Wi-fi network HDD

[jasonius]

Been looking at one of these: Maplin > 320GB Maxtor External Hard Drive however, my router (and most I've looked at) don't support USB input. Therefore is there a stand alone HDD available that uses ethernet, as it has 5 of these..?

[jowl]

There a loads of Network Attached Storage (NAS) drives around...

Buffalo HS-DH320GL-1 320GB Linkstation Live Shared Network Storage - Retail - Ebuyer

is just one of them.

Most of the HDD manufacturers produce them (Seagate, Maxtor etc)

They will plug into your router

[jasonius]

There you go, brilliant..!

[jasonius]

Just looking at the (very good) spec on that NAS and noticed it also has two usb sockets.

Would this allow me to plug a usb printer directly into it, or am I being completely thick..?

[stevem2k]

Some of them have print servers on.

The thecus nas I have does. Best to check the specs if it is a requirement...


Steve

[jowl]

Originally Posted by jasonius

Just looking at the (very good) spec on that NAS and noticed it also has two usb sockets.

Would this allow me to plug a usb printer directly into it, or am I being completely thick..?

Not sure about that model exactly but I have an older model from the same brand and it will allow a printer to be plugged in. Although they can be fussy about which printers they work with.

You can also plug a USB HDD into them for backup or extra storage.

[jasonius]

Yep I like that, not too bothered about wireless printer.

What's the best way to make synchronized backups..?

[jowl]

I use SyncToy from Micro$oft - you could use it like this

Although I know of a couple of people using Cobian Backup

I guess you could use M$ built-in Files and folder sync on XP too

[spectrum48k]

I've got this one in the office and its great. It DOES include a USB print server socket. If you get one, I'll talk you through setting the print server up. The instructions don't describe the best way.
D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure