Network Drive For Home Use.

[richard]

I'm looking for a Network Drive for me and my girlfriend to use for general storage. At present I have aBuffalo DriveStation with a 320GB drive in it for my storage needs but I don't want to keep swapping it between our 2 laptops. I have thought of getting either a Buffalo LinkStation Live which I can attach my existing drive to or a Linksys NSLU2

The NLSU2 is the cheaper option but I have always been a bit wary of Linksys products but it is the more versatile option. If any one has any other ideas I would like to hear them but due to lack of space I cannot use a PC with FreeNAS or similar installed. The only thing to note is that as both me and Nicola use Linux we cannot use anything that requires client software to be installed.

[CyberNerd]

I have a NSLU2. no complaints. I installed debian http://www.cyrius.com/debian/nslu2/
this means I can use the device as low power 'server'. (I use it as a webserver and 24/7 bittorrent client

I can't compare to the buffalo - but I would recommend something you can install a proper OS on.

[binky]

windows home server!!

[CyberNerd]

The problems with windows home server is that it corrupts files that are stored on it when edited remotely. Microsoft say "Make sure that you have a backup copy of any important program files before you store these files on a system that is running Windows Home Server." in other words you'd need another box to back up the backup server.
I'd choose a stable product over any thing MS offer.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...-us?spid=12624

Also the system requirements are higher, it has less functionality than linux.

[tech_guy]

Sounds like MS using the paying public as guinea pigs/bug testers again doesn't it?

[CyberNerd]

you sound suprised, its what MS have always done. This product has been out for over a year as a full release, yet has a critical bug that effects it's primary use. This is why they say 'don't deploy till sp1'. I say ditch em and install a grown up operating system.

[john]

I have the Linkstation Pro (similar to the one your suggesting) and its great, wouldn't be without it. I have the 500GB one and were about half full now.

[richard]

windows home server!!

A box like that is too big for us. Also I want to avoid Microsoft products like the plague.

[mmoseley]

I have a Linkstation v2, which is the one down from the Linkstation Live, its fantastic!, so adaptable, ive also got debian on it running Samba, webserver and its capable of much more!

[mattx]

Freenas all the way for me - good to put old kit back to use...

www.freenas.org

[webman]

WHS and FreeNAS is no good:

due to lack of space I cannot use a PC with FreeNAS or similar installed.

[richard]

So at present apart from those who did not read my OP it seems to be an even split between the LinkStation and NSLU2. Anyone got any other suggestions and please do not mention WHS or FreeNAS again.

[Ric_]

@richard: It's a little more 'out of the box' but you can build VERY SMALL mini-ITX systems (see www.linitx.com) which you could run any OS off compact flash and hook up your USB drives to your heart's content.

Not sure how this compares price-wise with the other options though.

[CyberNerd]

Install freenas on the NSLU2/Linkstation?
have a look here:
http://nas-central.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

Which is better, the LinkStation or the NSLU2?

The LinkStation

1. Has a faster processor
2. More RAM
3. A large internal hard drive
4. Optional gigabit ethernet connectivity


The NSLU2

1. Costs less
2. Has a more developed hacking community.

Disk size I guess is irrelevant because both have USB for more disks (I have an external 120MB 2.5" USB). IIRC the NSLU2 has 32MB 266MHz ARM and the site says LS2 is 64MB 400Mhz.
edit: the LS2 pro is 128MB !
Are you planning on hacking or going with the default linux OS?

[richard]

@richard: It's a little more 'out of the box' but you can build VERY SMALL mini-ITX systems (see www.linitx.com) which you could run any OS off compact flash and hook up your USB drives to your heart's content.

Not sure how this compares price-wise with the other options though.

I've had a look thanks and there are some interesting ideas but I don't really want a PC even one as small as these.