I have a very general question.
I will be taking college coursework in networking soon. It will enable me to get free Microsoft server software for educational purposes. I plan to install Windows Server 2012 for home use, build a ridiculously overcomplicated home network for educational purposes, and try to learn from it. After I feel comfortable with Server 2012 I plan to get a high powered NAS, mostly just to see what I can do with it.
Down the road, I hope all this educational effort will lead to productive employment. At this time, I am focusing on small business and the ultra advanced home markets. I am not interested in being a cog in a large IT department.
Both Synology and QNAP appear to have powerful software support. However, Server 2012 also offers the ability to duplicate some of these functions. Given what I'm about to describe, which would be a better selection?
Also, What would be some good educational objectives to consider over the next few months? What professional level objectives and technologies should I become familiar with so that I can consider myself knowledgeable in working these two technologies together.
I'm not asking for general suggestions like learn active directory or read about storage spaces. I understand home networking and network theory pretty well. I'm asking for suggestions such as "Learn about A taking into consideration technology B and system feature C and you will have objective D nailed".
For this purpose, would QNAP, Synology or another be a good choice?
Existing technology so far is a 3rd gen i5 laptop to be used as server, to run 24/7, Asus RTN56U, DDWRT 2nd router as 5ghz wireless bridge for media, various older laptops and misc tablets and phones, several usb 3.0 external drives, ooma voip, comcast blast internet. Assume a budget of maybe $2,000 for new hardware if needed.
Many thanks in advance.
I will be taking college coursework in networking soon. It will enable me to get free Microsoft server software for educational purposes. I plan to install Windows Server 2012 for home use, build a ridiculously overcomplicated home network for educational purposes, and try to learn from it. After I feel comfortable with Server 2012 I plan to get a high powered NAS, mostly just to see what I can do with it.
Down the road, I hope all this educational effort will lead to productive employment. At this time, I am focusing on small business and the ultra advanced home markets. I am not interested in being a cog in a large IT department.
Both Synology and QNAP appear to have powerful software support. However, Server 2012 also offers the ability to duplicate some of these functions. Given what I'm about to describe, which would be a better selection?
Also, What would be some good educational objectives to consider over the next few months? What professional level objectives and technologies should I become familiar with so that I can consider myself knowledgeable in working these two technologies together.
I'm not asking for general suggestions like learn active directory or read about storage spaces. I understand home networking and network theory pretty well. I'm asking for suggestions such as "Learn about A taking into consideration technology B and system feature C and you will have objective D nailed".
For this purpose, would QNAP, Synology or another be a good choice?
Existing technology so far is a 3rd gen i5 laptop to be used as server, to run 24/7, Asus RTN56U, DDWRT 2nd router as 5ghz wireless bridge for media, various older laptops and misc tablets and phones, several usb 3.0 external drives, ooma voip, comcast blast internet. Assume a budget of maybe $2,000 for new hardware if needed.
Many thanks in advance.