We usually use cloud storage to save backup copies of photos, files or all kinds of documents. This allows us to have a backup whether we want to protect the content or simply want to lighten the internal memory of a mobile phone or tablet, for example. But it is not the only option and there are other alternatives. For example, a NAS server.
What is a NAS or a NAS server and what can they be used for? Is it worth it at the user level or for you, if you do not have computer skills ? They allow us to make backup copies in the cloud and then we will explain what they are, how they work or what are some of the advantages of using this device at home.
What is a NAS
NAS stands for Network Attached Storage. Or, what is the same, storage connected to the network. It is a device “similar” to an external hard drive because it fulfills the function of storing files or making backup copies, but it is much more complex and complete than these. It is important not to confuse them: a NAS is not a connected hard drive but a kind of computer with its own operating system and that can function as an external hard drive but goes much further thanks to the possibility of installing applications on it.
Its appearance is similar to that of a small computer and it has its own operating system that allows us to install applications that we need to expand the possibilities of the device. It allows us to make backup copies or have our own cloud storage service but it works like a computer connected to the network and with many tools and services available.
A NAS server, as its name suggests, is connected to the network. It is connected to the Internet so we can connect remotely from anywhere to these files. In addition, we have the advantage of knowing that they are stored on our server and not on external servers of other companies. It is cloud storage, but in a private cloud: everything is in our home or office and we do not depend on Google, Dropbox, etc.
How much space do you have?
One of the main characteristics that we must be clear about in a NAS is that it has variable space depending on the bays or slots in which we are going to incorporate the disks. You buy a hard drive with 1 TB and this is the space it has. A NAS does not have a specific space but it is these bays or receptacles that allow us to insert the disks that we need and can be up to more than 50 TB.
That is, the different bays allow us to have more or less gigabytes available as needed. We can choose to buy them with disks choosing between different storage options or we can buy them without disks to add them later with what we need.
What is it for? Frequent uses
The primary use of a NAS is for private cloud storage . We can create a private cloud with all our files that we can access from anywhere as long as we have permission and the keys for it. We can make backup copies of our computer with everything we need (photographs, videos, work documents…) or it even allows us to use a VPN server that allows us to browse privately.
A NAS has many uses. Although the most common is to create a cloud to store data, you can also have a multimedia center with services that you use regularly, you can host your website or blog if you have it, or we can use it in a company or establishment to store video surveillance camera recordings, if we want to have an archive of it.