Discover how to turn an old computer into a powerful personal cloud. No expensive gear needed — just a little time and curiosity.
Discover how to turn an old computer into a powerful personal cloud. No expensive gear needed — just a little time and curiosity.
A NAS, or Network Attached Storage, is like a personal server. It stores your files and lets you access them from any device connected to your home network.
Creating your own NAS saves money, teaches you useful tech skills, and gives you full control over your data without relying on third-party cloud services.
All you need is an old PC or laptop, a bit of RAM, some storage space, and a USB stick to get started. A stable internet connection will help too.
Use a lightweight, free operating system built for NAS setups. Options like OpenMediaVault or TrueNAS offer powerful features with easy-to-use interfaces.
Install the NAS OS by flashing it onto your USB stick, booting from it, and following the setup instructions. It’s easier than it sounds and takes less than 30 minutes.
Once the NAS is running, you can access it through a browser on any device within your network. Upload, download, and manage your files from anywhere at home.
Your NAS can do more than just store files. Add media servers, automatic backups, and even remote access tools to turn it into a complete home server.
Use your NAS to store family photos, stream videos across your devices, share large files, or keep regular backups of your important data.