If you have a computer lying around, you can easily build your own home server computing environment with Linux. Most of us have computers that are collecting dust, and you can use this old hardware to build your own home server. In this article, we’ll talk about HP ProLiant, Synology, and the Raspberry Pi.
NAS
If you’re looking for a home server computing solution, NAS devices may be a great choice. These devices use the network to store and access data. They also support applications. They have limited customization options, but offer many of the same services as a dedicated application server. You may need to configure the NAS yourself, which may require advanced IT skills.
When choosing a NAS, you should consider what kind of data you plan on storing. Unlike servers, NASes typically don’t need thousands of terabytes of storage space. Most home users will just want to store their family photos, music, and media collections. If you don’t need that much data, you can buy a diskless NAS device.
However, if you plan on storing more sensitive data, you may need a larger diskless NAS device. An NAS device connects directly to a network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This enables it to create a Local Area Network (LAN) and share data across multiple computers. Its native software makes it easy to manage files and share them between computers and other devices.
You can even set up a network drive to store files on. NAS devices typically include a browser-based user interface. They are much cheaper than private cloud storage, and they allow you to retain ownership of your data. However, you must remember that they also come with additional security responsibilities.
Although NAS devices provide a reliable storage service, they do require a lot of security measures, so you should be aware of these before you buy one. While the two types of data storage devices are similar in many ways, they are different in terms of power and capacity. NAS devices generally offer higher data transfer speeds and can support multiple users. On the other hand, a system requires more power and needs more maintenance.
Synology
With a Synology home server, you can store, share, and manage your files and multimedia in a single, easy-to-use system. The system comes with a variety of software options, including Snapshot Replication, which automatically creates a backup of your system. This is a great security feature, but it does require an additional storage device.
The storage capacity of a Synology NAS system can vary depending on the model, which means you can buy a lower-end or higher-end model. However, be aware that if you need larger storage, you will need an enterprise-class machine with 64GB of RAM and DSM 7.0.1 or later.
A Synology NAS system runs on the Disk Station Manager software. It connects to a router and can be accessed anywhere on the internet. It has a web-based interface and allows you to manage security settings and sync files between devices. You can also install the Synology Cloud Station app to manage your files, which lets you access them from any computer.
Another benefit to a Synology home system is its compatibility with IP cameras. Out of the box, it can support up to two IP cameras. If you want to add more cameras, you can purchase additional servers and licenses for a surveillance station for around $60 each. This is quite the bargain in today’s market.
A Synology NAS also supports streaming media and offers a free app for most platforms. It works well with Apple TV and Samsung Gear VR. You can even use your Synology NAS to connect to Amazon Alexa. It also has a web portal for editing and creating new files. It also comes with encryption and version history, which will protect your information from unauthorized access.
Windows Home Server
The Windows Home Server is a computer that hosts files, videos, and other files and sends them around your house. It also provides remote access and finicky hard drive management. This guide covers installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, and includes numerous illustrations and walkthroughs.
Once WHS is installed, it will ask for a product key (https://smallbusiness.chron.com/microsoft-product-activation-key-53934.html). The product key should be left blank if you’re using the trial version, but if you’ve bought the software, you should enter it. The product key must be less than fifteen characters. Once the product key has been entered, click next to proceed with the installation.
The Windows Home Server operating system can run many programs and applications, including those designed for home use. It also includes a personal folder for each user. Shared folders are also available, as well as default folders for software and videos. Users can also enable Folder Duplication, which mirrors the contents of multiple hard disks.