New to NAS servers

[steffeeh]

I'm currently looking into different backup solutions for our home. I already have an external HDD where I store a backup of my personal files and some important installation files (custom changes, etc), however it has aged a little bit by now (crossed the 5 year line), and I want more efficient methods of backups as well.
That's what led me into being interested in a NAS solution.

What I basically want is just to have a backup instance that during a specific time of the day or night automatically backs up everything (pretty much mirrors the entire PC) so that I don't have to lift a finger more than set it up once.
Reading about NAS servers this seems to be a feature, but I can't find it that much, is something that isn't available on all NAS servers? I want this to happen on all 3 main computer in our house.

Also, I've been looking into wether or not I should use RAID 1 if I were to get a NAS server. I'm pretty uncertain if it's really beneficial with a RAID 1 configuration in my use case scenario or if it's a waste of money. I will only use the NAS as a backup - no external storage. And if the drive dies I'd have no problem waiting a few days to buy and get a new one shipped and replace the dead one.

Then, what are some pros and cons between a NAS server and for instance a large Dropbox cloud - if you had to choose between them?

 

[firefoxx04]

RAID is never a waste as long as you understand that RAID is not a backup. Always have two copies.

Copy 1 is on your PC. Copy 2 is on the RAID 1 inside the NAS. This is perfectly acceptable. If a drive fails, you will still have access to the data on the NAS and the data on your pc.


The backup software will run on your PC, and initiate the backups. This does not have to be a feature of the NAS. You could also build something yourself if you wanted.


Lastly, if you have a decent amount of data, always use a NAS > Cloud. Cloud is good for backing up documents and small amount of photos. I personally have 2TB worth of data I cannot lose, cloud is not an option for me.

 

[kanewolf]

Using a NAS as JUST a backup repository is not taking full advantage of it. Having a low power, always-on, device allows for backups, media storage, IP camera archiving, etc.
In a backup scenario, the clients (your PC) run the backup application and the NAS is just the repository.

 

[firefoxx04]

You can use a nas however you want. As long as you have two copies of the data, you are likely fine.

I have two NAS systems. One is accessed by everything on my network, the other simply acts as a backup to the first one and is used if I have to take the first one offline.

 

[alceryes]

Any reason why you don't want to use a direct-to-cloud backup solution?

 

[kanewolf]

Any reason why you don't want to use a direct-to-cloud backup solution?

Many people have limited bandwidth. A cloud backup for fire/water disaster recovery is good but may be impractical for day to day backups.