What can a NAS do?

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For those of you who have stumbled over to this section, you may be asking yourselves "what is a NAS"? NAS or Network Attached Storage is is a system consisting of 1 or more hard drives, an Ethernet connection and an operating system.

When it comes to NAS, sharing can mean multiple things. You can share files, share storage capacity and even share a printer. Here's a rundown of features a NAS can provide your home or small business.

• Back Up: Easily and automatically back up and protect content from PCs and Macs. Many NAS devices come with backup software (either proprietary to the manufacturer or commercially available software such as Retrospect). Additionally, some NAS devices are compatible with Apple's Time Machine software, enabling all the Macs in your home to back up to a central location.
• Share Files: With a NAS device centrally located on your network and available to all users connected to your network, everyone in your home or business will have access to documents, photos, videos, music, and more--all without having to turn on another computer to get access to files.
• Stream Media: In addition to storing video, music, and photo files, a NAS device can also stream those files over your network to not only your computers but a wide range of connected devices. For instance, many NAS devices can be used as a server for the Apple iTunes media library software, allowing you to serve up music and video to any computer or device (such as an Apple TV) in your home. And many NAS devices can easily stream music, movies, and more to UPnP and DLNA-certified devices, ranging from HDTVs and set-top boxes to game consoles and mobile phones.
• Remote Access: If you want to grab documents that you left behind at home or your home office, or stream music that you forgot to load into your MP3 player, a NAS device can deliver them to you wherever you might be (as long as you have broadband Internet connection for the NAS and either a Wi-Fi or 3G connection for the remote device). Most NAS devices provide a secure method for connecting your laptop to files stored on the NAS, and more NAS devices are offering apps for Apple and Android-powered mobile devices to remotely access files stored back at home--allowing you to show off.
• Print Server: This gives you the ability to share a printer with all the computers and compatible mobile devices on your network. Just plug the printer into a USB port on the NAS and the printer becomes visible on the network.
• Video/Media Encoding and Downloading: Using the included processor, some NAS devices can encode video files to other codecs--such as converting AVI files to formats that are compatible with Apple's iTunes and iOS devices. Additionally, some NAS devices include the ability to manage and download BitTorrent media files

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of What can a NAS do!.