Homeserver vs NAS - which is better (at least for my circumstances)

[thelawsmithy]

TL;DR version:
Under what circumstances is a full blown server better than a NAS?

Long version:
1) Despite many searches and reading far too many posts, I still can't figure out exactly what the benefits are of using a server instead of a nas (yes, I do realize that a nas is essentially a streamlined file server). Basically, most posts on the subject boil down to "servers do moar!" Great, so what are some examples of what a server can do that a nas can't in a home/home office environment?

2) Basically, I am looking for a centralized file repository for files that all our computers can access. Most files are docs, photos, and home video projects. I will also set things up so that a full back up of each computer is made to the server/nas. I will then have the server/nas hard drive back up to a Crashplan account. Some such file server set-up iis my main requirement.

It would also be nice if I could stream media, roll my own cloud storage, and use ZFS, but none are a deal breaker. I do not plan on running a mail server or web server.

So far, I think either a nas or server could fit my needs. But are there any other features could I get from a server but not a nas? Running a VPN? User accounts (so that certain accounts have certain websites blocked no matter which computer they log into? Anyone have any other ideas or useful suggestions?

3) My other goal, beyond the file management mentioned in the last item, is a low cost and low powered box. I've been looking at either an intel j1900 or j2900 solution (with a 10w TDP) or one of the new amd am1 solutions (which have a 25w TDP). [I am currently leaning towards Intel if I go with windows 8 as the server os and AMD if I go with Ubuntu or freenas, because it's my understanding that although the intel solution is lower powered and passively cooled, the boards currently available only support win8.]

4) Bonus question: will storing videos and video projects on the server work? We are talking 5-10 minute “home movies” (meaning I made them, not professionally done) that are then edited on the computer and uploaded to a blog? Would it be a better idea to store those files locally, and then just mirror them/back them up to the server/nas?

Additional notes: my current devices on the network are 2 windows laptops, 2 ios devices, and 1 android tablet. I also have a TP-Link router I’ve been meaning to flash to dd-wrt (which might cover my points about VPN and website filtering).

Thanks for any thoughts/advice/help anyone can give.

 

[TyrOd]

TL;DR version:
Under what circumstances is a full blown server better than a NAS?

Long version:
1) Despite many searches and reading far too many posts, I still can't figure out exactly what the benefits are of using a server instead of a nas (yes, I do realize that a nas is essentially a streamlined file server). Basically, most posts on the subject boil down to "servers do moar!" Great, so what are some examples of what a server can do that a nas can't in a home/home office environment?

2) Basically, I am looking for a centralized file repository for files that all our computers can access. Most files are docs, photos, and home video projects. I will also set things up so that a full back up of each computer is made to the server/nas. I will then have the server/nas hard drive back up to a Crashplan account. Some such file server set-up iis my main requirement.

It would also be nice if I could stream media, roll my own cloud storage, and use ZFS, but none are a deal breaker. I do not plan on running a mail server or web server.

So far, I think either a nas or server could fit my needs. But are there any other features could I get from a server but not a nas? Running a VPN? User accounts (so that certain accounts have certain websites blocked no matter which computer they log into? Anyone have any other ideas or useful suggestions?

3) My other goal, beyond the file management mentioned in the last item, is a low cost and low powered box. I've been looking at either an intel j1900 or j2900 solution (with a 10w TDP) or one of the new amd am1 solutions (which have a 25w TDP). [I am currently leaning towards Intel if I go with windows 8 as the server os and AMD if I go with Ubuntu or freenas, because it's my understanding that although the intel solution is lower powered and passively cooled, the boards currently available only support win8.]

4) Bonus question: will storing videos and video projects on the server work? We are talking 5-10 minute “home movies” (meaning I made them, not professionally done) that are then edited on the computer and uploaded to a blog? Would it be a better idea to store those files locally, and then just mirror them/back them up to the server/nas?

Additional notes: my current devices on the network are 2 windows laptops, 2 ios devices, and 1 android tablet. I also have a TP-Link router I’ve been meaning to flash to dd-wrt (which might cover my points about VPN and website filtering).

Thanks for any thoughts/advice/help anyone can give.

A server refers to the function of a storage platform. NAS is literally any network attached storage.
A NAS can be pure dumb external hard drive that just happens to be mapped over a local network on a single system or it can be a high performance x86 system running server software and extended features.

In between you have a variety of professional NAS devices that offer different performance and features including "server grade" features like virtualization, high level access management, etc...

So the answer to what a server can do vs a NAS depends entirely on the NAS you're using.

You can find plenty of SOHO/SMB NAS boxes that do all the features you're looking for or build your own with freenas with ZFS.

Answer to bonus question: if you're not concerned at all with losing those videos, then of course you can store them there with no backup, but obviously that doesn't eliminate all single points of failure like storing them locally and backing up to the server would do.