Up to 10TB is sufficient to meet the needs of most home users and in open devices (i.e. not fixed) additional disks can be added with relative ease.

But with so many NAS solutions available for home and business use, knowing what youll need can be tricky.

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Heres how Mac users can make the most out of NAS, and a look at the top four NAS solutions currently available.

Acronis Files Connect Learn more Try now Back to basics: what is NAS NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a file storage device that serves as a centralized point of data access and retrieval for network users and heterogeneous clients.

NAS devices connect through a networks router or switch to provide simultaneous access to file shares.

Theyre a convenient storage solution for anyone dealing with ever-increasing file sizes either at home and at work.

Thats because they allow you to simply add-on to current network hardware, without having to replace the existing storage solutions.

Reasons for NAS NAS provides safety, control, and convenience.

Instead of each user using their own local storage or cloud storage (Google Docs, Dropbox, etc.), NAS devices offer a way to have all files under one roof.

NAS devices are used in a variety of ways in home and enterprise environments.

They are frequently used as adaptable storage capacity, private cloud shared storage, centralized and secure data storage, and as a backup destination for device data.

NAS for households Many home network users are turning to NAS devices as a cost-effective solution for introducing shared storage between a few users, since its a one-time expense instead of the recurring costs required by some other options.

Theyre commonly used for media storage thats accessible by any device connected to the network.

They are also an easy and convenient way to share files via a central hub.

For this kind of application, its important to choose a NAS solution that supports AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) in order to retain the convenience of Spotlight file searching (with content searches) and Apples Time Machine NAS backup.

Examples of AFP supported NAS can be found at the end of this article.

With so many Apple devices being used at home from iPhones and iPads to iMacs and MacBooks individuals and families need a safe way to back-up their devices.

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NAS can provide easy storage for on-site backup using Time Machine or other third-party software such as Acronis True Image.

Keep in mind though that on-site backup alone is insufficient for truly securing your data.

Its better to create the dual protection of simultaneous creating a local backup and an off-site version you store in the cloud in case.) An additional, essential consideration when selecting a NAS device for home use is the number of drive bays.

Devices typically feature one to four bays, which corresponds to the number of hard disks and therefore additional storage the device can accommodate.

While its not necessary to have a NAS with four bays, at least two bays are recommended.

Also, many NAS devices aimed at home users have fixed disks which means you cant swap a disk for one with greater amounts of storage.

Up to 10TB is sufficient to meet the needs of most home users and in open devices (i.e.

Best Cloud Storage For Mac Os