[DIY] How to create a storage module using different hard disk.

[klummy]

Hello,

I have a couple of hard disks of varying sizes that have been lying around for ages and I would like to use them to create a sort of "storage module" that can be accessed by multiple devices in the same house without using the internet. How do I connect the hard disks in such a way that multiple devices can access them at the same time?

Thank you.

 

[cin19]

If you have the win7/8 PC then you can use the feature Homegroup. Add the HDDs into one PC, and connect to the network. See here hoe to from microsoft. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/homegroup-help#homegroup-start-to-finish=windows-8&v1h=win8tab1&v2h=win7tab1

 

[klummy]

Thanks for your reply. I use multiple OS on most of my devices. So, would this method work for them all?

If you have the win7/8 PC then you can use the feature Homegroup. Add the HDDs into one PC, and connect to the network. See here hoe to from microsoft. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/homegroup-help#homegroup-start-to-finish=windows-8&v1h=win8tab1&v2h=win7tab1

 

[k1114]

You can get a nas or use an old pc (or a cheap used pc) and connect all the drives to it. Yes it will work over different oses.

 

[klummy]

You can get a nas or use an old pc (or a cheap used pc) and connect all the drives to it. Yes it will work over different oses.

How do I do that? Could you point me to relevant links & or resources. Pretty much a newbie.

 

[k1114]

I gave you 2 options, which are you talking about?

 

[klummy]

I gave you 2 options, which are you talking about?

Sorry about the late reply. Could you please links to both methods? I would like to try both out as I have the resources for them. Thanks

 

[k1114]

What oses are being used and if you have all the hdds in one pc, what will that be running?

 

[klummy]

What oses are being used and if you have all the hdds in one pc, what will that be running?

Linux Mint, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Ubuntu across different devices. I could use any of these on the PC. I use all very well and not particular about any. Which OS would you recommend? Also, please keep in mind that I don't want something involving the internet.

 

[k1114]

Since you seem to be able to use a pc to hold all the hdds, this would be a cost free solution. With all the hdds, in it and active, all you have to do is enable sharing on each drive. All those oses can easily share with each other by default.

 

[klummy]

Thanks for that. I would like to learn how to use nas also just in case. Could you provide guidance please?

 

[k1114]

Each nas will have different software but it's going to be just as simple.