Home Server
Servers were originally only used in businesses but are finding their way into the home as the home has more and more computers. The Synology server is a great tool for both. Small, built on the stability of Linux, but pre-built with a simple to use web based management. Once setup anyone can use it.
A short list of the type of features a home user will find useful are:
- iTunes server and Audio station, maintain all your music in a central location and stream to other devices, or play directly from the server using USB speakers.
- Smartphone apps to play to your smartphone with just an internet connection.
- Video server, maintain all your video's in a central location and stream to other devices.
- Photo server, maintain all your photo's in a central location, stream to other devices, and allow others to view your photo's using a web interface.
- Smartphone apps to view and upload from your smartphone with just an internet connection.
- Windows and MAC file sharing
- Backup software to backup your computer to the synology server.
- Supports MAC time machine.
- File Station, access your files on the synology server from anywhere using an ituitive web interface.
- Download Station, download a file (even bit torrent files) via the server rather then leaving your computer on overnight just to download a large file.
- Print Server, share a USB printer between several computers.
If you want a server that you can also use as a workstation for quick checking of e-mail, install windows programs, and a few other more advanced features, you should consider a Windows Home Server.
For home users, see Good Freeware.