly to my internal SATA and I can read those data no problem.

And yes, I am using camera viewer and jdownloader on microserver as well. So far running fine on ubuntu 10.04.

You can read about my review or experience with microserver in my signature below.

what if the hdd did not spoil but your server spoil? With raid5 you cannot just plug the hdd into any system and get it running again. With raid1, just plug in the hdd into any external casing and can access data instantly.

i don't want all my connection to run through VPN you see? only want the torrents to be running through...or else my entire speed would be dragged down if i circle the entire globe to reach 1 address isn't it? LOL

Honestly i wouldn't suggest RAID 5 if you can set up ZFS.. Was using Raid 5 with 4 x 2TB drives and it was giving me countless headaches.. Especially when there's a sudden power failure.. The whole drive would just go out of sync and cannot rebuild.. (it shows rebuilding in status but still stuck at 0% after 4 days). Couldn't access the files on the server too as it would only work in burst mode... it'll transfer for couple seconds, then stop transferring..

In the end, had to reinstall back FreeNAS and wipe the whole drive. Good thing i only lost my movies, not my photos as i have a spare backup on my pc. Now i'm on ZFS and it's working great.. No hiccups even when my brother accidentally switched off the main power without the unit in shutdown mode.

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Added on May 7, 2011, 1:19 pmRAID 5 has an inherent flaw in the system which that causes it to lose drive sync in the event of sudden power failure.. That is why you need to have a UPS as a backup (which i didn't).

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Added on May 7, 2011, 1:21 pmI'd suggest for your purpose to go with the HP microserver with FreeNAS 0.7.2 (latest build) and get a media streamer to play all the files. Remember to install the FULL version of FreeNAS (not the embedded ones) as the Full Version allows you to install other packages such as PS3 Media Server. FUPPES that's built in to FreeNAS really sucks.. It can't transcode 1080p video files for PS3.

that's the reason why i went with the microserver build route.. i can buy two NAS with just one QNAP or Synology 4bay systems...

u can try TP-Llink Tl-1043ND.. I'm using it as my main router with an additional 8port gigabit switch as extension. It's relatively inexpensive and the firmware can be modded to dd-wrt. Another plus side is that it runs N wifi.. not draft N but final N.. 300mbps..

Not sure to go for either the D-Link DNS-320 or the Synology DS110j. As much as I like the DS110j, too budget tight to be spending so much on a NAS enclosure.

To get the DNS-320 or to wait until budget allows for DS110j?

Well, any brief summary of what else I get with the Synology? So far the basic features seems similar but a review site stated that the transfer rate on the Synology is far superior compared to the D-Link.

How slow? Mine is about 5-7MB/s which should be quite normal for my 100mbps LAN network.

G LAN? Gigabit? No, 100mbps is not gigabit, have plans to bump it up to gigabit in the future but a lot of equipments needs to be changed, from my router to all my homeplugs.

Hi All,

Just a have a few general questions regarding NAS. Currently, I have a Buffalo Link Station Pro Duo, which so far has been easy to set up, Inside is 2  2TB HDDs, which I use exclusively for my movie collection.

Just would like to clarify a few things with those with more experience than myself:

1.) Is it safe to leave the NAS on 24/7, or would it be better to turn it off when not in use?

2.)As i did not set any raid function, would it be wise to purchase another linkstation, and back up to that station? As I have set 2TB for HD movies and 2TB for TV shows

3.)This question would need assistance of those familiar with the linkstation. I have a 1TB Portable HDD...formatted in NTFS, but when I connect it to the linkstation, I can read...but I can't copy. I am aware that FAT32 works, but only for files 4GB or less, I wonder if anyone would have a solution on this?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Ozak, thanks for the advice, only issue is that buffalo formats the HDDs into their own format....tried taking a drive out and inserting it into a shell casing....PC and MAC cant read it.....

For a PC environment, don't think so it has any issues but if to use with a NAS drive, many have compatibility issues due to this new formatting system/technology or whatsoever that causes the complications.

i m trying to get myself understand how to use a synology nas now... bought a ds211j with 2 of the hdd stated... new user to a nas =)

Hello Guy,

I need some advise from you guy for selecting a NAS.

Currently I have Seagate Ext. 2gb and PC in NTFS format.

I need to NAS can be easy setup and less maintain in future (due to not so much knowledge for maintain it...), and can fulfill below:

a) 4 bays 2GB HDDs
b) Recover Solution (Maximum Storage)
c) 24 Hours Operation
d) Manage communicate with UPS for auto shut down when power down
e) Mainly for Entertainment Files Storage (learn to BT also...)

Current in mind have Synology & Qnap,

1) Can recommend which model are better and suitable to me?
2) Is that any promotion currently?
3) I wish to get it on this coming saturday 18 Jun.
4) And wish to use Amex to buy it. (Which shop can accept Amex?)

Thanks for assist...

u should look for the Lan connection speed mention 1000Mbps or 1 Gbps on it.

Btw HP Microserver does come with Window Server R2 2008? I to all are sold without the OS?

Dun be so sure, i have a 300mbps wireless router (type N) which only have 100mbps lan port.. i just found out recently when i try to trouble shoot on my home network.

Win 7 pro can be configure to be very light, and actually the neo amd is quite powerful too; so it wont give too much trouble i guess as long as you have enough memory.

is there any tutorials on how to publish website for synology ds211j?

i have a domain name, websites html files, internet connection

problem: dunnoe how to publish it. only accessible with http://diskstation and the lan ip add

DSM 3.2 is now available for testing