I had my office ship me a standalone print server that I haven't installed, but I would really like to make my home network desktop-free (right now, I have the printer connected to a desktop machine that shares it over windows networking).

The thing that actually ended up stopping me, though, was that I would like some commonly available storage for media like music, video, images, and some documents. Has anyone dealt with this problem?

I just added a massive honking 80GB hard drive to a windows PC and just networked that hard drive. It seems to be the cheapest solution right now.

Robb, you're looking for Network Attached Storage (NAS).

This is a box that typically has server functionality built in, directly connects to your network, and provides storage without the hassles of a server.

IOMega makes a industrial strength one that starts at $1,100 for 120gb with RAID-5 protection. Click here for more

Linksys has a nice 80gb one for $500, that can be expanded with another 120gb drive. Click here for more

There are others out there.

NAS is great. In addition to not having to maintain another box, these guys can be located in the closet with your hub. If they need to be in the office, they are also very quiet.




[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 02-15-2003).]

If I couldn't afford a NAS box, I'd probably find the cheapest laptop I could and put the biggest drive in I could and use it for what you describe and for network backups.

For the printer:

You can use a printer sharing device like JetDirect or any other TCP/IP standard printing server device. They are low power and just connect to the parallel (or with some to the USB port of the printer), you configure your PC to support JetDirect printers (install software) or use the IP address you assign (or DHCP) of the small print server device.

And I forgot to say, robb, would you please have your office send me one too?

The NAS does sound like the hot ticket, but that's still a little pricey on the heels of some other purchases I've initiated recently (someday if it ever ships I'll come on and brag about my Toshiba Tablet - I ordered it on 11/25, and they are now projecting mid-March ).

For now, it sounds like I should just keep the desktop set up for file service, but I'll watch for prices to drop on those units.

cblaisd:

We are boeaderline on this being "travel technology", but I'll let it run because so many of us are getting into 802.11 when we travel.

I'm not a lawyer, but it seems to me the issue lies primarily with the person providing the access. There are many places throughout the world where wireless access is available at no charge. Here is an example:

http://www.newburyopen.net/

It also seems to me that is up to the provider to verify they are not violating any terms of service rules and that they have adequate security for the access point.

Interesting point to ponder. If someone uses a "free" wireless access point and commits and illegal act, can the provider of the access point be held liable?

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Michael Steinberg
Editor
BizTrip
www.biztrip.com

Might I suggest a cheap small form-factor desktop in the closet as a file server?