What is best to choose, NAS or external hard drive?

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Posted by Geeks Callout London

@geekscallout

16 Sep, 2021

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Don’t wait until you notice the disappearance of your data due to PC crash, windows updates, improper handling, hacking, a virus or even a failure: make a backup! For this, two options are available to you: NAS or external hard drive?

External hard drive

An external hard drive is a storage option that is getting a bit old fashioned! Such a disk, however, offers a simple way to store its data. Just plug in the external box (with the right format) and copy the data on it manually and you are done. However, this classic storage option does not meet modern needs.

For example, you have a business meeting. You may forget the drive at home or it may even stop working. In addition to this, you will need to use the location of the folder as there is no quick search technique with this equipment. Finally, the file may also be too large to be sent by email. In short, a lot of downsides that can be encountered.

NAS (Network Attached Storage)

A NAS is a stand-alone disk that generally has its own operating system. Such a device is often made up of different hard drives to the best NAS servers. These have been designed and manufactured for network use and totally secure storage of large files (several TB possible). Connected to the local network or / and the Internet and offering live availability, this is one of the most valuable backup options on the market. Professionals love this stuff to safeguard important information.

What are the differences between a NAS and an external hard drive?

NAS and external hard drives are not at all the same storage options. Indeed, securing data (what we call the RAID configuration ) can only be done with a NAS server. Besides that, conventional external hard drives work individually. When they are put together to design a single storage unit, the danger of information loss is real.

The security configuration is for its part ineffective and slow. In short, so many faults, which does not find on a NAS. It allows you to perfectly protect your data, without any degradation in connection speed or network shutdown. NAS also have a lifespan of continuous use, since the saved information can be accessed whenever and wherever you want. An external hard drive, on the other hand, must rest otherwise the heat increases internally, as well as the vibrations.

Durability but also energy saving

In order to save energy on a continuously running server, NAS equipment is the best possible device. Indeed, the server will go to sleep when it is not requested and in addition to that, it will restart faster than if it had basic hard disks.

You save around 30% energy when you choose classic servers for PC use only. However, on a server, take into account that this kind of disk consumes a lot of energy, even when it is on standby.

A NAS is designed and manufactured specifically for continuous use. It lends itself perfectly to this use and has the advantage of lasting over the long term. Moreover, be aware that the warranty of NAS drives is three years, or even five years for the most solid models, while that of traditional external hard drives is only two years.

NAD or external hard drive? It all depends on the needs!

The external hard drive is the fastest option in terms of transferring and accessing files . Indeed, connected directly to the PC. This drive is also the easiest and cheapest choice if you want to maximize your storage capacity.

For the NAS , the main advantage is that all the files are centralized in one place . Thus, all the equipment of the family (or of a company) can access it at the same time. In addition, know that the applications of a NAS are multiple and rich. This secure storage option is perfect for backing up as well as sharing multimedia or office content. Make your choice according to your needs and your budget!

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