There are a lot of things depend to get the best network storage which should always keep in mind while getting NAS. Instead of buying NAS storage you can easily create your NAS server with using some best free NAS software. To create your own NAS server required one hardware server and NAS software which will turn your normal server into NAS. This post introduces 7 best home server software that could meet your needs of a file server, media server, download station, etc. Or a mix of these. 8 Best Free and Open source NAS or SAN software. Best Free Media server cum NAS Software for Windows. If you don’t want to go through the whole article, then here is a quick view of NAS Windows Software list. Possibly the most popular media server software out there, Plex offers an easy setup and a highly flexible system for managing your media. Plex can be set up on any hard drive, ideally a NAS. Network-attached storage (NAS) is a file-level (as opposed to block-level) computer data storage server connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS is specialized for serving files either by its hardware, software, or configuration. Jul 04, 2017 NAS stands for “Network-Attached Storage.” Basically, it’s a way to attach a hard drive to your network and make it accessible to all your devices for centralized file-sharing and backups. You could also use your NAS to make your files available to you over the Internet, using it as a remote file server you can access from anywhere.
Windows is the most popular operating system and everybody is used to it. But when it comes converting it to something else like Linux operating system can do, it would seem to be a little bit difficult. For example, Linux can use as a Web server, Media server, Homer servers, NAS ( Network Attached Storage), file server software and so on by using some commands. The same thing would be a little bit tricky to performed with Windows. Like if you want to use popular open source NAS software such as FreeNAS, Openvault, Amahi Home Server then you need to either do fresh installation on your PC or install theses Linux NAS operating system on a virtual machine running on your Windows PC. But don’t be disappoint there are some home server software’s those can work as NAS software on your Windows PC.
Opensource NAS software cannot be run on Windows natively but these Home server software which we are going to show can be and gives you the almost complete file share and media solution for your home and small offices.
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Best Free Media server cum NAS Software for Windows
If you don’t want to go through the whole article, then here is a quick view of NAS Windows Software list.
Simple Nas Server Software
ALLMediaServer is free and still under development. It can setup easily and use yo store your media content such as music, videos, or photos. After installing the AllMediaserver you can use it to watch movies, view images or listen to music on tablets, smartphone, TVs supports DLNA or Samsung ALlshare. The system on which you are going got to install the AllMediaServer must be connected to local Ethernet or Wifi.
Plex is highly flexible and easy to setup media server software and can be setup on any hard drive. It is good if you use NAS drives for setting up Plex server if you are planning to use it 24×7. You can easily download the software for desktop and app for your smartphone to access your data. It can be used with smart Tv, web browser, Xbox One, Apple Tv or Playstation. The free version comes with some limitations.
It is an Opensource software and best part is its free with full media solution. It is little bit complex than Plex but we can accept that as it gives all pro features free of cost. The Universal Media server can be set up as NAS for software for windows.
It is packed with Podcast receiver, Chromecast, Sonos, jukebox mode, on-the-fly downsampling and conversion, multiple frontends, highly customizable, full support for tags, lyrics, and album art, DLNA, open REST API.
DivX is a free video player, video converter and media server for Windows or Mac. It allows you to play, create or stream your favorite videos up to 4K.
The Firefly is an open Source server works seamlessly with SoundBridge & SoundBridge radio. The Firefly Media Server supports the new Roku Server Protocol (RSP) and offers a richer experience than currently available with standard servers
Home Media Center is a server software for UPnP / DLNA enabled gadgets.This NAS Software for Windows helps in streaming and transcoding media documents, home windowscomputing device and video from webcams. This software is evolved in C#, C++ and uses DirectShow, Media Foundation.
LXI Media Center is a DLNA compatible, fully transcoding, media server designed for streaming movies, TV shows, music, photos to DLNA supported televisions and media players such as PS3 and XBox 360. The subtitles and audio language selection are also supported.
MiniDLNA is now known as a ReadyMedia. It is a simple media server software that fully supports DLNA/UPnP-AV clients. It is developed by a NETGEAR employee for the ReadyNAS product line.
Multicast2Unicast is a handy and reliable application designed for converting UDP multicast streams into an HTTP unicast.
TVble is connected to multiple sources such as Rotten Tomatoes, IMDB, NY Times and more. Each source provides a number of title lists: Top Rental DVDs, Most favorites last 90 days, Top comedies etc.
- NAS and Backup to NAS Without Any Cost
- Step-by-step Guide to NAS Backup
- Restore from NAS with EaseUS's Free Backupper
NAS and Backup to NAS Without Any Cost
NAS, short for Network-attached storage, is a file-level computer data storage server connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS not only operates as a file server, but is specialized for this task either by its hardware, software, or configuration of those elements. All individuals within a company are allowed to share their data at the same time by accessing remote NAS devices. As for data backup, you can put the backup image file to a NAS device instead of manually connecting an external hard drive to your computer.
To complete this job, a software that is able to back up Windows data to NAS and restore from NAS is necessary. Here let’s take a look at the latest free Windows backup and restore solution - EaseUS Todo Backup. This free software can help you do these things:
- Back up the entire system/disk/file periodically and get recovered without worrying about reinstalling when the system crash occurs.
- Conduct full/incremental/differential/schedule backups for the best overall performance of a specific system environment.
- Capable of restoring important data or information fast when a disaster happens and get business back to work on time.
- Real-time reports keep you always informed of every backup state. First-rate technical support helps you get out of trouble.
That is to say, the tool will help you backup OS, Emails as well as personal files to NAS and network drive. You can back up an external hard drive and USB stick to NAS as well. Incremental backup and differential backup are supportable.
You can use it to backup to NAS as well as restore from NAS in Windows. With Schedule backup option, you are enabled to set a backup schedule to back up your data to NAS daily, weekly, monthly and etc automatically.
Now you can free download EaseUS NAS backup software and follow the step-by-step guide to start your backup to NAS job.
Step-by-step Guide to NAS Backup
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Todo Backup. Click the icon to expand the menu. Choose one backup option as you want among 'Disk/Partition backup', 'File Backup', 'System Backup' and more.
Step 2. Choose the specific contents you want to back up, and this is where you can choose a NAS device to be a backup location: in the 'Destination' area, click 'Browse...'.
Step 3. On the new pop-out window, you will see 'NAS Device' on the list. Click the icon and you're supposed to click '+ Add NAS device'.
Input your NAS IP/name and enter your credentials to connect to NAS. Click 'OK'.
Step 4. Click 'Proceed'.
Restore from NAS with EaseUS's Free Backupper
You may also want to know how to restore the backup images on the NAS. It is pretty easy. Let's take a look at the details.
1. Open EaseUS Todo Backup again.
2. Directly click the Recovery button to restore the backup you created before.
Freenas Server Software
3. Choose one History version of the backup image, after confirming the contents, click the Next button and select target location to restore. Then click Proceed to start backup recovery.
Nas Server Software Open Source
Replace existing files - After checking this option, the original files and folders will be overwritten after recovery.