Storage Basics: NAS for Beginners (No Jargon)

Storage Basics: NAS for Beginners (No Jargon)

If you’re tired of running out of space on your laptop, losing files, or paying for cloud storage you don’t fully trust, you’ve probably seen the word NAS—and then immediately thought, “That sounds complicated.”

It doesn’t have to be.

This is a beginner guide to NAS storage with no jargon, so you can decide if it’s worth it for your home or work setup.

What is a NAS? (super simple)

A NAS is a small box on your home network that holds your files—like your own personal cloud at home.

Instead of storing everything on your laptop or phone, you store it on the NAS and access it anytime from:

  • your computer

  • your phone

  • sometimes even remotely (like cloud, but yours)

✅ Think of NAS as: “Wi-Fi hard drive + backup + sharing”

Why people get a NAS (real-life reasons)

1) Easy backup (the #1 reason)

If your laptop breaks, gets lost, or gets water damage… your files are still safe.

✅ NAS can automatically back up your devices on a schedule.

2) One place for family or business files

No more “Where’s that photo?” or “Which computer has the document?”

A NAS gives you:

  • one organized folder system

  • shared access (if you want)

  • less file chaos

3) Less stress than external drives

External drives are great, but they can:

  • get unplugged and forgotten

  • be misplaced

  • stay in a drawer (not backing up anything)

A NAS stays connected, so it can back up automatically.

4) Great for creators

If you make content, storage grows fast.

NAS helps with:

  • storing large video/photo files

  • moving files between devices

  • keeping projects organized

What you need to use a NAS (simple checklist)

To get started, you need:

  • a NAS device (the box)

  • hard drives (storage inside it)

  • a router (your internet/network)

Optional but helpful:

  • a network switch (if you have many devices)

  • Ethernet cable (for stable performance)

✅ You don’t need special “IT skills” to start.

NAS vs External Drive vs Cloud (easy comparison)

External Drive

  • cheap and simple

  • good for manual backups

  • easy to forget

Cloud Storage

  • easy access anywhere

  • ongoing monthly cost

  • depends on internet + trust

NAS

  • your storage, at home

  • automatic backups

  • best long-term organization

✅ Many people use a smart combo: NAS for backup + cloud for sharing.

The easiest “beginner” setup (copy this)

  1. Put NAS near your router

  2. Connect NAS to router with Ethernet

  3. Set up one main folder:

  • Photos

  • Work

  • Receipts

  • Projects

✅ Start small. You can organize more later.

One important tip: keep it stable

NAS works best with:

  • a wired connection (Ethernet)

  • clean power setup (power zone)

  • tidy cables (so nothing gets unplugged)

That’s the difference between “set it and forget it” and “constant annoyance.”

Shop-friendly CTA (you can paste into Shopify)

Thinking about a NAS setup? A stable home network makes everything easier. Explore our Networking & Ethernet and Storage & Computing collections for Ethernet cables, switches, and clean setup accessories that help beginners build a reliable home storage system.

Back to blog