Review on 📦 Efficient Storage Solution: Synology DiskStation 1-Bay (Diskless) Network Attached Storage DS111 (White) by Peter Zouhair

Although I consider myself a PC power user, I've never delved into NAS. I have five computers at home and am tired of lugging an external hard drive from one computer to another for regular image backups. So while others use the NAS device to share music or videos, I wanted to use it as central storage for image backups. Research has shown that the Synology line is highly regarded. As this was my first experience with a NAS, I wanted to keep things simple - a single bay unit would be fine for my purposes. The device runs its own Linux-based operating system. I installed a spare 1TB Hitachi hard drive that I had on my list of supported Synology devices. The included software CD helped me format the drive (EXT4, not NTFS) and set up the Disk Station Manager software. I did a little research and quickly figured out how to access the drive, create separate folders for each PC to be backed up, and map the network drives on each PC. It was surprisingly easy. I had to do some research to find a backup program that works with EXT4 drives. I chose Acronis True Image 2012 and it works great. I found network backup to be very slow, similar to USB 2.0 and nowhere near comparable to a direct eSATA connection. As a result, I've replaced my 10/100 router and switches with gigabit devices (all my PCs have gigabit network adapters) and replaced CAT5 cable with CAT6 where possible. This made a big difference in speed, so I'm almost back to eSATA speeds now. I am very satisfied with this device. Ease of use for the beginner was highly appreciated. No glitches and"glitches". If I had changed anything it would be in the cosmetics - a black body to match the rest of my gear and a less bright blue LED - we're not landing planes here, Synology. All in all I would definitely buy it again if I had to make it again and again.