I need some advice, or at least pointers on where to go to learn more. I have been considering adding some type of backup to my network. Here is what I would like to be able to do:

  1. Primarily, back up my devices, whether that be desktops, laptops, or mobile, preferably automatically, regardless of OS. I have Windows, android, and Linux in the house and would like to have the devices automatically back themselves up each night.

  2. Possibly stream audio, video, and images (images to a photo frame would be cool).

  3. any cool other stuff I may imagine such as more server type stuff like home automation, password vault, and anything else applicable that I haven’t thought of yet. I currently have a RaspberryPi 4 running Pihole. I know I could easily add more services to this device if needed.

So I was thinking of getting a 4 bay NAS but a dedicated Synology box is going to cost me at least a grand. Would I get more flexibility AND save money by buying a N100 machine? Would this give me a machine that can be both a server AND a NAS? Can I duplicate the Synology software with FOSS? I don’t know much about NAS boxes but they seem expensive for what you get.

I have no plans to expose this to the internet so security is perhaps less important to me.

Thanks in advance and please add whatever you advice or comments you may have about the best way to set this up. Again, the system is designed primarily as backup but it would be nice for it to be able to other things as well. Backing up the mobile devices is of prime concern and I’m not sure how that would be accomplished regardless of what direction I take, so any info on that would be helpful.

Thanks

  • thelittleblackbird@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    Yes, definitely you will get a better deal going with a home made solution here.

    Buuuut, there is an important point to highlight: The probability of synology fucking your data up is much lower than the average selfhoster. Unless you already know almost perfectly pros, cons, and how to solve problems without a data loss, you are not better than the average.

    As an example, I went with a synology box even if I consider myself better than the average because the data in my nas is extremely (but really extremely) important to me and my wife. And the price was a reasonable fine in order to keep that data safe.

    So, evaluate yourself : if. The data is really important and you are not a really good sysadmin then go with a professional solution. If not then go in DIY solution and learn in the process.

    Just my two cents